The Kanching Waterfalls  

 

 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

  My WATERFALL # 1/84


 

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.

If 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.

 

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