The 3D2N trekking and camping at the Lost Waterfall of Jerantut, Pahang from 25 to 27 Feb 2017 was a wet and challenging outing. One way to the waterfall was about 4 hours of easy trekking but required crossing the same river five times.
With the weather that rained heavily every day, it was a good experience in camping. We learn best when in adverse conditions: after that event, we would know what extra gear is required to have additional protection in case of bad weather.
The best part of this trekking: there was no mosquito and not a single leech despite the wet and damp conditions – no one in the entire group was attacked by leeches! And to add a bit of drama, a young lady was screaming at the campsite only to know that there was a cockroach in her wet bra.
Overall, it was a fun and challenging outing that we spent three days in the jungle quite comfortably with good camaraderie; reasonably nice and delicious food cooked by the kitchen crew. And we survived without any handphone signal.
Do CLICK HERE to view 123 photos courtesy of yours truly, KC Leong.
At the organizer's bungalow for parking our cars and taking the 4WD to the campsite
Brief Schedule:
Day 1 – The group drove from Kuala Lumpur to Jerantut; parked our cars at the organizer’s bungalow (with a big lawn); took 4WD to the campsite; set up tents; dinner and campfire programme. However, it was raining heavily from 4:00 p.m. and we could only have some light activities under the community tent.
Another 50 meters to the campsite ... with the daily rain, the ground is soft and muddy. The red Ford Ranger, supplying the food, has been stuck there for a day.
Day 2 – The group started trekking at 9:30 a.m. after breakfast. The mission was to visit Lata Lebah Waterfall and The Lost Waterfall. In order to arrive at the waterfalls, the group crossed the same river five times. The rain came at 4:00 p.m. again while we were trekking back. The group returned to campsite by 6:30 p.m., just in time before the sky was dark. We have a hearty dinner with BBQ chicken and grilled fish. It was raining heavily at mid-night and lasted for many hours.
Excitedly pitching up tents
Day 3 – Many of the tents were wet inside due to the heavy rain. After our breakfast, the group was excited getting ready to start the trekking to visit another three waterfalls. But the challenge was to cross the river next to the campsite. After the guides have tied the safety rope, KC and ChongYF managed to cross despite the strong current and the rise in water level; at certain spot, it was chest deep. We decided to abort the mission for safety reason. We started to pack the tents early; have our lunch and transferred out of the campsite in a convoy of 4WD again.
The campsite with the river view
Lessons Learn
Top flysheet – it is good to have another layer of bigger flysheet above the tent for extra protection. When it rains, water is not dripping near to the tent; besides, one can place the bags outside the tent.
The campsite view fronting the community tent
Tent flysheet – this is the upper sheet that come with the tent and mounted on it. This type of construction would allow more surface area for netting and thus offer better ventilation.
Time to have a nice bath in the river
Crossing river – it is good to a have a Throw Bag (a bright rope tie to a bag at one end) during rescue operation when one is swept away. Someone at the lower end would throw the Throw Bag for the victim to catch and pull back to the shore.
Campfire activity under the community tent ... campfire director is Jason Khoo
Maintain visibility – when trekking in a long convey of trekkers in an unknown terrain and not-so-clear trails, the chain of vision must not be broken. A slower trekker must be conscious to allow the faster one to overtake, and close the distance with the group in front.
Day 2 morning ... before the start of a long journey to the Lost Waterfall
33 Team Members
Adrian Foo; Berdych Tan; Cheryl Tham; Chong YFook; Choo KSwee; Chris Chan; Chuah TK; Elaine Lee; Elfreda Ong; Eng QJun; Ervie Yeo; Hooi Miin; Ivy Wong; Jack Oh; Jason Khoo; Jennifer; Johnson; KC Leong; Kellie; Kristy Chew; Lee MYee; Lee SFun; Henry Lin TY; Maan Li; May Gie; SC Yong; Sharon Tan; Sim KSen; SK Khoo; Tai KWone; Wong SMei; Yap E Eng; Yong Fei.
Wading through the river water cautiously in ensuring safety
Trekking through not-so-clear trails
Arriving at Lata Lebah waterfall
At the Lost Waterfall
The Lost Waterfall ... outflow of water is not visible
The kitchen crew cook nice and delicious food
Delicious dinner ... BBQ chicken and grilled fish
Celebrating Chris Chan's birthday
Day 3 ... the group need to cross this river in order to visit another three waterfalls. Water level rises due to heavy rain.
A final group photo with the kitchen/support crew and the drivers of 4WD
Posted by KC Leong
