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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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

Hutan Pelajaran Air Hitam Dalam (Air Hitam Dalam Educational Forest)

Air Hitam Dalam Educational Forest is a fresh water swamp reserve in Sungai Dua, Butterworth, Penang. The park is managed by the Penang State Forestry Department and has an area of about 10 hectares. According to the park ranger, this park has opened to the public about 2-3 years ago. This park has been a centre of attraction for many bird watchers and nature lovers as this place is home to many migratory birds and various faunas.The trip to the park with my parents is one of the many off beaten tracks as this park is still very much unknown to many locals. 

Prior to this trip, my parents and I have never heard of this place until I stumbled upon a website which featured the place on the internet. We decided to go there as we wanted to go for an evening walk. 

Unlike many other popular parks in Malaysia where many of the facilities were damaged, and disused due to neglect and poor maintenance, much to our surprise, many of the facilities there including the concrete-paved boardwalks, suspension bridge, observation tower and the gazebos were in good condition. Besides that, there is also a dyke with a footpath that runs along the Sungai Air Hitam and Sungai Jarak which flows into Prai River. The riverbanks and swamp area are mainly covered with nipa palms. However, there was no caretaker or staff manning the information counter. 

This habitat hosts a myriad of wildlife such as crab-eating macaques, squirrels, monitor lizards, otters and different species of birds. 

Overall, it is a serene and tranquil park worth visiting. 

Information board at the front car park

Gazebo overlooking the swamp area

Barringtonia racemosa fruit (Powder-puff tree or putat in Malay)

Concrete-paved boardwalk leading towards the suspension bridge and observation tower

Squirrels at the park

Monitor lizard swimming in the swamp under the boardwalk 

Suspension bridge 

Boardwalk leading towards the riverbank

Meandering Sungai Air Hitam with nypa fruticans (nipa palms) thriving along the riverbanks

Gazebo along the riverbank

Observation tower

Crab-eating macaque

Air Hitam Dalam Educational Forest can be accessible easily by the North-South Expressway (E1) via the Sungai Dua interchange. If you were coming from Penang Island or the south, turn left into Jalan Sungai Dua (P198) at the interchange. After about 1.2km from the interchange, take a left turn into a road (P205) towards Kepala Batas and Tasek Gelugor. Upon reaching a junction which after about 3km, turn right into a road (P3) towards Kubang Semang direction. After that, take a right turn into an open car park next to the park before the bridge. 

More information and details about Air Hitam Dalam Educational Forest can be accessed through the Penang State Forestry Department website here. 

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