Going to a waterfall is as close to heaven and a thrill for a city girl like me who has never experienced one, especially after spending a quarter of her life in Perak.
You can hike or drive up to the waterfall. As adventure seekers and also looking to trim some fat, we walked. Passing a Malay neighbourhood, we came across interesting sightings; adorable puppies and dogs, precious ducks paddling in a puddle, and chickens pecking at the ground for delicious morsels.
The friendly neighbourhood exudes a welcoming, positive energy, so convivial that some of them greeted us with warm smiles and conversation. We befriended many four-legged furfriends. Two of them, we presumed, likely a mother and son, strolled up with the group.
Not long after, we landed at a quiet rubber plantation where the trail dead-ended or perhaps it was simply too dangerous for us to climb through as it looked very much like a path for advanced hikers or rangers.
So, we were left with no choice but to take a detour that brought us back to the starting point. It certainly was not for the faint of heart. But it did not bring our spirit down for we were as fit as a fiddle!
One of our group had already extracted his phone and launched into GPS navigation to ascertain the right path and ensure the group can get to the waterfall to replenish before the power goes down.
We traversed the wilderness with so much enthusiasm that some suggested we hike up the trail which we believed would take us to the battleground of WWII. Our two furry companions, who kept us company, made ascending up the sloping terrain bearable. After a little discussion, we decided to stay on course and continue our journey to the waterfall.
When the waterfall came into view with the water cascading over the rocks, I found it so eye-poppingly and jaw-droppingly captivating. We knew it was worth all the huffing and puffing. I could feel a tingling sensation running over my body. The next cause of action, of course – the bag and shoes, and all the other things that belonged to the land were tossed aside safely.
The big moment had arrived, I dipped my feet into the water to test the temperature. It was chilly-cold, but once my body had adjusted to the temperature, I was wading in the water. I basked happily in the refreshing water while indulging in the serene atmosphere. Indeed, nature at its finest.
Although I slipped and collided with the rocks more times than I can count, I could finally float in the water on my back. So that was really an achievement for a person who cannot swim. For the success, I have Mei Fong, a retired PA (physical activity) teacher to thank!
Read the sign board provided with safety information, such as how to spot a high water head and precaution steps for when such an event were to happen.
Note: The trash in the area left behind by irresponsible visitors was really an eyesore. Please throw them in the garbage bin or bring it back with you. We have got to do better than this. Littering is NOT OK! It hurts to see how so many of us, who have no sense of responsibility take the beauty of our nature for granted.
Come explore this beautiful locale yourself, at:
Kampung Batu Berangkai, 35300, Kampar, Perak.
Gisele Soo
