Day 1 - Back in Gua Tempurung in search of the White Dragontail again.

Ipoh has always been known for its limestones hills, which came with it nature at its best.  This 3 days trip to Ipoh and to visit Gua Tempurung, Kuala Woh and the area surrounding Gopeng was planned about a month ago with Sifu Khew, CJ and Iyn. 

We started our journey from Singapore at about 5.30am and after about 7 hours of driving and one stop on the North South Express Highway, we reached Gopeng at about 12.30pm.  We had our lunch at Restoran Hong Jai, Gopeng,  a much satisfied homecooked food.  After lunch, we headed to Gua Tempurung.  

Butterflycircle (Idyllic Ipoh An Outing to Various Locations near Ipoh, Malaysia)  - By Khew SK

Sifu is familiar with the place and knew where to find the White Dargontail (Lamproptera curius curius).  After walking around the stream, he finally saw one.  It was pristine and pretty. It flew mainly around the stream and suddenly appeared on the White Weed with opened wings as if posing for us.  I held on to my breath and clicked as fast as I could.  It was so awesome!

 

We spent the whole afternoon shooting until CJ and Iyn finished with their caving tour.  The beauty of this cave however failed to entice us to join them as we were too busy with our butterfly shooting. 

 

The Typical butterfly season  here in Malaysia is usually between Mar - May, hence at this season we were there, we did not find many butterflies.  Amongst what I have found were the Ciliate Blue (Anthene emolus), Common Yeoman (Cirrochroa tyche rotundata), Dark Blue Tiger (Tirumala septentrionis), Grass Demon (Udaspes folus) and the Forest White (Phrissura cynis cynis).

 

The day got late and with anticipated heavy rain on its way, we quickly packed up and headed for Ipoh to check in at our cosy and tastefully decorated hotel.

We ended our day at Burps and Giggles for dinner, and what a great day indeed! It was an early night for us to rest and to energise for two more days of butterfly shooting.