Gunung Stong Kelantan, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia...

“Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.” — Mark Twain

(Jelawang Waterfall in the background)

Gunung Stong is located in the district of Dabong, Kuala Krai, Kelantan. Although located in the district of Kuala Krai, it is closer to the town of Gua Musang. The 1,422m mountain is located in the Gunung Stong Forest Reserve near the 303m high Jelawang Waterfall which is claimed to be the highest in Southeast Asia. This mountain is a popular location for mountain climbers because it is very challenging.

Gunung Stong is also located in the Titiwangsa Range and consist of Hill Dipterocarp forest, Upper Dipterocarp forest, and Montane forest. There is a lot of flora in this mountain that has medicinal value.

(Leaving Gua Musang early in the morning)

(Beware of wild animals crossing)

(A glimpse of Jelawang Waterfall)

(The viewpoint is still under construction)

(Scenic view of mountains and waterfalls)

Gunung Stong is located in a valley surrounded by four mountains, namely Gunung Basor, Gunung Anak Noring, Gunung Chamat and Gunung Setong.

I used to climb Gunung Stong up to Jelawang Waterfall to watch the sunrise during my younger years with my SMKB/SIC Scout Troops.

(All shops were closed during Covid era)

(The start of the mountain climbing trail)

Hutan Lipur Sungai Tekala

“Get busy living or get busy dying…” - Stephen King

(Not many visitors during the CMCO)

3.058477, 101.872634
03 03’30.52”N, 101 52’21.48”E

(The entrance is by the roadside)

(The facilities were developed since 1982)

(The fees for the facilities)

Sungai Tekala Recreational Forest is located about 43 km from Kuala Lumpur in the Hulu Langat area close to Semenyih Dam. It forms part of the Sungai Lalang Forest Reserve which in turn is part of State Park Forest, also known as Taman Warisan Negeri Selangor.

(No other visitors at this time of the day)

(Even the ticket booth is un-attended)

(Warning posters, the do and don'ts)

This stretch of unspoilt lowland dipterocarp forest is a very popular place for local residents to picnic alongside a scenic river. We could have a picnic and bathe in its crystal clear water or hike in the pristine rain forest. It gets busy at weekends and during public or school holidays but the rest of time it is never crowded.

(Part of Sg Lalang Forest Reserve)

Sungai Gabai Waterfalls

"In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love..." - Mother Teresa

(Beautiful waterfalls at the lower level)

3.166469, 101.906406
03 09’59.29”N, 101 54’.23.06”E

(Arriving at the end of the road)

(Vehicles parked along the road)

(A short hike to the waterfalls)

From Gunung Nuang Recreational Forest Park we drove on the Ulu Langat road until we reached Batu 18 where you turn left. After 6 km we turned left and follow the road until the carpark. We had to pay Rm3 for parking. From the carpark it is not far to the entrance and the first cascade.

(Empty shops, abandoned and littered with rubbish)

(An eyesore at the entrance)

(Overflowing rubbish bins)

(Smelly leftover foods and used plastic containers)

(Even the path to the higher cascades is full of rubbish)

(Neglected and dirty facilities)

The Gabai River descends in a set of waterfalls known as the Air Terjun Sungai Gabai. It used to be a popular attraction for the locals. A cemented path leads from the parking area to the lower falls. This cascade is tall and not so steeply inclined. Visitors can find a nice place on the rocks and enjoy their bath in the shallow pool at the bottom of the falls. Along the path several shelters have been built. The upper falls can be reached by steep trails.

(Used to be a popular picnic area)

(The lower cascades)

(Nature's beauty)

(Steep steps to higher levels)

(A few gazebos along the path)

(A bridge to the other side of the stream)

We did not stay long. Our plan to cool off in the chilly cascades and enjoy natural surroundings was cancelled. Although the water cascades is beautiful, the sight of the surrounding area was terrible. The area looks like a rubbish dump, littered with smelly rubbish and leftover food everywhere. We were very disappointed that the picnic area is not taken care of and the facilities are very poorly maintained.

(Stagnant part of the stream)

(A cleaner part of the stream)

(Camping area, not very clean)

Gunung Nuang Recreational Forest

"Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game…" - Babe Ruth

(The gate leading to the Nuang Trail)

3.215616, 101.883491
03 12’56.22”N, 101 53’00.57”E

From Lata Beringin we drove on the Ulu Langat road towards Pangsun then followed the signage to Taman Eco Rimba Gunung Nuang. The Sungai Langat Water Treatment Plant is located next to the entrance. Those who plan to trek to the mountain top need to register and pay a small fee. When we were there, there’s nobody at the ticket booth and the park looks abandoned most probably the park is closed during the MCO.

(Next to Sungai Langat water enchatchement)

(Nobody at the ticket booth)

(An old gateway leading to the park)

Gunung Nuang Recreational Forest Park is the starting location to climb Gunung Nuang which passes through Lolo Camp. Lolo Camp is located about 6km from the park while the peak of Mount Nuang is at a distance of about 13 km. It will take 2 hours to trek to reach Lolo Camp alone. It will take about 6 to 7 hours to the Gunung Nuang summit.

(A proper entrance to the recreational forest)

(The start of the hike)

(A good concrete path at the beginning)

(A signage as you enter the trail)

(More warning notices)

The park is complete with amenities, such as toilets, prayer rooms, chalets, open halls, offices and parking area. A small eatery is only open on weekends.

(Just follow the rustic arrow)

(The trail is still good)

(The trail starts to narrow here)

(It's time to turn back)

Lata Bringin Kampung Sungai Semungkis

"Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air…" - Ralph Waldo Emerson

(The start of the off-roading)

3.167287, 101.826672
03 10’02.23”N, 101 49’36.02”E

Since the MCO, our travel is limited to visiting interesting areas around Selangor. Today’s day-trip will cover Hulu Langat waterfalls and two 100 year old mosques.

(The end of tarmac road)

(A camp site nearby)

Our first destination was Lata Beringin Waterfall located at Batu 14 Hulu Langat Selangor. Our GPS brought us to the end of the tarmac road. From Pekan Batu 14 we came to the junction to Agrotek Resort. We drove on this route to the end of the road. From the tarmac road we had to drive off-roading a few hundred meters the end of the track if you are driving a 4WD or a motorcycle or trekking on foot. There is a campsite still under the process of upgrading of basic amenities. The camping site area is also not large and limited about 10 tents.

(Leaving the bigfoot at the roadside)

(A short hike along the stream)

(Cool stream near the campsite)

(Serene quiet surrounding)

It is recommended to make a reservation before you set up your tent as the area is under the supervision of the village association. The site is kept tidy and clean and there are basic facilities of toilet and surau. Overnight tent site fee is RM25 and the entrance fee is RM1 per person. There are eight levels of beautiful waterfalls. Easy, moderate and hard trekking is necessary to go to the top.

(The lower cascades)