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Waterfalls
for the
whole
family |
The Kanching Waterfalls
Part 2-
Visiting the waterfalls
Like many
waterfalls elsewhere, there are also 7 Waterfalls in the the Kanching Park
At the start of the
paved walkways to the picnic areas, this signboard was previously
erected to guide visitors to the 7 falls.
Their names and walking time were
tabulated to assist visitors making their plans.
There are paved steps to trek
up to the destination of their choice and capabilities.
With such a wide choice, this staggered picnic area is a
tremendously popular weekend destination.
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Lately, this signboard
has been removed, perhaps the Forestry Department who manages the park feels
that they should not publicize the waterfalls.
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The place is really
over crowded on weekends and the enthusiasm of the inexperience
picnickers had led to some incidences with the precarious terrain.
This artificially
made arch in the middle of a forest with vine, marks the entrance to the paved
walkway that leads to the first 4 waterfalls.
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Some 300 meters
from the arch, take the right turn off and follow a level path.
The 1st
waterfall, Lata Bemban.
Not
many holidaymakers stop by this Lata Bemban; the leveled space is limited and unable to take large group.
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The real picnic
area starts with this 2nd waterfall. It is appealing to
families who have chosen not to continue the uphill walk. The
bridge joins both banks to generate more resting area; the lower end of the drop
ends in gentle slopes. Crowd feel comfortable with the uneven rock surfaces as
long as they are not steep.
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2nd fall is Lata Terentang
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Below, the 3rd
waterfall and the focal point of the crowd. To reach this waterfall, the
paved walkway with a small gradient is a smooth ascend.
There is a fair
size pool, with little level ground. The hill slope on the left has a narrow
ledge, upon which stand a shed is erected for picnickers to keep their dry
belongings.
3rd
Waterfall
Lata
Tempenis
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Just behind the
shed, the path now ascend steeply with one flight of continuous steps.
The total ascend of
some 300 feet follow the bank of Lata Kapur
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4th
waterfall
Lata
Kapur
This
is the mid section as the fall and lack of space evades wide angle lens. |
Some view
of the stairways.
The
terrain, the unduly long stairways may frighten picnickers, requires the
two subsequent flights to be placed out of alignment.
The steep
climb also the natural barrier that separates the normal crowd from the adventurers
and courting couples.
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Before the
river goes into a mood of falling continuously over 4 steep
cascades, the river takes a breather too.
It is a
good view to see a narrow plain high up among the hills, where the river
is tame.
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The
path to reach here is on a fairly steep slope, undefined but well trodden
ground over buttress and exposed roots.
5th
waterfall
Lata Tembusu
Small pond, small crowd,
there is also another shelter here just like all the other waterfalls.
The last and highest
shelter |
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The path
after this picnic area constrict tremendously as it goes under the
thicket of dense vegetations. For the first time, the path leads away
from the waterfall. But only for 50 meters!
The
magnificent view of yet another very tall waterfall
6th
Lata Gapis
The
end of the track for picnickers, except for some foolhardy hikers who
perch themselves some where mid way of this waterfall |
Part 3-
Adventure to find new waterfalls
This next part may
not be suitable for family outing. It is not dangerous but too strenuous for children.
After a while, most
hikers will get tired of watching waterfalls. They get more courage to defray
their boredom. So focus on the challenges ahead.
You can reach
the top - Yes, of
all the waterfalls. That is where the series first started. After all the
picnic area, comes a refreshing change from
pathways and concrete steps. Reaching this point after the 5th waterfall,
adventure has started.
Only the strong
willed and the outdoor type are here.
Follow the banks on
both side of the waterfall. This picture shows the track on the left. Very
steep, over roots and rocks. The right flank is easier with exposed roots that
are denser.
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If you must find a
away to disappear for a weekend. This is a fantastic destination to spend your Sunday
morning, a short but strenuous hike of only 45 minutes, and just 30 minutes drive from
town.
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