Never a big fan of waterfalls but when we (Jim & I) went for a walk in the jungle near Batang Kali, we stumbled upon 6 small waterfalls. An exhilarating walk through some really nice river, jungle and OrangAsli trail.

Jim is an [...]]]>

We came across close to 6 mini waterfalls on a one day walk!

Never a big fan of waterfalls but when we (Jim & I) went for a walk in the jungle near Batang Kali, we stumbled upon 6 small waterfalls. An exhilarating walk through some really nice river, jungle and OrangAsli trail.

Jim is an established canoeist (he is a Canadian after all) and obviously an avid adventurer who is really keen on exploring the jungles in Malaysia. I decided to invite Jim to this part of the jungle near Batang Kali as I have always been curious about the place since I last visited it. I never explored far in back then.

We followed whatever trail there was. But it became very obvious soon that there isn’t any actual trail around (so we thought). Having a parang then really helps as it cleared much of the way of which otherwise would be near impossible. Soon, we arrived at our first mini waterfall.

The first waterfall

Though we started at around 830am, the day was rather dark and gloomy that threatens rain. We were ready for that and continued on. However, taking photos were a challenge, especially when one has a camera with a broken flash unit!

Gloomy & cloudy day in the jungle, not good for pics

The initial 500meters of our walk was just covered in thick undergrowth. We had to cross the same river a couple of times. It is only then that we were able to pick up an old Orang Asli trail. The trail is clearly used and some patched of ground along the way has obviously been cleared.

Another one of the many mini waterfalls

Following the Orang Asli trail was a bit intimidating actually. There were plenty of bamboos in the area. I remembered walking on some of the trails, with traps and bamboo arrows that could have easily been mistaken for road signs. We walked slowly, keeping an eye on our surroundings.

Jim measuring the depth of a hole in the river

Jim getting trying to get a closer pic of a waterfall

After close to5 hours of walking in, we decided that it is best to stop, have some warm drinks and food. Jim brought rice and some bannock which I am more than happy to accept. We made some warm drinks, had lunch and enjoyed the last waterfall we came to.

We both had a great time exploring this jungle

My stove and Jim’s 'signature' pot

My parang at the base of a tree that has fallen. Note the rocks held together by the tree roots

With some food and warm drink into our tummy, it is time to head back. The clouds were already gurgling up above, a sure sign of rain. Walking out is faster (as usual) and what took us 5 hours to walk in only took us 2 hours to walk out. On top of that, we think we found an easier entry to the trail, so the next time around would be much easier. The start of the trail is marked by an abandoned Orang Asli hut.

An abandoned Orang Asli hut

We arrived at our car just in the nick of time. By the time we got the engine running ready to drive away, the rain was pouring. It was a day well spent, with 6 mini falls and beautiful jungle along the way, Jim and I had a wonderful time exploring this jungle near Batang Kali.

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

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

We were on our way to visit the Kenip waterfalls and according to our guide Rahim, our cars will only get us as far as Kampung Kenip. From Rahim’s house, we made a brief stop at a primary school on the way to pack lunch. I was [...]]]>

One of the Semai’s hut at Kampung Kenip

We were on our way to visit the Kenip waterfalls and according to our guide Rahim, our cars will only get us as far as Kampung Kenip. From Rahim’s house, we made a brief stop at a primary school on the way to pack lunch. I was happy to be joining the trip, Jan on the other hand very eager to hunt down the other more elusive Kenip waterfall.

Jan wasn’t kidding when he told me that the road leading to Kampung Kenip will be long, winding and unpaved. Off the main road, we weaved through rubber plantations before we hit the dirt track. Soon, it was obvious that we are in Orang Asal land.

A sign to warn loggers to stay off their ancestral land

The ‘early’ parts of the road

We were lucky it hadn’t rained for a few days. Rain would have really made some parts of the dirt road difficult for us and it doesn’t help that none of our vehicles were equipped with any sort of recovery system. I felt as if the ride lasted for hours. It was excruciatingly long and painful, especially when I hear the bottom of my car hit rocks and the side of the car being brushed with thick bushes that protruded from the side of the road.

Nearing Kampung Kenip, we face our biggest obstacle probably. A bridge built across a fast flowing river by loggers connects the village and the outside world. It consists of big timbers, stacked on each other and filled with sand. After constant rain and exposure to elements, some of the timber has been swept away and much of the soil gone. We were worried that it would not hold our cars.

Some of the logs which made up the bridge have been swept away

Pak Dollah inspecting the bridge. Much of the soil has been swept away as well

My car was at the front. As if I had a choice. Its either cross or walk the remainder of the distance. The choice was obvious. We took the chance and got away with it. My first impression of Kampung Kenip…… it’s a barren land! As we drove up around the final turn up the hill towards the village, I cannot help but feel the Kampung being so empty. There were a few huts from a distance but no activity at all.

Kampung Kenip, from a distance seems so…barren

As it turns out, most of the villagers are out working on the farms nearby. Some were out hunting and checking their animal traps. We approached the village, parked our cars and soon after village children start to emerge from the kampung huts. Soon, we were surrounded by curious eyes and it doesn’t help when we have a ‘kulit putih’ (white man) around.

Kids started emerging from the huts when they noticed us strangers

We were soon the village’s main attraction

We were behind time. It took us longer than expected to get to the village. We got our kits together and got the goodies we brought out. These are part of the donations put together by Joe Yeap (of Waterfall Survivors) for the villagers. We waited for the village elder to arrive to receive the goods. When he arrived, he shook our hands but had a really unfriendly face on. We later found out that Mr Unhappy was overly cautious with outsider visiting the village. Seems that the last group that came left with lorries laden with timber harvested from the jungle. And the villagers of course are left with nothing.

Some Semai children are more cautious

The sun was above our head by the time we left Kampung Kenip for the jungle trail. Already I can sense read clearly from Jan’s face…’Lets start walking laaa…  the two Kenip waterfalls waiting!’.

Continue reading…

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

Part III – The walk to Kenip Falls

Part IV – The waterfalls at Kenip

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

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

Tibang waterfall, [...]]]> It is darn difficult to get Tibang waterfall in Ulu Slim. The people at waterfallsofmalaysia were not kidding when they rated this place as difficult in terms of accessibility. And having to bash through the muddy roads with 4 wheel drives for a two hours stay at the fall is just not enough.

Tibang waterfall, Ulu Slim Perak

The Tibang falls water is super cold and the pond is rather deep

The lower part of Tibang waterfall

The Tibang waterfall is a vertical falls that builds into a rather deep pool at the bottom. When I was there, the rain have been building up and some of the structures built to provide easier access to the waterfall and the lower part of the river have been washed away.

Some of manmade structures have been washed away by heavy rain

By the time we got to the waterfall, it has already been pouring. Walking the last 700m in mud to the waterfall, the dip in the river was heaven sent. After half an hour of really cold river water dip, I decided to make my way back to the car. Would be nice to change into some dry and less ‘muddier’ clothes.

The whole journey was something like this

Halfway to the car, I spotted this huge jungle plant leaf on the ground. This would be perfect as a natural umbrella I reckon.

The leaf is as big as my 45 litre pack!

By the time I got to the car, the sky has cleared and the sun has taken over. Perfect for drying my clothes. Not long after, we were all on our way back. It’s funny how Mother Nature works sometimes. It rained a bit when we made our way in. Poured when we got there. Hot and dry as we were leaving but almost a thunder storm once we were back on the paved roads.

The Tibang waterfall is nice. I would probably like to visit it again and perhaps stay a night somewhere near the falls. But then again, I don’t think I want to drive on this road again.