We were told that there were several waterfalls in and around Batang Ai area. Our campsite was actually half way to one of them. The stream that ran close to our campsite has been exceptionally low for the past few weeks according to our Iban guides. The [...]]]>

We continued our river walk towards the waterfall

We were told that there were several waterfalls in and around Batang Ai area. Our campsite was actually half way to one of them. The stream that ran close to our campsite has been exceptionally low for the past few weeks according to our Iban guides. The morning of our second day in the jungle, we were all pumped up to continue walking to  get to the waterfall.

We were told that the walk will be long and we were also warned that some sections can be rather difficult. The walk itself was indeed a long one but thankfully extremely rewarding and enjoyable. Some areas were a bit tricky but still passable with a little bit of care when moving. At one section of the river, we had to make a choice. Either chance walking on the river bank which was steep rocks or wade through the river. The choice was obvious for some of us.

Vincent wading through the river

Further upstream, there was some commotion among the 2 guides at the front. We caught up with them…beaming with pride, they showed us their catfish which took the bait they left overnight. There was sincere joy in their faces. We were simply over the moon!

Chong with on of the catfish that took the bait

Our Iban guides put out a few catfish lines the night before. If my memory serves me right, we got a fish on every line and there was actually one line that went missing! Guide Chong and Sabang secured the fish back to the river so that we need not carry them along the trek to the waterfall.

The first, lower tier waterfall

We arrived at the first tier waterfall not long after. Well, by all means it is not a magnificent waterfall but it is pristine. Sensing that we are not contended, guide Sabang pointed to us…hey…why not we go explore the upper tier then. It tooks us some scrambling up but not far above the first tier falls, the river opened up to a beautiful fall. According to Sabang, the locals call it Wong Meruntum.

A group photo at Wong Meruntum waterfall, Batang Ai

Wong Meruntum is a nice fall. Not big but it has sort of a cozy feeling to it. There was a brief silence when were were there. It is that moment when veryone seems to be immersed in the beauty of it all. And of course some of us took the opportunity to submerge in the waterfall.

Local Kuching guide Danney Tan enjoying the waterfall

Well, some of us really are happy with the waterfall. Just as we outsiders think that it is time to leave, one of the guide started climbing on the side of the waterfall. Seconds later…he emerged on top of the waterfall, shouting in Iban…’Hey…another waterfall’. Without a moment wasted, we scrambled up the other side (where it is safer) to get to the upper falls. It was a steep climb and the fallen trees made the climb a little harder. Finally…another upper tier, small but with a nice enough pool for a few of us to sink in. It was a fine day indeed.

Guide Sabang very happy to arrive at the upper tier

After spending some time at the waterfall, dipping and taking pictures, we started our way back to camp. Only to stop on a few spots to rest and collect the catfishes. Waterfall, bush tucker and good river trek…what more can one ask for?

Some of the fishes and river crabs caught for dinner

A few hours on the train with a few stops along the way, the train from Hua Lamphong station in Bangkok finally halted at (literally) the end of the track, where the Sai Yok Noi waterfall is located. Between the River Kwai [...]]]>

Everyone was wondering if the railway support beams would hold!- Pic by Meun

A few hours on the train with a few stops along the way, the train from Hua Lamphong station in Bangkok finally halted at (literally) the end of the track, where the Sai Yok Noi waterfall is located. Between the River Kwai bridge and the waterfall, we had some pretty awesome experience which included a close shave with a rock surface and climb up a steep railway track that seems to see no end.

After the River Kwai, the train ride brought us into some really interesting terrain. The length of railway obviously have not seen much use, with shrubs and tree branches leaning into the train’s path. At one of the bridge crossings, there was a cliff which seems to have been literally hacked off to make way for the train. I swore the space between the train and the cliff face was no more than 2 feet apart. Anyone with a death wish can stick his head our for a view.

One of the scarier part of the train ride to Sai Yok Noi waterfall- Pic by Meun

Would be an ugly sight if someone put their heads out for a look- Pic by Meun

Well, just as we thought the worse was over, the last 200 meters or so to the end of the railway track was a real snail crawl. The train feels like its on full throttle but it makes barely a few feet a minute. One would probably overtake the train by foot! It was almost a good 20 minutes. During which we thought the engine is going to just burst and we would all have to walk the rest of the way. But we are in Thailand, a place I have always associated with everything can attitude (no pun intended). Sai Yok Noi waterfall was waiting for us at the end of the railway.

The last few hundred meters was really really slow- Pic by Meun

The Sai Yok Noi waterfall in Thailand

Sai Yok Noi waterfall is interesting actually. It is not an overly big waterfall but the formation reminds me of limestone caves. It seems like a popular place, with locals and tourists enjoying a cool bath there. It is well kept and for a easily accessed public waterfall, it certainly is very clean.

Some cave entrances at the side of the waterfall

Thanks to Meun for her relentless research, we arrived at the waterfall and so many other waterfalls for Bhat120 each!

Well, Meun made it possible for us to visit so many places along the way to Sai Yok Noi waterfall. So many places on a rain ride with locals, at a price the locals pay. She is really good at planning and researching trips, that I have to give it to her.

Meun catching up with sleep on our train back to Bangkok

There were rumors about another waterfall not far from Chilling waterfall. Not one but several waterfalls actually. My friend Jan suggested that we try to track down one of the waterfalls. Early one Saturday morning, Jan, Meun and I made our way there.

Chilling waterfall is located near Kuala [...]]]>

The first river crossing to Chilling falls

There were rumors about another waterfall not far from Chilling waterfall. Not one but several waterfalls actually. My friend Jan suggested that we try to track down one of the waterfalls. Early one Saturday morning, Jan, Meun and I made our way there.

Chilling waterfall is located near Kuala Kubu Bharu, along the trunk road leading up to Fraser’s hill. Each time I visit this place, I can’t help but be amazed at how clean and well maintained this place is. Kudos to the Jabatan Perikanan people for doing such a great job.

We followed the usual trail but just as we are about to arrive at the main waterfall, we took on a different path and started to make our way to the ‘elusive’ waterfall. Right above the main fall are two other waterfalls. We skipped these two waterfalls and headed straight into the jungle, following Jan’s keen sense of smell to waterfalls.

We were walking on what seems to be an abandoned logging trail. We were on and off it. The Orang Asal would have probably been here. I spotted some really interesting markers.

One of the markers I spotted on the trail

Our walk in would probably been faster have it not been for the beautiful surroundings. Meun’s sharp eyes got us stopping every few meters to look at a variety of pitcher plants and even Orchids!

Jan can’t resist taking pictures

Didn’t need to go far to see these beautiful pitcher plants

Meun spotted Orchids along the trail as well

There were several occasions where we had to turn back and retraced our footsteps. There were a lot of secondary bush covering the trail and we had to do some ‘snipping’ to get through. Luckily the place is not covered with thorns.

We found a waterfall. We can’t see the waterfall from the trail we were on. We knew we were near because of the thundering sound of gushing water. We walked a bit further up and started to walk down towards the river. We ended up on the upper part of the falls.

A view of the upper river

Meun looking down the waterfall

What a beauty the waterfall is. Probably about 15meters high. We tried to look for a way down from the top but nothing promising. So, back to the trail we had to go. From the trail, we had to scramble down with the help of ropes. Slashed our way through some fallen bamboo and finally, the waterfall.

Meun at the waterfall. Picture by Jan

I have to say something though. This is not a really safe waterfall to go to. All that gushing water ends up through roughly 3 feet of space downstream. And it is at this 3 feet of space that we had to cross to the other side where there’s more room. Otherwise we would be stuck standing on a giant slippery rock. We did what was necessary to be on the safe side.

Gotta be careful when crossing, Picture by Jan

This is a really beautiful waterfall. But it is definitely not a safe one to be hanging around at. A flash flood would definitely spell disaster.

Jan is probably one dude I know that is really crazy about waterfalls. While Meun and I simply enjoy walking in the bush, the waterfall is another plus and of course a day out with Jan is always a pleasant one. We may come back to this waterfall for another visit but for that, we’d have to wait for Jan.

Other waterfalls we have visited, though NOT all are written up here :

• In Semban, Sarawak
• Kenip Falls, Pahang
• Rainbow Waterfall, Pahang
• Sekayu Waterfall, Terengganu
• Tibang Waterfall, Perak
• Kota Tinggi Waterfall, Johor
• Perlus Waterfall, Selangor

Here’s the thing, according to local guides, there are about 13 waterfalls in Semban and its surrounding areas. During this trip, we manage to visit 3 waterfalls (waterfall Bojong-Pain, waterfall Susukng and waterfall Petn). With 10 more elusive waterfalls in the area, I reckon my waterfall addict friend Jan [...]]]>

Lunch break at Kampung Bojong waterfall

Here’s the thing, according to local guides, there are about 13 waterfalls in Semban and its surrounding areas. During this trip, we manage to visit 3 waterfalls (waterfall Bojong-Pain, waterfall Susukng and waterfall Petn). With 10 more elusive waterfalls in the area, I reckon my waterfall addict friend Jan already have Semban penned out on his to do list.

The first waterfall we visited was midway walk up to Semban. It is located near Kampung Bojong, a place ‘to rest and have lunch before the climb up stairway to heaven’ according to Danny Voon (our main organizer). It’s a rather big river with a deep pool and the swim we had on our first day was a much needed one. A few meters away upstream is Bojong village itself.

We are really happy to be able to make it together on this trip

A village boy from Bojong village on a bamboo raft

The other two waterfalls we visited on the second day at Semban. We are not hardcore waterfall fans but the opportunity to tag along Jan and Aric and the guides to walk and see more of Semban was irresistible. It was a hot hot day and as it turns out, walking to the waterfall is really a blessing in disguise. The first waterfall we went to was Susukng. This is a massive waterfall with boulders littered all over. Getting to the bottom of the waterfall was a bit tricky. We took Sagen (one of the guides) advice and enjoyed the waterfall from a distance.

Susukng waterfall with large boulders blocking the way to the bottom of the falls

Another angle of Susukng waterfall

After spending a few minutes at Susukng, we made our way to the next waterfall. It’s not really far from Susukng but already the heat from the walk to the falls has started taking its toll. I personally can’t wait to get myself into the water…need to cool down the body. Probably in under 30 minutes, we arrived at the second falls. Strangely, I am not sure what it is called. I checked my GPS and I marked it as ‘Pain’ waterfall.

Meun standing beside the falls

The area of this waterfall looks like something from a theme park. The cascades look like they were formed by huge ‘strategically’ positioned concrete boulders. In the picture above, if you look closely, there is another waterfall towards the back. And that is not all to it…just a few meters downstream, a beautiful vertical drop reveals itself. Jan calls this a curtain drop, much like the ones I’ve seen in movies where you can go behind the ‘curtain’ into a secret entrance. Parts of the waterfall reminded us of the Upih Guling waterfall in Endau Rompin National Park.

Seen similar ‘natural’ holes in Endau Rompin before

A curtain fall, we spent quite some time exploring behind the ‘curtains’

The waterfall was such a blessing on this particular hot day

Naturally, we will be spending some time exploring the waterfall and having lunch. Our packed lunch were carried by the guides and beside this beautiful waterfall, we enjoyed our scrumptious meal.

Food always taste good when you are enjoying yourself

Ah…I really enjoyed the Bidayuh’s cooking and hospitality

What comes really good naturally after lunch of course is a nap. Meun and I decided to stop exploring the area and seek refuge from the unforgiving sun underneath some nearby trees. As we rested and me almost dozing off, Meun manage to capture these butterflies feasting on the sweat on the bandana.

There were butterflies all over the place!- pic by Meun

The walk to the waterfalls at Semban weren’t as tough as I expected but the heat of the day really burnt us. By the time we got back to the village, we were all exhausted and Sagen’s offer of young coconut drinks was nothing short of God sent. In a matter of minutes, Glen and Nyun offered us coconuts to help quench our thirst and fatigue. What a way to finish a beautiful visit to Semban’s two waterfalls!

There were butterflies all over the place!- pic by Meun

Other posts/ videos on Semban:

• Part I- A visit to Semban, the village above the clouds
• Part II- The hanging bamboo bridges of Semban
• Part III- The long walk up to Semban
• Part IV- The waterfalls at Semban
• Part V1- The Bidayuh’s traditional cutting tools
• Part V2- The kitchen and bamboo blades of the Bidayuhs in Semban
• Part VI- Traditional bamboo smoking pipe and great food
• Part VII- Sunrise and morning walk around Semban
• Part VIII- Old tools used by the Bidayuhs in Semban
• Part IX- Ladies of the rings in Semban
• Video- The bidayuh’s hill paddy
• Video- The home made wooden pack that carries EVERTHING up Semban!
• Video- Bidayuh’s traditional furnace
• Video- Bidayuh’s traditional blades

The walk up to Semban village, while painfully slow and tiring for me personally is nevertheless one of the most interesting and rewarding experiences. The trail is a mixture of good jungle, adventure and man’s ability to co-exist with the world around him. It [...]]]>

Part of the trail leading up to Semban village- Pic by Meun

The walk up to Semban village, while painfully slow and tiring for me personally is nevertheless one of the most interesting and rewarding experiences. The trail is a mixture of good jungle, adventure and man’s ability to co-exist with the world around him.
It took our group almost 5 and half hours to arrive at Semban village from the trail head with several stops along the way and a lunch break at a waterfall at Kampung Bojong. Our guide Danny walked much faster than most of us, often leading the way and stopping some meters away to wait for us. As we walked, chatted and marveled at the many things ‘new’ to us.

The bridges along the trail were most interesting. Depending on the width of the area to be crossed as well as flood risks, the bridges range from proper sturdy plank bridges to bamboo bridges hung on two suspended steel wire cables. These hanging bamboo bridges were the scariest for us visitors. I can literally feel my knees wobble and the fact the steel wire cables were anchored to dead trees didn’t help either.

The villagers got together to build/ repair most of the bridges

One of the suspended bamboo bridges- Pic by Meun

Soon, all these bridges will be submerged under water once the dam is completed

The beginning of the trail was relatively easy. It is clear and maintained by the villagers who ply the route almost on a daily basis. Some muddy and slippery walking path has been laid and reinforced with bamboo pieces as well as specially cut logged to help people walk. On certain stretches with steep ledges, the villager’s ingenuity created railings to help keep people safe using just bamboo found in abundance in the area.

The step carved logs really helps

The bamboo steps and hand railings built by the locals

The stops with shade and benches were a definite welcoming sight. With the afternoon sun directly upon us, we took every opportunity to stop and rehydrate ourselves. It is also at these stops that we met some of the locals who are also taking breaks. Some were on their way down with their children while many are making their way up with all sorts of goods, including gas tanks and crates of canned drinks.

A full gas tank making its way up to Semban

Some huts however are more of working sheds. There are several areas we saw been cleared where locals work, especially in harvesting and processing timber for the own use.

A place where locals process timber for use

Planks stacked to dry before use

We stopped for lunch at a waterfall at Kampung Bojong. This according to Danny is the ‘final’ rest before we tackle the ‘stairway to heaven’, a stretch of the trail that is up and up and up. We had a quick lunch and enjoyed a cool dip in the river.

The waterfall offered us a much needed break from the scorching sun

The sun so hot, pieces of river mud rocks literally cracked

Danny’s packed lunch at Bojong waterfall. Awesome stuff

Well, true to Danny’s words, the trail to Semban after the Kg Bojong waterfall break was mostly uphill. Though it was the tougher section of the walk, the trail seems to be much more shaded with trees. I huffed and puffed, many times trying to catch up with Meun and eventually made it to Kampung Semban.

Semban's trail profile according to my GPS

Other posts/ videos on Semban:

• Part I- A visit to Semban, the village above the clouds
• Part II- The hanging bamboo bridges of Semban
• Part III- The long walk up to Semban
• Part IV- The waterfalls at Semban
• Part V1- The Bidayuh’s traditional cutting tools
• Part V2- The kitchen and bamboo blades of the Bidayuhs in Semban
• Part VI- Traditional bamboo smoking pipe and great food
• Part VII- Sunrise and morning walk around Semban
• Part VIII- Old tools used by the Bidayuhs in Semban
• Part IX- Ladies of the rings in Semban
• Video- The bidayuh’s hill paddy
• Video- The home made wooden pack that carries EVERTHING up Semban!
• Video- Bidayuh’s traditional furnace
• Video- Bidayuh’s traditional blades

We finally arrived at the inner Kenip waterfall after an hour plus of walking through the jungle. The trail opens up to a wide sandy area with the waterfall blowing a gentle cool breeze into my face. Not the most spectacular waterfall [...]]]>

A sandy beach with cool waterfall breeze, what more can one ask for?

We finally arrived at the inner Kenip waterfall after an hour plus of walking through the jungle. The trail opens up to a wide sandy area with the waterfall blowing a gentle cool breeze into my face. Not the most spectacular waterfall but definitely one of the best sites for a group BBQ picnic!

I have seen bigger waterfalls definitely. But this Kenip waterfall has something special to it. The setting is just right. The sand beach, the breeze, the big rock to rest and relax, it is a scene from the movies. And of course, not a soul in sight, not a piece of man made rubbish to be found…nice. For as long as this place stays as remote as this, I reckon it will be safe from being ‘invaded’ by outsiders.

A close up picture of the inner falls

According to Pak Dollah, the waterfall is popular among the local Semais. They come there for rests, picnics or just as a stop on the way to hunt. Turns out there is another waterfall, much deeper in the jungle, take about 2 days walk and Pak Dollah reckons it is much more spectacular than this one. That waterfall will have to wait for another day.

After a short break, we started walking back with a short stop for lunch another Kenip waterfall. This waterfall is the outer fall, much closer to the village where we started. Walking back is relatively easy as it is mostly gradual downhill.

One thing I discovered when walking in the jungle is that walking out or walking back always seems faster and shorter. Perhaps it’s the destination syndrome or perhaps it’s just that the mind boosts itself knowing that the comfort of the car and food stashed in is waiting. For what seems like just minutes, we arrived at the first waterfall. ‘First’ because it is actually located nearer to Kenip village. It’s probably a bigger waterfall but somehow I still prefer the ‘setting’ of the inner one.

The first waterfall, nearer to Kenip village

Pak Dollah at the upper cascade

This is where we enjoyed our RM1.20 take away nasi lemak. A whole fried egg, anchovies with sambal, fragrant rice and slices of cucumber packed in a polystyrene box…all for RM1.20!!

Rahim enjoying his nasi lemak

We took quite a long break here. The water was cold as usual, despite the fact that its noon time and the sun directly above us. After cleaning and rinsing some of our soiled gear, we packed up ready to head back to Kenip village.

Some of the gear I carry with me on this trip drying out

Continue reading…

Part I – A visit to Semai’s village at Pos Betau

Part II – The remote Kampung Kenip

Part III – The walk to Kenip Falls

Final part – Hill rice, blow pipe & traditional fire starter of the Semais

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 [...]]]>

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.

The last 1km walk into the Rainbow waterfall consists of rocky (dry) river bed and narrow jungle trail. We moved really slowly through the rocky riverbed. One wrong move would result in a twisted ankle and even a fall [...]]]>

Dry river bed exposing rocks makes up part of the final 1km walk to Rainbow Waterfall

The last 1km walk into the Rainbow waterfall consists of rocky (dry) river bed and narrow jungle trail. We moved really slowly through the rocky riverbed. One wrong move would result in a twisted ankle and even a fall that could knock us out. Worse still, our vehicle is 8km away!

We knew we were getting closer. But somehow, unlike the other waterfalls we are used to, there is no thundering sound of water gushing down and hitting the rocks. We continued walking through the maze of jungle trails until we were greeted by a slithery friend. It was lying in the middle of the trail. Good thing that we were not trail blaizing, otherwise we would have possibly stepped on it.

This slithery friend lay very still in the middle of the trail

John decided to use a long piece of stick to coax the snake into moving away

We were not sure if the snake was poisonous. Well, when in doubt, it is best to treat all snakes as potentially threatening.

Our jungle trail finally opened up to an river run with bigger rock boulders. As we made our way through the maze of big rocks, I can’t help but notice the contrast in beauty the place has to offer.

The boulders starts to make up the final few hundred meters to the waterfall

John approaching the Rainbow waterfall

We finally made it to the fall. And yes, both John and I agree that it is indeed a wonderful waterfall. It’s a tall vertical fall that evokes a powerful and awe inspiring feeling.

John dwarfed by the waterfall and that is not even the top of the waterfall yet.

The waterfall was very gentle, probably because it has not been raining much. The pool at the bottom of the waterfall is shallow and slow moving. The rocks around the area are covered in green moss with low shrubs dominating both sides of the pool banks.

The plant landscape near the waterfall is very unique

Intense color from the moss and rocks

True to the all the talk about it being a magnificence waterfall, the Rainbow waterfall really is a beautiful waterfall. Its beauty is mesmerizing. John and I spent an hour in silence just absorbing its beauty. We would have liked to stay longer we still have to cover another 2.5 hours walk back to the car.

The beautiful Rainbow Waterfall at Sungai Lembing

Rainbow Waterfall, truly magnificent.

Rainbow waterfall or Air Terjung Pelangi is located near the quite town of Sg. Lembing in Pahang. The tiny water droplets from this high waterfall create a ‘rainbow’ effect when the sunrise rays hits it…hence Rainbow waterfall. This romantic phenomenon has attracted many visitors from [...]]]>

One of them rivers on the way to Rainbow waterfall

Rainbow waterfall or Air Terjung Pelangi is located near the quite town of Sg. Lembing in Pahang. The tiny water droplets from this high waterfall create a ‘rainbow’ effect when the sunrise rays hits it…hence Rainbow waterfall. This romantic phenomenon has attracted many visitors from as far as Singapore and has in recent times been a popular get away site for many local Malaysians as well.

John and myself were heading to a remote area in Pahang to re-trace an old communist trail when due to safety reasons, that plan had to be cancelled. So, we decided to drive to Sungai Lembing and pay this waterfall a visit. Another tick on the waterfall list.

We arrived late in the evening at Sungai Lembing town. What used to be a prosperous mining town is now a quiet and almost like a ghost town. There were a couple of shops open with mostly older folks drinking and chatting. We decided to head into the trail, camp some where nearby and start the journey in to the waterfall first thing the following morning.

It was this type of road all the way into Rainbow Waterfall

We would have been able to reach make it to the last 1km to the waterfall if we had a 4WD. unfortunately, we were driving John’s Myvi. Following the old logging road, we made it to the last 9km. The rest we made it on foot.

9km walk on an abandoned logging road may sound boring but this walk turned out to be awesome. We saw a lot of interesting things along the way.

A wasp working on its nest under a leaf

We also saw what could be Tapir’s footprints

Another set of Tapir or maybe jumbo footprint compared to a 1.5liter Nalgene bottle

Very small wild bananas

Oh…oh…our big friends have been here

A cluster of ‘bigger than average’ jungle ants

A colorful caterpillar minding its own business

It was a long 8km walk. Lucky for us, there were so many things that had us stopping, taking photographs and going ‘wow’…just like any other good tourist should do!

We finally arrived at this big open area. The area seems to be used as a campground by 4WD enthusiasts. It’s real a good place to camp. Wide open area with ample water supply from the river.

To be continued…

The Sekayu waterfall near Kuala Berang

Sekayu waterfall is easily accessible. There are signboards along the Kuala Berang main road that will [...]]]> Sekayu Waterfall is located about 16km from the town of Kuala Berang and 56km from the town of Kuala Terengganu. This waterfall of Terengganu is a popular haunt for locals, especially during the weekends.

The Sekayu waterfall near Kuala Berang

Sekayu waterfall is easily accessible. There are signboards along the Kuala Berang main road that will lead you there. While the waterfall is the main attraction here, the park authorities have also built some man-made attractions to add ‘value’ to the park.

This is quite a pleasant park to visit. Fortunately, it is well maintained and kept. There are ample signs to help visitors identify the park’s attractions.

The Sekayu Waterfal park layout

There is also a mini museum in the park with some rather interesting exhibits. The displays are mostly traditional crafts but not limited to the state of Terengganu.

Water carriers made from a palm leaf

More traditional crafts

Is it ‘Pamiran’ or ‘Pameran’?

Well, the park itself is like an ‘all in one’ kind of park. The only difference I may say is that kudos, the park management has done a great job compared to the many others I have seen. The fish pond is flowing with life. The herb garden is well stocked with various plants and well taken care. Flowers were blooming and nature seems…well, natural. There’s also a wooden hanging bridge which is probably rather old but still serviceable.

The white Tongkat Ali on display in the herb garden

The Misai Kucing plant

The fish pond is full of life

The bridge is old and rustic, I like it!

One of my favorite 'stink' fruit tree

But of course, the main attraction here would be the main waterfall and the river itself. Fast flowing river with small pools that makes this place a great haunt for families. Best part is, the river banks are not littered with rubbish (an unusual sight for me really!)! Even the man-made huts are in reasonable condition. Now, as far as river parks goes, the Hutan Lipur Sekayu gets all thumbs up from me. A place I wouldn’t mind bringing my own family on weekends.

The Sekayu river

The Sekayu waterfall