Waterfalls - Discusssion on the many types

The word "Waterfall" is used to describe a scene when water in a river drop down a slope. There are numerous forms of slopes, depending on the surface. The rate of changes in level. Then there are single drops as oppose to a stage of a continous action of cascading down a slope.

On the net , many attempts have been made to grade the size and beauty of these waterfalls. How large should the drop be, before it can be truly classified as a waterfall?

Cascades or Catarats	Water flowing over rocky surfaces at an angle of over 45%
Vertical Drop	Water falls in a single drop over the edge of a cliff, a free fall.
Series/Long Cascades	Some rocky surfaces may not be entirely vertical, but interupted by ledges

Malaysian was essentially a rural country until some years back. Locals love their land and the scenic beauty of the hinterland where their community started making their homes many generations back.

Air Terjun - literally translated will be "water drop'

Lata - No exact translation but commonly denotes a tall uninterupted drop.

Jeram - Again a term used for rapids which also includes casacdes

Waterfall areas had long been their pride and aptly their play ground. Therefore many terms and road signs around the country still guide you to their favorite Waterfalls.

Malaysia with its tropical rainfalls are blessed with Waterfalls that maintain its appearances the whole year round. Almost all of them share this chacteristic.

Yet, there are a couple of waterfalls among very rocky hills and limestone ridge that can only be seen during the raining seasons. When they are seen, they are dramatic tall vertical drops.

Travel magazines or tourist brochures use names like "Lata" to arouse interest. That is the Malaysian officially term for large waterfalls. Best example is the notable Lata Kinjang. Except for this waterfall, most waterfalls in the Recreation Park turn out to be below expectations. The really large waterfalls are still in pristine jungle! Some officially termed "Lata" waterfalls- can turn out to be a series of rapids or cascading drops. Need not necessary denoting vertical drops. So be prepared for surprises.

"Jeram" used widely in the state of Negri Sembilan is more appropriate to describe camping spots.

Links to other waterfalls site

It pays to be be acquainted with the river where the drop should take place. Information such as:- its tributary networks, source and length of flow etc. Then the location the fall along that stretch of river vis-à-vis the distance that river had flowed from source . All these to some extend will give a clue as to its water volume. Their contribution to how dramatic the appearance the waterfall to expect. Such facts will prepare our expectation before embarking on a back-breaking trek into the unknown.