12
kilometers from Kuala Lumpur, Selangor State, Malaysia
Profile of Waterfall |
Water Source |
3 |
River |
Waterfall profile |
4 |
7
Waterfalls |
Accessibility |
3 |
Public car park + hiking needed |
Suitability for a picnic
destination |
Place for dipping |
5 |
Few pools -wadding + Swimming |
Water quality |
3 |
Fair |
Picnic area |
4 |
Plenty of space/big crowd as well |
How to get there?
Most people are familiar with the name "Templers Park". Now the star
attraction is this vicinity is not the real and original Templers Park,
but a much larger and better organized Recreational Park
-Kanching.
In fact, when you travel the
Kuala Lumpur- Rawang Road, there is little chance of you seeing a sign
board that points to Templers. But there is this huge signage for
Kanching at a sharp bend on the road where the river passes under.
If you are coming from the
north, you drive straight in and need not negotiate the bend of the Main
Road. But if you are coming from Kuala Lumpur side, watch out for some
signs at the turn-off to Templers Park Golf course. It should says
"alternative road to Templers Park". No, this road goes to Kanching and
I do not know the change of heart as to call this place "Templers Park."
Description of the place
The car park is fair size
holding about 60 cars but never enough for the week end crowd and large
numbers of hawkers.
You could choose the spots in the open fields, under the shades at the
edges of the Park or just besides river banks for your family outing.
After talking about the public park area. There was more to this
destination.
This next part of the Park devoted to Waterfalls may not be suitable for family outing. It is not dangerous
but too strenuous for children and those not familiar with outdoor living.
Then, on the other extreme, there is a third category of city folks. Those
who has a taste for adventures. They, after a couple of wild outdoor
outings and
after getting used to some climbing, these hikers may not be contended just watching
tamed waterfalls.
They acquired more courage to defray their boredom want to go beyond the Park
area and waterfalls.
Know yourself and your needs. So
focus on the challenges ahead. You can reach the top - Yes, of all the
waterfalls. That is source where the whole series of waterfalls first started.
One more point, the place!
After all the picnic
area, comes a refreshing change from leveled pathways, gradually
moving, this time uphill. Don't worry it is fairly gradual
and you will soon reach the 3rd Waterfall
Lata
Tempenis.
At this point, just behind the shed , the path now ascend
steeply with one long flight of continuous steps. Up, up and up, and
over and above the 3rd waterfalls.
The total ascend of some
300 feet follow the bank of Lata Kapur
4th waterfall
This page was first created on
25th December 1999 and was last updated on 25th May 2005 |
Follow this link You
will get to see all the pictures for this destination |
|
At the end of the concrete
steps is also the end of the track for
regular picnickers. Up to
this point, the Forestry Department was accountable for [when it comes
to the
area designated] as a Public park is concerned. Beyond this point, it
was Forest Reserve Area. Strictly interpreted, no one would be allowed
to wander into a forest reserve without written permission.
Lata
Kapur. This was a long cascade. With the lack of vantage point and the
extremely long drop, the scene evaded even good
wide angle lens. This steep climb
to the top of this waterfall, acted as a natural barrier to weed out the
normal crowd and courting couples, from the adventurers. Once on top,
you could see the river passing through s short stretch of level
ground, before it plunged down continuously over the next 4 steep
cascades. The river took a breather too. Watch carefully, at this
height, you could peep through the jungle foliage to see the
plain below. It is a good
view.
Just before the top of
waterfall No.4, Kapur, there were still some paved steps.
When the civilized paved walkway ended, the adventure spirit was
invoked. Before you realizes, the short walk would have taken you to
another point after the 5th
waterfall, adventure has started.
But first, the trail to the 5th Waterfall began on a fairly steep slope, undefined.
Then exposed well trodden ground over
buttress and exposed roots.
The 5th waterfall, Lata Tembusu
had a small pond with small
crowd. Unexpectedly, there was a shelter here - just like those
installed for all the other
waterfalls. The last and highest shelter, but surrounded with piles of rubbish.
The
trail ahead after this picnic area constricted tremendously. It meandered
under the thicket of dense vegetations. For the first time, the path
led away from the waterfall. But only for a short distance of 50 meters! Then the last and
a magnificent view of yet another very tall waterfall, the
6th Lata Gapis
came into view.
Those who had reached this height would feel the triumph and knowing that only those with strong
willed and the outdoor type could survive till now. From the base of the
waterfall and if you are still game, then, follow the banks on both side of this
waterfall to climb higher. I have pictures on other pages to show you the
condition of the track on the left. Very steep, over
roots and rocks. Just for your information, the trail on the right flank may appear easier, the exposed roots
larger and spaced further apart. But the catch is, at one part, the way gets obscure
when it moved around some
cliffs - the trails were really faint.
Lastly you reach the top and
waterfall No.7. Here - Good swimming as well as picnic area and for that well
earned rest. Surprise! The
forested jungle where the
river started and prior to the
long drop with 7 waterfalls, is a plateau. Here's where the river begins! The
source of the river. Interesting! Explore this forested area if you can but, don't get
lost.
If you must find an opportunity to disappear for a weekend, this is a
fantastic destination to spend your Sunday morning. Only a short but strenuous
hike of only 45 minutes. Combined with that 30 minutes drive from town.
The
7th waterfall?
My
recommendation
Most popular of all of the waterfalls is the rest place at the 3rd waterfall, Lata
Tempenis. Then I think I have posted enough details for you to draw
your own conclusion.
Plan
for a holiday. This is a very nice destination and so near to Kuala
Lumpur city. Choose a week day and decide who will be participating
in what.
I f you are not the out-door type, do some climbing. I mean,
walk the concrete steps provided. They look simple and easy. But
the shear number of steps will give you a good work out.
|
|
|