Exploring a small river (stream), somewhere near Rawang

A really beautiful, almost untouched river near Rawang

Somewhere at the foothills near Rawang, we chance upon a small, fast flowing stream. There we no trails heading into the stream from the roadside, which can only mean that it is relatively undisturbed. Meun and I decided to head back there one weekend just to explore it a bit more. It turned out to be surprisingly good day.

Our plan was to simply go explore and relax at the stream. We packed our minimum kit, some extra food, told a friend our plans and headed off early in the morning. We only wanted to stay there for half a day but our kit would probably last us two days at the very least. So, we did not ventured too far but far enough to get away.

Clear, cool water

We had to use our parangs to clear part of the way. The jungle was thick with foliage. It was like walking into an enormous cobweb but there were beauties in the jungle that made the challenge all worth it.

There’s beauty everywhere we looked

Some parts we walked through the jungle. Some parts along the river banks but mostly we were wading the river itself. I enjoyed it as it was really cooling and refreshing. What a joy.

Meun walking along the river banks

After about 20 minutes of walking upstream, we found a nice place with a rather large riverbank to stop, have some food and just absorb in the wonders of nature. It is so true that one sometimes has to stop and just be still to appreciate nature. We both sat down and somehow the ’silent’ conversation we had that day was really entertaining.

We thought we were alone but we weren’t. Soon, the jungle sprang to life. We had visitors. The locals came out and greeted us (in a way).

A jungle resident checking us out

This spider made its appearance by landing on my hand out of no where

The water itself was freezing cold (for me at least). Soaking in the water so early in the day will just cut our trip short. The place echoed with melodies of the jungle. Meun as usual enjoyed her reading time while I buzzed around looking for things to do.

Meun contended as always doing her reading by the river

I saw some fishes swimming upstream when we wade through the water, so I might as well put the fishing rod into use. Dug some worms and threw the line in. And waited…waited…waited… Tired of holding the rod, I made use of the tripod and left it.

My tripod doubled as a rod holder

There’s plenty to do here that’s ‘bushcrafty’ I suppose. There’s bamboo around and there was a pile of them dried ones on the opposite side of the river. Bamboo is so useful there is an endless list of things one can do with it. I have tried cutting bamboo for water and this time around I think I will give fire starting a go.