During the last year I have made many trips with my good friend Khong. We both are interested in nature and he is very knowledgeable about it. This time we wanted to do some recce in the region of Ulu Langat and Ulu Klang. First we went to Pangsun.

Halfway to the Pangsun Pump House, Khong had spotted a junction where a small water pipe joined the main pipe. Would the trail beside this pipe lead somewhere?

Khong is an expert on ginger plants, a large variety of which can be found in Malaysia. These are ginger seeds

After a few hundred meters the track stopped at this Orang Asli house and a small plantation. No sign that the trail continued, so we turned back.

How did we know that it was an Orang Asli house? Well, it was 'guarded' by many of these cute dogs, who actually were very shy. Malays can not keep or even touch dogs

Our next stop was in Ulu KLang, where we wanted to visit the Kemensah waterfall. But at first it looked like it was out of bounds, behind the gate of the UMNO youth training center.

However, the very strict Nepali security guard became more friendly after we talked a bit with a staff member of the center and we were allowed to enter the compound.

The way to the Kemensah Waterfall

About fifty meters after the gate, behind the flag, the trailhead started.

The trail was well maintained and is probably used in the outdoor activities organised by the center.

Further on the trail is much eroded, this must become a river after heavy rainfall.

The Kemensah Waterfall

Then, after about one hour trekking, the sound of water becomes more distinct and through the trees the fall becomes visible.

What a beautiful 'apple' tree. The fruits look very inviting, but the fact that they are unspolit, is probably a proof that they are not eatable....

The waterfall itself is nice, but not spectacular, more a cascade than a real fall. And there is no pool at the bottom, so no possibility for a relaxing swim.

And beyond....

The trail continued, so it is possible to reach the top of the waterfall. Khong is contemplating the meaning of life.

Here the water flows quietly.

There should be more waterfalls upstream! But that will need another trip.

Plans for the future

In the picture below the GPS data (red lines) are superimposed on a topo map of the region. The Kemensah fall is located at the left side, and the Ulu Langat region is on the right. The blue line sketches a possible connection between the two. There are rumours that there might be a trail.... To be continued

Click here for the second part of this adventure