Durian Perangin Waterfall, Kedah

The beautiful island of Langkawi is blessed with blue seas, white sand beaches and emerald forests. And although it is not really noted for its waterfalls, it does have a trio which can make for a welcome break from seaside activities. These waterfalls may not be particularly impressive during the dry season, but come in the rainy months, and it is a very different story.

The most famous of the waterfalls is Telaga Tujuh, a.k.a. the Seven Wells, followed by the Temurun waterfall, both located in the Machinchang area. The third, lesser known waterfall is at Durian Perangin.

Durian Perangin falls.

Durian Perangin appears to be named after that famous thorny fruit, the Durian. Perhaps there are durian trees in the area, hence the name?  Located on the northern slopes at the base of the Gunung Raya, which is the tallest mountain in Langkawi, the access to the site is easy if you have your own transport. From the main town of Kuah, head north towards Tanjung Rhu on Route 112 (Jalan Ayer Hangat). After about 18km along this road, you will notice a signboard pointing to the left to Durian Perangin. Take the left and after about a further 2km you will reach the carpark of the falls.

Park your car here, and walk towards the entrance to the falls. There are a couple of stalls here, selling food or souvenirs and snacks.

Once passed these stalls, you will see a well-maintained park. Timber boardwalks, shelters and walkways line both sides of a fast flowing stream. 

Timber boardwalks and shelters line the bank of the stream.

A suspension bridge crosses the stream, which you can cross to get to the public toilets on the other side.

Suspension bridge.

Walking up the pathway along the stream is pleasant, as you hear the sounds of the fast flowing water rushing pass. The water here is shallow, and suitable for kids to take a dip.

The path ends at another bridge, which then loops back to the front on the other bank of the stream. Next to the bridge is another shelter. Both the bridge and shelter face a nice swimming hole which is fed by the first waterfall.

View of the first swimming hole from the 2nd Bridge. Note more steps leading upwards to the right.

On the right of this first swimming hole, you will notice steps leading up the hill. Up to this point, the walking has been easy. To climb up these steps would require a bit of fitness.

View of the first waterfall from the side.

As you climb up these steps, you will notice the waterfall gushing alongside the route. Appearances can be deceiving, the waterfall is much taller than it seems from below.

The waterfall hidden in the undergrowth.

The climb up the hill may require a few stops if you are particularly unfit, but otherwise it is not too difficult and the is clearly marked. It should not take too long to reach the top.

At the top, the river cascades over the rock to form the waterfall below.

Once the steps end, you will find yourself overlooking another pool, fed by another waterfall coming down from the top. This waterfall has a taller drop than the one below, and the pool is larger.

You can clamber down the rockface to get to the pool below. When we there on a normal weekday, there were only three other people around, and the whole setting was indeed calm, soothing and relaxing.

The 2nd waterfall and pool.

A nice place to relax and take in the environment. Our only regret is that we didn't bring our swimmers to jump in and take a dip in the cool mountain water.

Belumut Forest, Johor

Gunung Belumut (1010m) is said to be the third highest mountain in the state after Gunung Ledang (1276m) and Gunung Besar (1035m). The name, which literally translates to "mossy mountain" in English, is said to come from the prevalence of mossy and slippery rocks in the area. 

Gunung Belumut sits inside a recreational forest reserve of the same name and is a well known trekking and camping destination to locals around the area. For the average climber, the trek up the mountain takes about 4 hours, and another 3 hours back down, a total of about 15km trekking overall. For those who are not into hardcore trekking, a visit to the river (tributary of Sungai Dengar) at the base of the mountain may be a more pleasant activity.

The clear water of Sungai Dengar in the Recreational Forest.

The entrance to the park is located about 30km away from Kluang town. It is a 30-minute journey by car to reach the park entrance from Kluang town. To get there, take Route 50 heading towards Mersing.  After about 13 kilometres along the road, take a right turn into Route 749. After about another 3km, an intersection to the left appears. Take the left turn and head along Route 1431 until you come to the small settlement of Felda Ulu Dengar. Follow the road signs indicating "Air Terjun G.Berlumut" as you traverse the town, then through a palm oil plantation until you come to the entrance gate of the Gunung Berlumut Recreational Forest.

The Park Entrance with ample parking and empty stalls.

Entrance Archway into the Park.

Operation Hours.

Map of the Park.

Suspension Bridge over the river.

Locals enjoying a dip in the river.

Pleasant blue pools.

Man-made shelters provide protection from the rain, if needed.

The trailhead for the climb to the summit.

Deeper section of the river where local kids jump down into from the high banks.

Very nice.

Fallen tree makes a makeshift bridge.

Small cascades but no real waterfall here.

Rocks which must have been carried down by the river in the past.

A nice place to relax.

Fast flowing stream at the upstream section.

Dappled sunlight through the trees.

Another view of the bridge.

The Gunung Belumut recreational forest is a nice place to visit if you happen to be in Kluang. A nice quiet retreat which is not well known to outsiders.