As today was a working day, there wasn't a soul there & I ended up all by myself in the jungle for more than 3 hours. The trek started from Jungle Lodge, located 2km from Orang Asli Hospital in Gombak (popular starting point for bike rides to Genting Sempah, Genting Highlands, Janda Baik, Bentong, Raub & Frasers Hill).
A short stroll from Jungle Lodge is this, a "water in-take" facility (for Syabas, I presumed).
This gate was unlocked in the old days but the guard there told me that it is now off limits and I had to cross the river from outside this gate. He was surprised that I was treking alone and advised me against it. "Saya tinggal sini pun tak berani masuk seorang", he said.
I had to cross this river (Sg Gombak, I think) to get to the next landmark, which is these massive monsoon drains.
These may be drains by definition but the water is crystal clear. Here is where Sg Pisang flows into Sg Gombak. I couldn't agree more with the red markings "Taman Hayalan" (which should be spelt "Taman Khayalan" or "fantasy garden").
It was noisy here-sound from vehicles passing by could be heard. These drains are actually under the Karak Highway. Made a last phone call to Teresa before I proceeded because there would be no coverage beyond these tunnels.
Looked scary from here. One could imagine rats in there (like in Indiana Jones movie). But there is nothing filthy here, just crystal clear water of Sg Pisang.
The trek is quite straight forward. I simply had to follow the river upstream. The scary part was that I would probably be all by myself from this point onwards and had no phone coverage. It would be just me and the JUNGLE.
The sound of traffic from Karak Highway was soon replaced by sound of insects, birds chirping, gushing water and my foot steps.
I was freaking out at some point but what the heck, I can't turn back now!!!
This big rock has always been the next landmark to look out for, simply to be sure that I am on the right track. Its about 2/3rd of the way here.
First sight of the waterfall (in the background beyond my kit) after treking for approximately 50 minutes (from Jungle Lodge).
Felt like coming home. I missed this place.
Had to climb this slope to get to the other pool upstream.
Sat here with my Baby (back-to-back) many years ago.
This was what we saw when we looked up.
The other pool.
Couldn't resist a dip into the water.
Took the short cut back to civilisation via Karak Highway.
Tunnel at start of trek (near the gate), purportedly dug by communists.
Tunnel at start of trek (near the gate), purportedly dug by communists.
Post ride to Genting Sempah and back.