Showing posts with label [Waterfalls]. Show all posts
Showing posts with label [Waterfalls]. Show all posts
I Spotted A Baby Pitcher
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 8th February 2010 (Monday), 11:44 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
Lepok Rainforest Waterfall is a little bit of everything - a mixture of Chiling's River Fish Santuary, Mount Nuang and Pine Tree Trail.
I was holding a baby pitcher plant. If you look carefully, you'll catch a tantalizing glimpse of the rainforest's hidden gems.
L.O.S.T
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 8th February 2010 (Monday), 3:15 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 100
Earlier (at the entrance of the Rainforest) I stumbled upon En. Roslan (a kampung folk and also a RELA member). I asked directions from him. He used a twig and sketch out many twist and turn on the sandy soil. It was confusing! Later, he gave me his number and asked me to call him up if I'm LOST.
After trekking for almost an hour, I reached this area overgrown with weeds, grasses, thorns, ferns, canes, and shrubs. This place have multiple openings and confusing trails. I decided to call up En. Roslan. All unanswered calls. What a bummer! I followed my common sense and trekked all the way to the waterfall.
HUGE OBSTACLES
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 8th February 2010 (Monday), 12:44 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 100
The top obstacle is a HUGE fallen tree. The lower obstacle is a piece of abandoned water pipe. I need to crossover these two obstacles to reach the waterfall. So, I climbed up the rusted pipe and then the gigantic tree trunk.
Leap of Faith
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 8th February 2010 (Monday), 2:00 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
Thank God! I was not bitten by any leeches :) Leech bites are ITCHY & UGLY! I've still got 10 ugly black colored scars on my body (from previous trekkings).
This Is My Paradise!
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 8th February 2010 (Monday), 2:01 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
A well deserved rest. Look closely...a dragonfly just landed on my hallux (big toe).
It was one of the trickiest trekking. So many unmarked trail openings. I rely on my common sense to trek 3.5 km deep into the rainforest and locate the waterfall. Three words to sum it up - SCARY, CRAZY & FUN!
The water was icy cold! I was soaking my tired feet. Simply refreshing. I wanted take it all off for a skinny dip...but decided otherwise :)
Crystal Clear
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 8th February 2010 (Monday), 2:00 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 100
Lepok Rainforest Waterfall is a combination of lush plants, peaceful rock formations and crystal clear water spilling into a large natural pond.
It's a medium-sized vertical rainforest waterfall - smaller than Chiling's River Fish Santuary. The water is crystal clear. A beautiful paradise! Stay tune for Part 2 to view pictures of the vertical waterfall.
The Waterfall & Cooling Jacuzzi
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 21st January 2010 (Thursday), 1:30 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/29, ISO Equiv.: 100
A decent 50 m vertical waterfall with a natural chilling jacuzzi. Not a GIGANTIC waterfall..but the water was ICY COOL despite the hot weather.
Dropped Dead, Gorgeous
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 8th February 2010 (Monday), 2:37 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.3, ISO Equiv.: 200
A piece of wilted leaf. LOVE the details of the leaf. I should've zoom closer.
Baby Fern
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 21st January 2010 (Thursday), 11:02 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 125
Come and witness the wonders of the Malaysian Rainforest with shade tolerant herbs, a variety of ferns, shrubs and broad leaved forest grasses.
Standalone
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 8th February 2010 (Monday), 12:58 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
An interesting plant reaching out for sunlight.
There are plenty of canopy trees in the rainforest. These gigantic trees block sunlight from reaching the jungle floor. Smaller plants at the bottom will have to compete for that little sunlight.
Thumbs UP!
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 8th February 2010 (Monday), 11:36 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
Holding a medium-sized tropical pitcher plant....GENTLY :)
The inner cup features a deep cavity filled with watery-like liquid known as a pitfall trap. I peek through the cup and saw some tiny little insects. Interestingly, gigantic black ants LOVE to walk around the cup.
Scary Arachnid
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 8th February 2010 (Monday), 11:48 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 160
There are SO MANY spider webs in the rainforest. Spiders love to weave their web across the trails. Usually, I use a piece of twig to 'push them aside'. Unfortunately, I got 'wrapped' with spider web more than 5 times while trekking in Lepok.
Luckily, I avoided this gigantic web spin by a scary looking spider. This is not a macro shot. It's a BIG MOMMA! As big as my face!
I spent 10 minutes staring at this fella. If you look closely, you'll see yellow colored sticky stuff. I move as close as possible to the web. But, I stopped after getting 10 cm face to face with this spider.
Dead, Shriveled Leaf
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 21st January 2010 (Thursday), 2:39 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
A close-up shot.
The Starting Point
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 21st January 2010 (Thursday), 10:51 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
Crossing a dilapidated wooden bridge to trek into the forest.
Into The ABYSS
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 21st January 2010 (Thursday), 11:24 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
This is one of the darker trails in the forest. I saw a beautiful wild peacock along the way. Unfortunately, this beautiful bird disappeared into the forest before I can take out my camera.
Another Fallen Tree
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 21st January 2010 (Thursday), 3:17 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
As the path wound down along the waterfall's edge, walking grew more challenging. Leaves, fallen trees and big branches littered the trail.
A C.L.U.E!
Location: Lepok Rainforest Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 21st January 2010 (Thursday), 3:30 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
I remember reading from somewhere about ribbons as clues. Luckily, I stumbled upon some yellow and red colored ribbons tied to the trees. Actually, these ribbons are not really a good marker - some ribbons are torn and loosen. I still prefer clear markings or signboards. Anyway, I rely on the ribbons to find my way out :)
I've just returned from Lepok Rainforest Waterfall in Selangor. It was one of the craziest rainforest trekking....EVER! Not really difficult. But the 3.5 km forest trail is mind boggling - with so many unmarked, confusing and crazy trails. I nearly lost in the jungle. It is not a one way trail. I bumped into so many openings (multiple trails). CONFUSING!
I've just returned from Lepok Rainforest Waterfall in Selangor. It was one of the craziest rainforest trekking....EVER! Not really difficult. But the 3.5 km forest trail is mind boggling - with so many unmarked, confusing and crazy trails. I nearly lost in the jungle. It is not a one way trail. I bumped into so many openings (multiple trails). CONFUSING!
At times, I wandered aimlessly...waiting for someone to 'help me' with the directions. Luckily, I bumped into two helpful Temuan tribespeople.
But it was also one of the BEST trekking in my life! I saw a beautiful wild peacock foraging the rainforest. Other than that, I was 'attacked' by a crazy flying lizard. I was walking along one of the dark trails. Suddenly, a flying lizard as big as my palm did a kamikaze dive straight on my sweaty face! YIKES! I nearly got a heart attack! I quickly brushed it off with my hand. You know what? I even whacked off my spectacle onto the forest ground. LOL! That's a FIRST!
I trekked at my usual pace (slow and steady) trying to find some good photo opportunities. So, I wasted almost 45 minutes doing that. Later, I decided to fasten my pace and reached the 'hidden' waterfall. It's a medium-sized vertical fall with a cooling natural Jacuzzi. The water is amazingly COOL despite the hot afternoon. I was the only lone wanderer in the forest. The only sound I can hear is the thunderous waterfall. It was a peaceful, relaxing and stress-free experience. An ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.
I wish I could stay there forever. But the sky turns cloudy. I decided to pack my stuff and trek back to the entrance. I was 'running' mad trying to avoid the rain. Overall, it was a beautiful trekking. There is a little bit of everything in Lepok Rainforest Waterfall. I'm looking forward to revisit this nature's paradise :)
Last updated October 29th, 2010 (1:50 p.m.)
Lepok Rainforest Waterfall - Getting There:
Lepok Waterfall is located about 15km north of Hulu Langat, near Kg. Pangsun. You can use the highway to get there via Cheras. As you approach Hulu Langat, look out for Kg. Pangsun.
Just before you reach Pangsun, turn left to Lepok. Remember to ask the kampung folks for directions. There are many roadside stalls.
By now, you should be on a small dirt road. Just keep going straight and you'll reach a settlement and the start of the trail.
Best to start early in the morning (7 a.m. or 8 a.m.) as it can get quite hot later in the day.
Parking is RM2.
Lepok Rainforest Waterfall - Google Maps:
Lepok Rainforest Waterfall - YouTube Video:
Lepok Rainforest Waterfall - Read More/Useful Links:
- http://www.waterfallsofmalaysia.com/83lepok.php (All About Lepok Waterfall)
- http://tinyurl.com/ybjcwyd (Paradise Found, Article by AllMalaysia.info)
- http://tinyurl.com/ybeqvcq (Backcountry wonders, Article by TheStar paper)
Sungai Chiling Waterfalls - Five River Crossings to The Majestic Falls (Part 4)
23 August 2009
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Title: This way to the Third River Crossing
Location: Sungai Chiling Waterfalls, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 18th August 2009, 11:28am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 160
You have to walk for another 100 m to 300 m from one river crossing to another. This big piece of rock is a landmark guiding trekkers to the third crossing.
Title: Third River Crossing
Location: Sungai Chiling Waterfalls, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 18th August 2009, 11:59am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
The third river crossing is waist deep (around my tummy area). Navigate your steps carefully. The river bottom is sandy and rocky.
Title: The Fourth River Crossing
Location: Sungai Chiling Waterfalls, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 18th August 2009, 12:02pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
The fourth crossing is pretty easy. But, never underestimate the depth of the river. Look at the blue mini signboard and also analyze the river for safe spots before making your move. Take your time to cross the river.
Title: The Luck of The Stoneman
Location: Sungai Chiling Waterfalls, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 18th August 2009, 12:34pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
Strange looking stones were placed next to the waterfall. Look like cairn. A cairn (carn in Irish, carnedd in Welsh, càrn in Scots Gaelic) is a manmade pile of stones, often in a conical form. They are usually found in uplands, on moorland, on mountaintops or near waterways. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairn
Many thanks to 1ondoncalling for his informative facts about these stones!
Title: FINALLY!!!!
Location: Sungai Chiling Waterfalls, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 18th August 2009, 12:46pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/32.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
I reached the lower fall after trekking for nearly one and a half hour. This is a powerful fall with a large natural pool. There are loads of 'kelah' fish at the pool (translation; mahseer fish), which like to nibble your feet. The other two waterfalls can be reach by climbing up the steep slope, just before the last river crossing. Check out my YouTube video below.
The second river crossing was pretty easy. The water was knee length. But, do not underestimate the river. The depth of the river varies from one spot to another. The sandy river bottom feels like quicksand - it gave way easily.
I was crossing the river with a knapsack and a big plastic bag of camera equipments. I look like a Mexican illegal immigrant trying to cross the U.S. border. But, that is the safest way to transport my gears (including tripod).
After crossing the river, I walked for another 150 m before reaching the third crossing. The third crossing can be dangerous. The water is waist deep (up to my tummy). Analyze the river before crossing. I look for safe spots along the river before making any move. The arrow from the mini blue signboards indicates the safest crossing.
The fourth and fifth river crossings are easy. Take your time to navigate your way safely across the river. The last river crossing (Number 6) is similar to third crossing - also waist level. At this point, you can hear thunderous sound of waterfall - an indication the falls are not far away.
After the sixth crossing, I trekked for another 200 m to the waterfall. At the falls, I removed my shoes and climbed up a gigantic rock (as big as a master bedroom). I set up my tripod and took some pictures of the waterfall. The height of this waterfall is roughly 14 m - 15 m. I spent one hour at the natural chilly pool beneath the waterfall before trekking back to the main entrance.
At first, I was confused and not very sure of the proper exit. Later, I decided to follow the flow of river. On my way out, I saw a fishery officer. He stared at me suspiciously. I guess he was upset.
He asked: 'You sudah register ke?' (Translation: Have you register?")
I answered: 'Belum' (Translation: No)
He added: 'Lain kali, you register baru masuk" (Translation: Next time, you need to register before entering the fish sanctuary)
I answered: 'OK' and paid RM0.50 as entrance fee.
I said to myself "Come onlah, you are not even here by 10:00am. Gates were locked!! How the heck am I going to register??"
To sum it up, I had a great time in Sungai Chiling Waterfall and Fish Sanctuary. It was an adventurous and exiting trip. I fell in LOVE with the lush greenery, the jungle trekking and the waterfall. This is an amazing place for nature lover and die-hard trekkers. Avoid making this trip during rainy season as the river will become impassable when the water level is too high. In the past, several fatal accidents have occurred during flash-flood.
Remaining pictures from Sungai Chiling Waterfalls & Fish Sanctuary
Sungai Chiling Waterfalls & Fish Sanctuary - Getting There:
Take the road from Kuala Kubu Baru to the Gap. After passing the Selangor Dam, you cross the bridge on the Chiling river. Just after this bridge you can park you car.
Sungai Chiling Waterfalls & Fish Sanctuary - Read More:
a) http://waterfallsofmalaysia.com/51chiling.php
b) http://mykeong.blogspot.com/2009/06/sg-chiling-waterfall-kubu-kota-bahru.html
Sungai Chiling Waterfalls & Fish Sanctuary - My YouTube video:
This video was recorded with my hand phone camera
Sungai Chiling Waterfalls & Fish Sanctuary - Google Maps:
Sungai Chiling Waterfalls - Journey Starts With An Adventurous Jungle Trekking (Part 3)
20 August 2009
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Title: Alien Life Form in District 9?
Location: Sungai Chiling Waterfalls, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 18th August 2009, 2:40pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 180
Nope. These are strange looking fern fronds that will develop into fern leaves. The frond in front has three circular loops while the frond at the back has a lollipop curve.
Title: Split
Location: Sungai Chiling Waterfalls, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 18th August 2009, 2:45pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
A unique looking leaf. Gee...it reminds me of something :)
Title: Fallen
Location: Sungai Chiling Waterfalls, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 18th August 2009, 2:25pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/9.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
An irregular leaf fallen on a bed of fern leaves.
Title: Green!!
Location: Sungai Chiling Waterfalls, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 18th August 2009, 11:08am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 180
A fern leaf illuminated by the sunlight. A close-up shot.
Title: The Green Pitcher
Location: Sungai Chiling Waterfalls, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 18th August 2009, 10:33am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
Pitcher plants are carnivorous plants whose prey-trapping mechanism features a deep cavity filled with liquid known as a pitfall trap. I peek through these cups and discovered mostly drowned insects. Hold the pitcher gently to avoid yanking off the fragile extension at the bottom of the pitcher cup.
Title: The BIGGEST LOOPER
Location: Sungai Chiling Waterfalls, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 18th August 2009, 2:24pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 140
These loops will grow into fern leaves. Different species of fern has different looking loops. Some of them even look like an attacking centipede!
Title: Just Landed
Location: Sungai Chiling Waterfalls, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 18th August 2009, 12:29pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
A butterfly resting on a piece of fern leaf. A blooming fern leaf - the leaflets were growing outward.
Title: The Jungle Trail and The River
Location: Sungai Chiling Waterfalls, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 18th August 2009, 2:26pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
Halfway trekking, you will encounter multiple pathways. If you are moving towards the waterfalls, remember to choose the trail closest to the river. Walk against the flow of river. NOTE: The jungle trail and the river is visible in this picture.
Title: Ready to GO!
Location: Sungai Chiling Waterfalls, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 18th August 2009, 2:54pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.2, ISO Equiv.: 100
After crossing several rivers, my shoes is all wet and soaked with water. I should have brought along a pair of slipper. Surprisingly, there are no leeches in Sungai Chiling. I guess the sandy and rocky surface is not a preferred habitat for the blood suckers.
Title: The Jungle Trail
Location: Sungai Chiling Waterfalls, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 18th August 2009, 10:53am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
Almost 90% of the jungle trail is wet and muddy.
Title: The Suspension Bridge
Location: Sungai Chiling Waterfalls, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 18th August 2009, 10:22am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
This is the first river crossing. The bridge is located next to the fishery office. Once you crossed the bridge, you will see a cross junction. Turn to your left, the path that look like a small stream is actually the trail.
This is my second trip to Sungai Chiling Waterfall & Fish Sanctuary. First trip was a failure - read my first post. My prime objective is to reach the waterfall in Sungai Chiling. On that day, my adrenaline was pumping. I was all gear up and very excited. I was speeding on the highway trying to reach Chiling's entrance as soon as possible.
I reached Sungai Chiling Waterfall & Fish Sanctuary by 10:00am. The jungle trail starts from the fishery office. So, I walked 400m to that entrance only to discover the wooden gates were locked. I decided to proceed anyway. I look left and right sheepishly, before climbing over the gates like a crook. It was pretty easy - a small rectangle gap to place my foot and leap over.
It was a great day for jungle trekking and river crossing - bright and sunny sky. To reach the waterfall, you need to trek for roughly 2km. After that, you have to cross five different rivers.
The first river crossing is the easiest. You just need to walk across the suspension bridge. Soon after the bridge, the jungle pathway is divided into three different trails. On my first attempt (Day 1), I lost my way trying to figure out the correct trail to the waterfall. It was confusing and frustrating!! I wasted 45 minutes trekking the wrong trails. The fishery department can do a better job by placing more informative signboards. Choose the left trail and walk all the way until you see a blue signboard that indicates the second crossing.
Trekking in Sungai Chiling is easy. But, 90% of the trail is narrow and overgrown with bushes of gigantic fern and thorny shrubs. The trail is sandy, rocky and 100% wet. Halfway trekking, you'll encounter multiple pathways. The safest way is to walk against the flow of river.
The lush greenery in Sungai Chiling is simply amazing. As usual, I was walking at a moderate pace searching for exotic floras and faunas. There were loads of pitcher plants, gigantic ferns and some wonderful creepy crawlies. After trekking for nearly one and a half hour, I finally reached the second river crossing.
More photos from jungle trekking in Sungai Chiling Waterfall (Slide show)
Coming Soon! Part 4 - The River Crossings & The Waterfalls. Detailed info about Sungai Chiling Waterfall & Fish Sanctuary (including road directions, maps and YouTube videos) are available in Part 4.
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Title: The Green Pipe
Location: Templer's Park Jungle Forest, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 3 August 2009, 1:46pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
This green pipe is an extension from a medium-sized water treatment plant. The public man-made pool is located directly beneath the treatment plant. The water over there was murky and filthy.
Title: The Fallen Trunk
Location: Templer's Park Jungle Forest, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 3 August 2009, 10:11am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/4.5, ISO Equiv.: 200
The jungle trail is well-marked. I got no leeches bite despite wearing rubber slipper with all my toes exposed.
Title: Honeycombs Zigzag Bridge
Location: Templer's Park Jungle Forest, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 3 August 2009, 9:19am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/3.8, ISO Equiv.: 200
I can walk across this river easily without using the bridge - the tide was low on that day.
Title: This Way to Waterfall
Location: Templer's Park Jungle Forest, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 3 August 2009, 10:41am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/3.5, ISO Equiv.: 280
I was having great fun trekking the jungle. But it was short-lived. I was nearly mugged by a rogue looking fatty. Read more at the bottom.
Title: Jungle Waterfall (Picture 1)
Location: Templer's Park Jungle Forest, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 3 August 2009, 10:57am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/14, ISO Equiv.: 100
An out of this world and heavenly view! Water droplets from the fall were flying to all direction.
Title: Jungle Waterfall (Picture 3)
Location: Templer's Park Jungle Forest, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 3 August 2009, 11:10am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/22, ISO Equiv.: 100
After taking this photo, I removed my slippers and climbed up those wet and slippery rocks trying to reach the peak of the waterfall. It was a stupid and dangerous decision, but the panorama view was EXCELLENT!
Title: Jungle Waterfall (Picture 2)
Location: Templer's Park Jungle Forest, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 3 August 2009, 10:58am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/16, ISO Equiv.: 100
As usual, capturing a decent picture at waterfall is no easy task. The surface was either rocky or sandy and loose. It was really frustrating. Finally, I decided to hold the tripod (with camera attached) to capture this picture.
Title: My Tired Foot
Location: Templer's Park Jungle Forest, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 3 August 2009, 11:44am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 125
Dipped my tired feet into the crystal clear and icy cold water.
Title: This Way Out
Location: Templer's Park Jungle Forest, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 3 August 2009, 1:48pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 180
The Sun has finally 'escaped' from the gloomy clouds and hazy sky when I trekked back to the main entrance.
On that day, I was a lone trekker in the jungle. Halfway trekking, I saw a gigantic wood fungi. So, I squad down to capture it with my Nikon D60 camera. When I stood up, I was shocked to see a fat guy standing right behind me! I was asking myself "Who's the f*ck is this guy?" He stared at my camera intensely. I stared back trying to figure out his intention. It was funny...I was shivering deep inside and he was muted for some moment. I pretend to be a macho guy to hide my fear. I was worried sick whether this guy was trying to mug my camera. Three minutes later, he asked "What are you doing?" Duh? I answered him "I'm taking photos". His left hand has some kind of gangster tattoos. Later he asked me "Did you see my friends?" I answered "NOPE" He walked away deep into the jungle waterfall trying to 'search for his friends' Later, I saw him turning back. I know he didn't make his way to the waterfall. I'm very sure his prime intention - DAYLIGHT JUNGLE ROBBERY. I was scanning the forest floor for some weapons (perhaps a big piece of rock) to whack this idiot into pulp. Sometimes, dangerous situation requires aggressive defense.
After trekking for two long hours, I finally reached the jungle waterfall. To get an UP, CLOSE & PERSONAL feel, I move as close as possible to the waterfall. The rocks on the waterfall were wet and slippery. I climbed up slowly trying to find the right position to place my camera tripod. But, it was impossible because the surface of the rocks were 'bumpy' and uneven. So, I had to hold my tripod (with camera attached) and let the auto timer freeze the flow of water. Looking back, I have to say it was a crazy thing to do. I was hanging on for dear life and also my precious camera.
Later, I took off my slipper and climbed higher. It was quite scary - the higher it gets, the steeper the fall. One wrong step, I could end up falling down and break some bones. Nonetheless, it was a risk worth taking. The view from atop was simply BREATHTAKING and SUPERB!
After spending one hour relaxing at the waterfall, I decided to return back to the main entrance. There is an alternate pathway. Unfortunately, this second trail was overgrown with shrubs...the trail is not clear. The risk not worth taking.
Overall, I was surprised to encounter loads of exotic animals and plants in the jungle. The jungle trek is well-marked and the waterfall is AWESOME! Happy to say that I was not bitten by any leeches despite wearing a pair of cheap rubber slipper with all my toes exposed. Waterfall trekking is a MUST DO EVENT in Templer's Park Jungle Waterfall.
Templer's Park Jungle Waterfall - Getting There:
1) From Kuala Lumpur head out on Route 1 past Kepong and Selayang and towards Rawang
2) Look for the brown signs for Taman Rimba Komenwel and Hutan Lipur Sg. Kanching; strangely no Templer's Park sign
3) After passing through some road works, the road slopes downhill and past a housing area on the left
4) Look for a small blue sign with just a U-turn arrow that says 500 m
5) Take this first U-turn on the right lane just after the downhill section (If you miss this U-turn continue on for 2 km past the petrol station and turn at the traffic light)
6) Immediately get into the left lane and see a bus stop followed by a left turn into an unfinished archway
7) Follow straight for 100 meters into the parking lot
8) An old sign shows the trail map of the park and an another faded red sign points the way 500 meters to the pool
9) Walk uphill on the tarmac road with the barrier gate to the pool and trails.
More info:
a) http://www.nature-escapes-kuala-lumpur.com/Templers-Park-Jungle-Waterfall.html
Templer's Park Jungle Waterfall - Google Maps
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Title: Wilted
Location: Templer's Park Jungle Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 3 August 2009, 12:44pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
The jungle was carpeted with thousands of dead leaves.
Title: Green Glow
Location: Templer's Park Jungle Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 3 August 2009, 1:24pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.3, ISO Equiv.: 200
The green glow is natural. Usually, young leaves has light green pigments and soft texture. The green glow is visible when ray of light 'penetrate' the leaf.
Title: Mr. Spiky says "Welcome mylo!"
Location: Templer's Park Jungle Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 3 August 2009, 1:08pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
This plant was infected with patches of white coloured fungus. Look carefully. What do you see? I saw Mr. Spiky raising his hand...perhaps waving and welcoming me to the jungle :)
Title: Spores Galore
Location: Templer's Park Jungle Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 3 August 2009, 10:02am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
I was holding a fern leaf. The spores were located underneath the leaves for direct propagation to the fertile soil.
Title: Matured & Ready To Grow
Location: Templer's Park Jungle Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 3 August 2009, 12:47pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
The brown coloured sporangium were matured. The spore casings will burst anytime dispersing hundreds of spores.
Title: Gigantic Bird's Nest Fern
Location: Templer's Park Jungle Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 3 August 2009, 11:42am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1 ISO Equiv.: 100
Bird's nest fern grow in a tight, nest-like clump with a linguate leaf rosette and are usually epiphytic, growing in trees. It may also be seen growing on rocks and grounds.
Title: Gimme LIGHT
Location: Templer's Park Jungle Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 3 August 2009, 1:25pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.3, ISO Equiv.: 200
This piece of leaf was growing upwards directly to the light stimulus.
Title: Roasted?
Location: Templer's Park Jungle Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 3 August 2009, 10:22am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.3, ISO Equiv.: 320
The 'polished' brown surface on the leaf reminds me of roasted coffee beans.
Title: Lonely Red
Location: Templer's Park Jungle Waterfall, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 3 August 2009, 1:05pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
A red coloured leaf fallen on a bed of fern leaf. I like the contrast of red over green.
Jungle trekking in Templer's Park Jungle Waterfall is fun and easy. The management even built several zigzag bridges (shaped like honeycombs) to enable trekkers cross river without getting their feet wet. I was moving at a snail pace enjoying nature's lush greenery. Along the way, I saw loads of wonderful insects. I wish I had a macro lens to capture the finer details of these small animals.
I trekked for two hours before reaching the waterfall. The waterfall is simply MAJESTIC! It was HUGE! You can hear the thunderous sound of falling water 500m away!! The water was crystal clear and icy cold. Sadly, the beauty was marred by piles of uncollected rubbish. In addition, I saw patches of burnt grasses. I guess trekkers must have BBQ'ued the grass as well.
These filthy habits are common in Malaysia. I've been to several waterfalls in Selangor and witnessed the same old problem. I guess people don't give a F*CK about the environment. SAD!
Comprehensive details about Templer's Park Jungle Waterfall (including map and directions) are available in Part 3. Remember to follow Part 3 - All about the jungle trail & waterfall.
