Trip to Junjong Waterfall

Junjong Waterfall

Stream beside the Junjong Waterfall

My parents and I were on a recent visit to Junjong Waterfall in Kulim, Kedah on 7 January 2016. We have not been there since ages ago so we thought that we should visit there again. The waterfall is popular with locals with families and visitors alike for recreational activities such as picnicking, strolling and taking a dip in the river while enjoying the natural beauty. However, we found out that the waterfall’s natural beauty is marred by several problems caused by under-maintenance and inconsiderate visitors, which leaves much to be desired. We felt that the waterfall has been degraded from its former glory without any positive development.

As we entered the waterfall, the archway greeting motorists to the waterfall along the road is in a dilapidated state with structures, roof tiles and timber boards about to fall down. This might pose a danger to motorists and passers-by. After we parked our car and walked along the river, we noticed that river water is still clean, but the area around the river was strewn with rubbish. Not only it makes the area dirty but it also pollutes the river, which pose a health risk to visitors who wish to take a dip in the river. This may lead to illnesses such as typhoid and leptospirosis. This proves to be an eye sore to visitors.

Stream that flows beside the waterfall at the end of the footpath.

Aside from that, the existing facilities on site such as the toilets, changing room, information counter, gazebo and surau are also in a state of neglect and disrepair. I don’t think that any visitor would dare to use these facilities as these places may be a breeding ground for mosquitoes, spiders, leeches, snakes and rats.

There was a pathway along the stream beside the waterfall and also a bridge over the stream. However, the pathway which leads to the waterfall are not clearly marked as it is broken and overgrown with grass, making the access to the waterfall difficult for visitors. 

When we hiked up the pathway next to the waterfall, the steps which goes up the waterfall is also damaged due to erosion. After we reached the end of the footpath, we saw another pool and another waterfall cascade at the far end of the pool. Compared to the pool at the bottom of the waterfall, this one has a stronger river current. 

The pool at the top of the waterfall

The pool at the top of the waterfall

View from the top of the waterfall

After visiting the waterfall, I hope that the Kedah State Government and the Kedah State Forestry Department should take the necessary steps to revitalise the area, such as cleaning up the area and maintaining and upgrading the facilities. The authorities should also look into the safety and cleanliness of other popular waterfalls and nature sites around the state to ensure that they are on par with tourism standards. 

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Malihom Private Estate

I had a unique experience at Malihom Private Estate last weekend. My parents and I had a opportunity to visit Malihom Private Estate, which is a hilltop retreat in Balik Pulau, Penang Island, Malaysia. A driving expert is needed to reach there as the journey is rather a steep and windy uphill road not for the faint-hearted. On either sides of the road are durian orchards. Malihom means 'the village of fragrant rice' in Thai. 

Once at the hilltop, the estate commands the views of both sides of the island from the comfort of the bedroom suites (styled as barns). The entire atmosphere is picturesque, secluded and private given that this place is relatively unknown even to many local Penangites. The bedroom suites sit among the durian orchard designed in a form of Thai rice barns on stilts, a finest example of tropical architecture in the region. There are a total of 8 named barns: Baanmai, Aloun, Khanun, Dhamma, Sankara, Sripatum, Sanook and Jhana.

Within the estate there is a swimming pool, a koi fish pond, hammock, outdoor bathroom, deck chairs, cafes, common lounge and gazebos equipped for the guests to relax and hang out. The indoor and outdoor spaces are adorned with wood carvings, Buddha statues, earthenware and pottery to reflect the tropical setting of the retreat. There is also a peacock farm greeting visitors at the entrance of the retreat. 

Room rates of the retreat ranges between RM800-RM1,000 per night. The estate can be reached via Balik Pulau hill road from Bayan Lepas right after Bukit Genting Leisure Restaurant. The hill road which leads to the resort is on the right side before reaching the hill road viaduct to Balik Pulau town. 

Bedroom suite at Malihom

Bedroom suite at Malihom

Aerial view of Bukit Genting and Pulau Betong on the west coast of Penang Island. 

Aerial view of Bayan Lepas and Pulau Jerejak on the east coast of Penang Island.

Hammock and seating at the bedroom suite

Bedroom suites at Malihom

Aerial view of Balik Pulau on the west coast of Penang Island.

Bedroom suites at Malihom

Lower deck of the bedroom suites at Malihom

Koi fish pond at Malihom

Swimmming pool and pool deck at Malihom Private Estate. 

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Mossy Forest, Mount Brinchang, Cameron Highlands.

Mossy Forest is a forest reserve in Mount Brinchang (Gunung Brinchang), the highest peak in Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia at 2,000m above sea level. The forest is unique to Malaysia because you will find various trees and plants that are only grown naturally at a high elevation. Its microclimate of constant mists and high moisture due to low level clouds created an ideal places for the growth of moss, ferns, lichens and orchids. When one scales up the slope of the Mossy Forest by walking along the boardwalk, one may experience a chilly and misty ambiance like the scene from the Misty Mountains in the popular J.R.R. Tolkien's novel The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Mount Brinchang is also the location of the highest road in West Malaysia and the highest mountain in Malaysia accessible by road. The mountain can be reached from the road in Kea Farm which also leads to the Boh Sungai Palas Tea Estate. 

Moss growing on the tree branches

Signboard indicating the state border of Perak and Pahang along the boardwalk

A signboard indicating the current elevation of Mossy Forest

Timber boardwalk through the Mossy Forest

The Mossy Forest landscape at the end of the boardwalk

The end of the boardwalk which leads to Gunung Irau through the dirt tracks.

Rainforest canopy view from the boardwalk

A gazebo for rest and shelter along the boardwalk which loops back to the main path

The boardwalk with railings leading down the slope 

Panoramic view of Cameron Highlands from Mount Brinchang

Moss and ferns growing on the tree trunks and branches

Peak of Mount Brinchang from the Mossy Forest boardwalk

Wang Kelian, Gua Kelam and Padang Besar.

My parents and I went for a shopping trip to Wang Kelian, a border town near Thailand in Perlis during the Thaipusam holiday. It is one of the northernmost towns in Malaysia located behind the limestone mountains. This place is well-known for its local weekend market which is located on both sides of the border where traders from Southern Thailand would come to sell their goods to tourists. On the Malaysian side is Wang Kelian, while on the Thai side is Wang Prachan, Satun Province, Thailand. What is unique about Wang Kelian is visitors can cross the border freely without having to show their passports or border pass. Most of the goods sold here, namely clothes, food, snacks, toys, are mainly cater for the lower end market and they are of similar standard as those you would find in any other border towns like Bukit Kayu Hitam and Padang Besar. Below are the photos of the market at the Thai side of Wang Kelian after we passed the border. 

Perlis is the northernmost state, and a mainly a rural state in Malaysia. Although seems to be lagging behind in terms of development due to the fact that the state is rather sparsely populated, Perlis is home to many natural wonders. Limestone mountains straddling the vast paddy fields are unique to the state and it is one of the hidden gems of the state. Among these limestone mountains are caves and Gua Kelam is the most famous one. On the way to Wang Kelian via the Changlun-Kuala Perlis Highway is Chuping, which is home to the largest sugar cane plantations in Malaysia. 

Most of the areas are pretty much 'ulu' (rural) and to our surprise, there were hardly any petrol stations and it was a tough time finding it until we reach Wang Kelian. Even food was a problem as it was a problem for us to find restaurants and food stalls for lunch. Most of the shops in Wang Kelian and Kaki Bukit were closed for business. We managed to find a Chinese coffee shop in Kaki Bukit that serves all kinds of paus which we had for lunch. 

After lunch we proceeded to Gua Kelam, a popular tourist attraction in Perlis which is located in Kaki Bukit, at the foothills of the Nakawan mountain range. This cave is actually a 370m long mining tunnel which is part of the limestone cave system which enabled the British to transport tin ore from the valley. The entrance fee is RM1.00 for adult and RM0.50 for children. The cave has two openings which lead from the main entrance in Kaki Bukit to the secret garden at the valley hidden on the other side of the mountain. There was another cave which is only accessible via a trolley train but unfortunately it was no longer operational. There was a reception area but there were no staff manning the counter. 

Inside the cave was a stream flowing under the timber walkway which was generally well-kept. These were supported by horizontal beams. 

At the secret garden there were lakes, small streams, bridges and gazebos. There was a observation tower that look out to the secret garden. A stone's throw away there was a deer park but unfortunately there weren't any deers around. 

We continued our trip to Padang Besar, another border town in Perlis which leads to Sadao, Songkhla Province, Thailand before we headed home. There was a huge bazaar selling mainly clothing and bite-sized snacks. This is the location of the main road and rail crossing between Malaysia and Thailand besides Bukit Kayu Hitam. 

Penang Hill

Recently I went up to Penang Hill with my parents on New Year's Day. It only took 5 minutes to get to the hilltop with the newly upgraded funicular railway service as compared to the previous rolling stock which was much slower. Aside from that, visitors no longer need to switch trains at the Middle Station to get to the Top Station from the Bottom Station. Penang Hill has since improved with many additional attractions and facilities upgraded, including a food court, Astaka Bukit Bendera and an Owl Museum. Currently more viewing platforms are being constructed next to the funicular railway station. What is most exhilarating is the breathtaking view of George Town and the rest of Penang Island from the top of the hill. 

 Going up Penang Hill via funicular railway 

 Reaching the hilltop funicular station 

 View from the hilltop 

  View from the hilltop 

  View from the hilltop 

  View from the hilltop 

  View from the hilltop 

  View from the hilltop 

  View from the hilltop 

 Lily pond at David Brown's Cottage at Strawberry Hill, Penang Hill

 David Brown's Cottage at Strawberry Hill, Penang Hill