Mission 2019 wrap up.

Wrapping up "Mission 2019", which was to visit as many waterfalls in Malaysia as possible (as mentioned in the first post here).

Well, we only had time for 5 waterfalls in Malaysia, 2 in Japan and three disappointing waterfalls in Koh Samui.

The disappointing finds in Koh Samui was not mentioned in the post on Koh Samui (here & here), but we did visit three of their waterfalls there. Unfortunately, it was dry season in Koh Samui at that time and consequently there was not much "water falling", as it were. One was only a trickle and the other two was too murky.

One of the waterfall we visited in Koh Samui.

While in Osaka earlier this year, we visited two waterfalls, one in the outskirts of Osaka city (here) and another one in Kobe (here). If you are ever in Osaka or Kobe, and you are nature lovers like me, these two waterfalls are highly recommended.

However, as we were there in early spring, it was still too cold to enjoy the water directly. But for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers, the beauty and tranquil hiking trails are a welcome break from the hustle & bustle of the city and work.

The five waterfalls we visited in Malaysia this year were Lepoh, Serendah, Kanching, Tengkorak & Pelepah Kiri.
Serendah & Kanching are recommended for a relaxing hiking and the waterfalls were, as always, exhilarating.   
If you want a bit of a challenge, then, Lepoh, Tengkorak & Pelepah Kiri is for you.
But as always, the waterfalls were welcome rewards.

All in all, it was a "productive year" in the travel & relaxation department. Mother Nature, as always, is nurturing to the souls, if you take the time to know her. And when you are in her domain, remember;

Take nothing but pictures,
Leave nothing but footprints,
Keep nothing but memories,
Kill nothing but time.

Salam.

Mission 2019 #05: Bukit Sisek & Pelepah Kiri (Hiking Trip 26th Oct 2019).

Bukit Sisek is located near the Kota Tinggi Waterfall Resort.
Pelepah Kiri waterfall flows from Bukit Sisek and forms part of the Panti Reserve Forest (Hutan Simpan Kekal Panti).

Why is it called Pelepah Kiri?
Because Kota Tinggi waterfall is also known as Pelepah Kanan.

Pelepah Kiri waterfall is a seven tier waterfall.

The trek started just outside the Kota Tinggi Waterfall Resort gate.
Bukit Sisek is 411 m in height and the trek up was a challenging one.
It started easy but halfway up it became steeper and you have to climb with the assistance of ropes that were already hooked up for hikers.
After we reached the top of Bukit Sisek, we went down on the other side, following the flow of the Pelepah Kiri waterfall.

It was a reward after the challenging climb.
We got to experience and bathe in all 7 tiers of the waterfall.

The trek down was also challenging as we have to trek in the water among the slippery rocks and steep cliff walls, sometime with assistance of ropes. It was dangerous but exhilarating.

We stopped at each tier and took a dip under the cool water.
The weather turned for awhile with light rain.
Unfortunately, the rain turned the water murky, but nevertheless the water was cooling to our tired body.

The murky water hid its dangers.
I stubbed my knee on a wooden log, hard.

This is my knee two days after the hike.
It was a sort of a medal of honour for completing the hike.
(If you are squeamish, do not click).

But all in all, this hike is definitely recommended.

Below are the photos from the hike.

PS: To read about previous missions, click the following links;
Mission #01 (Lepoh Waterfall)
Mission #02 (Serendah Waterfall)
Mission #03 (Sg Kanching)
Mission #04 (Lata Tengkorak)



The starting point.

The trail.

 

 

 

 

 

The peak & the panorama.

 

 

 

 

The waterfall. 

 

 

 

The tranquillity.

 

 

Beauty in nature.

 

 

 

 

Mission 2019 #04: Lata Tengkorak (Hiking Trip 06th October 2019)

 

The starting point.

The trail.

The waterfall.

The panorama.

The tranquillity.

 

Nature is an artist.

The review.

Lata Tengkorak was a moderate challenge hiking trip for me.
It took about two hours to reach the waterfall from the starting point.

The water was cold, as usual, but the pool was shallow.
However, the panorama above the waterfall was worth it.

If you are in Kluang, Johor, head to Felda Ulu Dengar for this waterfall.
From there find the Hutan Lipur Gunung Belumut (Mount Belumut Recreational Forest).

All in all, it was a challenging weekend.


Click here for Mission 2019 #01 (Lepoh Waterfall), #02 (Serendah Waterfall) and #03 (Sg Kanching Waterfall).

Mission 2019 #03 : Sg Kanching Waterfall.



On top of the world. Almost.

For our third waterfall trip of this year, we went to Sg Kanching Waterfall on 20th April 2019. (Click here and here for previous trips). Sg Kanching Waterfall is located in Rawang near Templer Park and near the start of the new Rawang Bypass Expressway. If you are from KL, you have to do a U-turn about 1 km after the entrance to the Sg Kanching slip road.

This waterfall is about 30 km only from KL, and hence very popular with the weekend picnic crowd. Suitable for family picnic and outing.

The waterfall has 7 tiers and the 2nd and 3rd tier waterfall have large pools with toilet and changing room amenities. These two pools are popular with families and hence are crowded.
Near the parking lot, there is a large open field, suitable for family picnic and activities. There were some groups that set up their own bbq and playing some games when we were there.

However, if you do not like the crowd, do not despair.
Hike up the trail to the next tiers, and you will be rewarded with amazing waterfall with less people.The pools are smaller. However at the 5th and 6th tier, the curtain of cascading waterfall were amazing and beautiful.

The first half of the trek were man-made concrete steps which made the trek uphill easier. The second half were natural jungle trails; but not too difficult.
While the trek were steep, the distance were not that far.
It is worth your while to trek uphill.

We spent about two hours at tier 6 of the waterfall.
The small pool directly under the cascade of waterfall were not deep, but provide just the perfect place to laze around and sunbathe, dip yourselves in the water and have a waterfall shower that felt like having a massage by nature.

Also, sitting on the rock near the edge of the waterfall felt like you were on top of the world.
It was magnificent.

If you are looking for a place near KL for a family picnic but do not mind the crowd, this is
recommended. If you do not like crowd with your waterfall but are adventurous, this is also recommended. You just have to be fit enough to do the trek uphill and you will be rewarded with the most amazing waterfall cascade and peaceful natural surrounding.

Recommended 5/5.

Concrete steps at the beginning of the hiking.

 

More challenging jungle trail after that.

 

 

Too many people in the lower tier pools.

 

 

Higher tier pool where we dip and sunbathe.

Less people. Peace and quiet. 

 

Small pool but amazing waterfall shower.

 

 

 

Nature is an artist.

 

 

20th April 2019.