Ulu Tembeling is the most scary place! Not because of its ghost but its challenges. I am considered amongst a few "lucky" young doctors who had to serve the public at this remote area.

The main mode of transport to this area is via boat. There is an alternative land route but, it is not without the same discomfort and difficulty as the boat ride.

For the first timer, the journey is very fascinating. I enjoyed my first 6 hours boat ride from Batu Langgok jetty in Kuala Tembeling (the entry point), to Kampung Bantal (can considered as the main village in Ulu Tembeling). But then after so many trips, I slept most of the time.

One have to pass thru total of 9 rapids before reaching Kampung Bantal. During "air besar" (monsoon season), the tide at the rapids especially at Jeram Nusa and Jeram Panjang is very dangerous. But surprisingly that were the most enjoyable time during the boat ride (for me).

From Kuala Tembeling to Kuala Tahan, the ride is about 2 hours, then there is Kampung Pagi, about another 1 hour; Kuala Sat after another 2.5 hours and finally Kampung Bantal after the last 0.5 hour. Along the was, the scenery was extremely beautiful.

There were clinic at Kampung Pagi, Kuala Sat, Kampung Bantal, Bukit Mat Daling and Gusai. The main clinic is at Kampung Bantal. Those day, there were one Medical Assistant, two Staff Nurses, three Community Nurses, three boatmen (with three boats of course) and two attendants. Initially Kuala Tembeling doctor had to cover this area, but since April 1997, the load were shared by all the doctors available in Jerantut (which were 4 doctors, the most).

Electricity only available from 7pm to 7am. Water supply is from GFS (Gravity Feed System). No phone (except thru satellite I guest). No newspaper. Food.... our favorite menu is "ikan sadin" (canned sardine). Freshwater fish? Are you kidding, depends on your luck. Occasionally we manage to eat "kelah" fish (don't know its English name).

Health problem mainly infections. To be specific, skin infections. This is the area of endemic goitre. Don't waste your time taking blood for TFT. Give them Iodine salt. Diabetes, hypertension and heart disease are rare. Here, the role of "bomoh" or traditional healer is considered important by locals, but I can say that modern medicine is also well accepted by the community.