Kunyit Falls are a series of 4 documented waterfalls of various heights and waterfall type on the north eastern side of Gng Jerai mountain. Similar to other streams within the Gng Jerai mountain region, this waterfall has dark tea coloured waters due to the presence of naturally occuring tannin from floral life. The tallest one of the series is Kunyit Falls 3 (main photo) that cascades down an impressively vertical rock cliff into a rocky riverbed with small soaking pools. Kunyit Falls 3 is not the hardest to reach, that mantle would go to another vertical and also tall waterfall upriver with the given name of Langkasuka Falls that requires an additional 1hour+ of steep uphill climbing. Kunyit Falls 1 on the other hand is very easy to reach which is a segmented waterfall with a nice pool. Kunyit Falls 1 is a rather unique waterfall, the waterfall is actually formed by 2 different stream sources and is the confluence where both water sources merge. The only other known example of such a waterfall is Repas Falls, in Pahang. Beginners are NOT advised to attempt the waterfalls beyond the 1st waterfall without guidance due to the vague trails and challenging terrain.
Kunyit Falls 3
Head to Gurun town which is situated on the northern end of Gng Jerai mountain. At the foothills of the mountain is a housing garden called Taman Gurun Jaya. Head to the football field (here) where there are parking spaces along the side of the road where visitors can park. Ensure to park responsibly and not inconvenient local residence. Proceed by foot from here on out.
There are 2 possible entrances to access the oil palm estate. There is a surau nearby called Surau An-Nur where at the end of the road there is a small bridge and a gate where visitors can access the oil palm estate. Another alternative is at the end of Lorong 11 (Image 1.) where there is a small path accessing the oil palm estate. This is also a shorter entrance access. Follow the dirt road heading into the oil palm estate up to a stream crossing. (Image 2.) This stream is the outflow of the Sg Kunyit river itself. At the end of the oil palm estate, a jungle trail begins. Take the left junction going in where after a short distance there is a Y-junction. The junction on the left will take visitors to Kunyit Falls 1.(Image 3.)
Image 1.
Image 2.
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Image 3.
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The junction on the right on the other hand will scale up the hill slope overlooking a series of smaller cascade falls. These cascade falls are given less attention by visitors due to the shorter height. Follow this trail up to the next Y-junction (Image 4.) where the left junction will lead visitors to Kunyit Falls 3 (main photo). At Kunyit Falls 3, visitors should take precaution of the rocky riverbed landscape as the footing is often uneven. Visitors should also be aware of the dangers of such a tall vertical fall where a small pebble falling from such heights can result in serious injuries.
To continue to the next waterfall, visitors will have to put in a lot of effort as the next section of the trail is a steep switchback trail scaling the right side of the hill up to the mountain ridge. This 1.2km trail takes around 1hrs+ to scale over the tall Kunyit Falls 3. On the mountain ridge trail at roughly 425m elevation, there is a left signposted junction (Image 5.) noting the direction down to Kunyit Falls 4. (also known as Langkasuka Falls) Follow this trail down for another 300m where Langkasuka Falls (Image 6.) will be in sight.
Follow the same entrance trail to return back.
Image 4.
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Image 5.
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Image 6.
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Exploration Notes :
Kunyit Falls 4 is not the last waterfall of the series. When scouting upriver by drone, another waterfall level can be spotted. Unfortunately due to the lack of time it is not visited in person.
"Rubbish exist when there is an imbalance of those willing to take action."
If you plan to visit this waterfall, do bring a plastic bag along. In the event there is rubbish left by irresponsible individuals, you can contribute and do our part to keep nature's paradise clean. Thank you~
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Nowadays you need a permit for many waterfalls. General information here Present situation for Kunyit Falls : Permit needed
Waterfalls can be dangerous ! Always take care about your safety
