Chiling Waterfalls, Kuala Kubu Bharu

Entrance to the Chiling Waterfalls

Kuala Kubu Bharu is a sleepy town just 10 minutes away from Fraser's Hill and about an hour's drive from Petaling Jaya. We did a little research on KKB and found out that there is a "jaw-dropping" waterfall before you reach  the "GAP". Just like its name, the Chiling Waterfall is a great place to chill when you want to escape for a day. And yes, we had to hike up to the falls. It took us about 2 hours ( whart??! we took our time) to get to the falls as we were lost a couple of times and I had a minor "doop dee dee do". If you are an experienced hiker it would take you about 45 minutes.

From left-clockwise: Entrance, Ticket Booth/Pondok, Useless billboard map

Since we were amateur hikers, it was a good thing we went on a weekend as there were a few people around to ask for directions. There were no maps given and please DO NOT follow the directions on the billboard map by the side of the ticket booth. Its plain useless.

First river crossing on a suspended bridge

We had to cross 5 rivers to reach the falls and the very first one was on a suspended bridge. The water levels can reach up to your waist at the other 4 crossings so its not advisable to go during the rainy season.  The treks were visible but was deceiving at times as some places had 2 treks. We also had to stretch our bodies like we never had before as some places required bendy gymnastic moves..

Awesome butterflies!

Wild Flowers and Plants

Irresistable "Crocs"

While hiking up, we discovered a small patch of land filled with lovely butterflies so we got  up close and personal with them. There were also many interesting wild plants and flowers.

Last photo taken

That's where I fell (Can't believe I actually slipped between those rocks!)

This crossing here was the last photo taken by my dear camera as I slipped and fell between those rocks like a freaggin' new born hippo. The water looked reasonably calm but all it took was one foot on the slippery rock and the next thing I knew, I was doing a mini white-water rafting activity. In that few seconds, I saw my camera's life flashed before my eyes (It's at the clinic now, fingers crossed). Oh and yes I learnt a few good lessons, never underestimate nature or rather the strength of water and also NEVER depend on "some" (I said some) Malaysian men as they would leave you to die in difficult times.

Chiling Waterfalls. Amazing ain't it?

After 2 gruelling hours of hiking, we finally made it up to the falls and let me tell you, its the most fantastic waterfall I have ever seen. We took a looong while to absorb its beauty and surroundings (no... not the shirtless dudes). You just have to be there to know what I'm talking about, words just can't describe it...  the water was icy cold, perfect for a dip after a hot long walk through the forest.

Info

Entrance Fee: RM 1.00 per adult. Free for kids 12 years and below.

GPS Coordinates to the Chiling Waterfall:    N:  03     35.710'

                                                                                  E:  101   45.050'

  

Those without GPS gadgets:  Look out for a sign board that says "Santuari Ikan Sungai Chiling". It will be on the right side if you are coming from Kuala Lumpur. That is the entrance to the falls.

      Left: Entrance to the Waterfall                        Right: The ticket booth/pondok

Where to Park: Just after you see this bridge there is an open space on the left. Or you can park anywhere along the roadside. Do not leave your important belongings in the car.

Bridge

TIPS

**  Ask for an emergency phone number at the ticket booth/pondok.

**  Please use proper footwear, NOT flip flops or thongs or heels ( I saw a lady wearing those!). The rocks are VERY slippery and the treks are really muddy.

**  Those intending to bring toddlers please use a baby backpack.

**  Use insect repellant.

**  Put your important gadgets (cameras, GPS, handphones) in a zip lock/ waterproof bag. (Highly recommended) 

**  Please don't throw your rubbish everywhere.. Bring along a plastic bag!!! (Come on now, be a good citizen, it doesn't take an ounce of sweat)

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Butterfly Park KL

The Butterfly Park in KL is a place where you can take nice up close pictures of the different type of butterflies and flowers. However the place had a rather shabby appearance and if you ask me I don’t think it’s worth paying RM 8 just to go in and another RM 1 for bringing our camera in with us. We were also disappointed because we expected the place to be bigger and nicer. 

 

Iva managed to get some really awesome pics! Check it out...

They also have an educational display room as you make your way out. There were a few live creepy crawlies but most of it are dead and were pinned up in a frame.

Mr Froggie was giving us ‘the finger.’ LOL!

 

That’s the entrance and as you can see the signboard is covered with a huge plant and because of that we missed the turning.

I think overall it is a place where you can get some pretty cool close up pictures of butterflies as well as some beautiful flowers. But I think once is enough and I will not be going back there again.

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Cameron Highlands

My first perception of Cameron Highland's was that its a place for aunties crazy about veggies and flowers. But boy, was I wrong! There are loads of activity to get into and its a great place for scenic lovers as the view is absolutely breathtaking no matter which way you look.

These white canopies are a common sight along the way up to Cameron Highland's. It's part of an advanced growing technique used by farmers for their crops. It's not a very beautiful view during the day but at night....its like an electrifying mega-city!

If you are lucky enough you might be able to spot local aboriginies in little huts along the roadside selling jungle durians, petai's and bamboo.

~ Brinchang Town ~

Brinchang is one of the few towns in Cameron and you won't find any trouble looking for a place to stay. There are loads of hotel,restaurants and grocery shops..heck! they even have a 1+3D outlet!

~ Big Red Strawberry Farm ~

If you are crazy over strawberry's then head over to the Big Red Strawberry Farm. Located in Brinchang itself, it not only has strawberry's but veggies and flowers as well.

~ I honestly didnt know parsley grew this way... ~

~ Strawberry pancake topped with vanilla ice cream. Drooling yet? ~

Strawberry picking is one of the regular "must try" activities in Cameron Highlands, unfortunately we were unable to get our hands on any strawberry's this time as it was the rainy season ( Darn rain! ). So to pacify ourselves we had a couple of strawberry goodies at the strawberry cafe in the strawberry farm! 

~ Brinchang Pasar Malam ~

If you are at Cameron's, you have to visit the Brinchang Pasar Malam, held every weekend its a huge market with loads of fresh groceries selling at an amazingly cheap price.. Where else can you get 12 packets of veggies for only RM 10?

 ~Strawberry Ice Goreng ~

Strange as it sounds, its a treat that will definitely put a frozen smile on your face. Its soft yet just the right texture and the taste...is so heavenly!...every mouth is a burst of strawberry flavour. Look out for a small stall with a boy. Only RM 2.00 for a cup!

                                                                      ~ Raw Honey ~

I even had pure raw honey with the comb intact and all. It was very very chewy and gooey. Really good stuff though!

Yes, I know its a junk truck but I just cant help ogling at these tough trucks..... It ooozes "RuGGed"! Give me one of these baby's and I'll drive all night long!

~ Bharat Tea Plantation ~

~ Tea plants ~

~ Boh Tea Plantation ~

The panoramic view at both plantations are GoRgeous! There are cafe's where you can sit, sip your favourite tea and relax. If you are curious about how tea is produced then head over to the Boh tea factory where you can witness the process in action. And of course, they have a tea shop selling all sorts of tea as well.

~ Jungle trekking, Rafflesia Tour ~

~ Orang Asli village, Jungle trekking, Rafflesia Flower, Waterfall ~

For all adventure seekers, jungle trekking is the answer to your boredom. Just look out for an information center at Tanah Rata where you can choose from many tour packages. This particular one I took was the Rafflesia tour, where we visited the orang asli village, participated in a blow pipe demonstration and jungle trek for about an hour or so to look for the ever so famous Rafflesia flower. It was WORTH it (even though my thighs were screaming in pain)! I had a blast as it was my very first time jungle trekking. The track was a bit tricky as it rained the night before but that only made the journey even more exciting!

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