Messages posted by: RichardPenang

Gentlemen,

As a long time admirer of Spencer Chapman now living in Malaysia, I'm trying to pinpoint the precise location of his camp at Sungai Sempam, as described in Chapter 3 of The Jungle is Neutral. I've managed to identify the initial fix - a small hydro power station referred to, which appears to be still operational. The book describes the route from the power station to the camp as initially running up a steep hillside pipeline. I've not yet visited the power station, which apparently still supplies power to an active gold mine, much as was the case in Spencer Chapmans time. I've been told that armed guards protect the immediate vicinity due to the gold mine, which may preclude a search hike, but I hope to attempt a visit and if possible an exploratory hike up the pipeline later this year.

I'd be extremely grateful if anyone has any information which would help pinpoint the location of the camp - maybe visited it? In the latter case, I'd be interested to know if anything remained, what the terrain was like etc etc.

Many thanks.

RP