Sabtu, 23 April 2011

Lata Puteh Batu Kurau Perak



Have to be more as there are no signage beside the road to raise your awareness indicating that the waterfalls is near by. More so when the Waterfall appear above the "tree-tops". The names for the two Waterfalls "Lata Puteh" and "Lata Tebing Tinggi" are picked up by me, following the small insignificant signs at the river crossing the road.


On the other hand, if you are extra perceptive, this was a waterfall that can be seen as soon as road user leaves the small village of Ijok some 5 kilometers away from the Waterfall. It is up high against the slopes in the hills. A white streak. Then about 2 kilometers before reaching the foothills, that white streak can be seen clearly now as a waterfall. The waterfall will remain visible until a distance of half kilometers, then the trees on lower level will conceal it.


Remember - Only obvious if you are traveling from Ijok to Lenggong.


The place ?


You won't believe it, this Waterfall appears in this site as a record. Very often, acquaintances that I met, when they heard that I am quite conversant with Waterfalls in Malaysia, they would talk about the largest Waterfall in Perak. So far I have yet to hear from one who knows of its exact whereabout. Where? Some where in Batu Kurau! So, I had this Waterfall up as record with a question? Have you really stop your car and look at it, leave alone confirming its whereabouts.


Since I first saw the Waterfall some years back, I have being trying to confirm whether it was possible to river trek from the main road to the foot of the waterfall.


In 2004, I had that chance to make that long awaited trip. The place had somewhat changed from the first time I saw the waterfall. The view of the Waterfall improved and can be seen from very close range. Years ago, I could only see it from distances of kilometers. I thought I had to trek the river to reach upstream, hopefully to place near its base.


Good news is - The base near the waterfall was cleared and the water works department had condoned up the area as well. The bad news was - We had to break into the compound to hike up to the point where the water dropped. No problem! The fencing was broken into in many sections. But still after scaling the very steep hill sloop, we couldn't find traces of the waterfall. It must have hit the ground and scattered among the boulders. Meaning all of us, would expect some sort of pool at the base of the waterfall. No, we did not. The water recollected beneath the boulders and flowed out as a stream.


So this is one waterfall for viewing and photography only. No recommendation and you need not get yourself prepared.


Strange! Isn't it? There are destination that you can only see.


MY recommendation ?

I know that my friend Jan had climb higher and finally reached the base of the waterfall. I am not going to suggest you doing that - nor recommending that you do anything.

Just telling you it can be climbed. That the place is worth visiting to clear the record and for you to take pictures.