Pisang Waterfall- and Going Bananas!

A splendid waterfall surrounded by untouched greenery that is kept hidden near Kuala Lumpur reminds me of the beauty of nature.

I woke up to a cool Sunday morning; the air was fresh from the continuous rain the day before, and i began packing for the day ahead. Towels, checked. Extra clothes, water bottle, camera, checked. Shoes, checked. Salt- i've read that the trek to the waterfall passes through a leech territory, checked. Then, i left and picked my friend and cousin up. We decided to take the route that is more adventurous to the waterfall. Since it was our first time and none of us has GPS- only remembering the directions from Google Maps researched the day before, we relied on our instincts and desires for adventure to bring us to our destination. The drive there was easy and it took us about half an hour from Ampang.

From Ampang on the MRR 2, we passed by Zoo Negara and Taman Melawati on our right and Balai Bomba Taman Melati on our left. Keep left and after Shell, take the exit heading towards Kuantan. Keep left once up the ramp as you will need to make a slight left through a narrow opening towards Jalan Sungai Pusu- do not enter Karak Highway. Turn left at the first T-junction onto Jalan Sungai Pusu and keep straight (the International Islamic School is on your right). At the end of the road, turn right onto Jalan Gombak. Keep straight, passing the Orang Asli Museum on the right and going under the Karak Highway. Watch out for the signboard and turn left to Jungle Lodge Alang Sedayu. While we were heading there, we saw may cyclists around, as if they were practising for a competition, or it could just simply be that the scenic surrounding makes for good cycling venue.

Most of the area here are private properties so be careful not to trespass into their compound. We turned left and parked our car (RM 3). There was a toilet near the office inside. We were the only ones there (8.20am) and it was quiet. Then, a group of families and friends arrived, and since they know the way to the waterfall, we joined them. We returned to this signboard but turned right and kept walking until the end of the road.

River crossing!

Following the trail and trekking next to the Pisang River. The Karak Highway is just in front of us.

Twin tunnels under the Karak Highway to get to the other side. All sorts of creative ideas popped up like us being zombies or fugitives.

I liked how the walls of the tunnel glimmered in this shot like in a space shuttle or time machine. Imagination running wild! Once we exited the tunnel, we stayed on the right side of the river and headed upstream.

Trekking was mild and fun. Roots of trees snaking on the ground. Fallen trees to climb over or go under. Some fair share of exciting action.

Walking by the shades of green.

A perfect spot for photography, next to a large tree trunk.

Go between the rocks or through the river, the choice is yours. Perhaps, the road less traveled?

A gentle and calm stream. The environment somehow reminds me of the set in Narnia or Merlin, or even the Lord of the Rings.

After 40 minutes of trekking, we finally arrived at the waterfall. This cascading stream of water was picturesque.

The other half of the waterfall. The sound of water gushing down was music to my ears. There were large rocks next to the waterfall which makes for ideal picnic spot- perfect for kids and adults alike. Sheltered by tree canopy, no mosquitoes or flies, i cannot but be mesmerized by this secluded waterfall.

Chilling waters were too tempting to resist. Be careful as the middle part was almost chest level deep.

In need for a natural massage in the wild? I did not want to come out.

To make this adventure all the more memorable, around 10.45am, we could rainbows.

Notice that black, almost vertical line near the center of the picture? That's a leech.

After being serenaded by the waterfall, we decided it was time to leave. We trekked out the way in, soaking in nature with the remaining time before returning to the concrete jungle. Although it may be the same trail and we picked up markers like the large boulders or the tree trunk on our way out, the scenery was different when seen from another angle, providing a new experience altogether. My friend saw a frog leaped into the river and later, we caught a frog swimming towards us. High from the excitement, he sang 'this frog is in water' to the tune of 'Girl on Fire' by Alicia Keys.

As we trekked out, school children and more families were heading towards the waterfall. No doubt, the waterfall can get rather crowded on weekends. Have a good pair of walking shoes- i recommend a strapped sandals as you will need to walk in water and on rocks. The rocks can be slippery- i fell when stepped on one and i heard gasps from a nearby school kid. I was alright and was back on my feet. Do remember to keep the place clean when you visit this place. Here's to 'leaving nothing but footprints'. I'm sure i will visit this waterfall again in the future. As this waterfall is less promoted (hence less touristy), expect the raw beauty to captivate your heart.

I learned that there are other activities at the waterfall like abseiling and flying fox. One can also camp nearby.

At the end of the day, one question remains on my mind. Why the name, Pisang (which means banana in English) Waterfall? I gathered that it is derived from the name of the river, Sungai Pisang. Then again, why Pisang River? I can only wonder.

Restoran Thurkah's
My cousin recommended two places for lunch: rojak pasembur or banana leaf rice. I felt only right (and funny) that we should have banana leaf rice for lunch. After a quick shower, we left to Restoran Thurkah's in Taman Melawati.

One cannot miss this eatery. The board is large enough to be seen from MRR 2.

Rice with chicken curry, three types of vegetables and loads of papadom (RM 6). Lunch was okay and i left heading home, happy.

Bananas much?