The place?

Scenario 1- This signage on the board hinted that you need a off road vehicle to use the trail to the waterfall! When you see my photo page you can imagine the type of terrain, condition and hardened surface you will be traveling on for the next 10 kilometers. Use your own discretions. The road, steep at a couple of points hugged the side of a steep slope. Meaning - on one side of the track the sheer drop,  the drop is quite dramatic. See the view of the valley when you are driving along this track. At the end of the trail is a lavish car park. Of course, most of the vehicles are 4X4s. This place was their haven before the permanent track was established. Observe the inconsistencies in road surfaces.  The track was so well hardened that with a bit or care, small car like Kechil can make the trip. From the car park area, a bridge will help you to cross the river, to go the Waterfall way.

A word of caution though! On the last leg, at one point of the track, water had washed away some top soil, exposing the boulders underneath. The unevenness may cause some concern to small sedan but light sedan can make it through this one point, extreme care needed. If you are uncomfortable and do not want to damage the undercarriage of your car, watch for this first bridge. You could park your car here and walk the rest of the way. The walking time should be less than 60 minutes. At the parking area, there is this sign. A trail to the peak. Watch it, this is not a low mountain.

Scenario 2 - I went back my Suzuki Vitara with full confidence. The hardened track was so badly eroded that a conventional car could not pass by the deep crevices in the middle of the track. To make matters worse, heavy duty 4X4 has carved side tracks on the hills side and a steep drop on the other. I would say that track is no longer passable except to organized members of 4X4 club.

Scenario 3 - The tour operator had doubled up this ride to the Waterfall as an adventure outing. They do not use this traditional track. Instead, they proceed straight to the Chalit Picnic area. Do a river crossing up the opposite hills using their privately created jungle track. No outsider could ape their stance unless they are there as seasoned 4X4 club regulars.

As for the camping, picnic and Waterfall area, I must say that this is the ultimate. Same class like Ceremrung & Berkelah  destinations. Very big falls - 4 of them. Gigantic pools and plenty of camping space.

Very far from modern civilization and perfectly pristine jungle settings. In fact, we enjoyed the most in the early years when on the hike up, the whole way was fully canopied. That hike itself was worth the trouble we took.

My recommendation?

While I did mention that there was none nor inadequate signage, it is possible to hike to the Waterfall on your own. The first 3 kilometer can be covered by any sedan. Very much unlike the early years, the next part or 2 kilometers of the track are walking through well maintained rubber plantations, The next 5 kilometers? The jungle on the whole hills cleared and I think bananas are planted. It is very exposed and not some trek in deep unknown jungle. The track itself ex-logging trails are broad. Finally the last 3 kilometers is fairly level on wide open track, but hot. Some arithmetic eh?

If you do that, I am just wondering how much are you willing to carry? Full packs!

For those looking for escape. The tour operator provide just that. Plenty of thrills and excitements, plus a chance to camp in a world class environment.

Which ever way you choose, be very careful when hiking up to the other few Waterfalls. All within that 15 minutes distance. Climb is steep and  as the place is very humid, footings very wet too.

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