Waterfall for the Orang Asli in Gapoi The eastern slope of the Main Range, the portion as it passes Central Peninsula is particularly wet. Perhaps at this part of the journey, the Range here is "narrower". Moisture from the west gets carried across and downloaded, once it cools at the higher altitude, onto the Eastern Slope. Gapoi is the 3rd of the large waterfalls along this 20 kilometers stretch of road, from Karak to Simpang Pertang
But- the exceptionally heavy rain recently started more flash floods. Common with this tributary, perhaps the over clearing of the forest is another new major factor! The Waterfall is located in the hills after a small village of Gapoi. That is how we have named this waterfalls as well! How to get to the waterfall? Start with the junction after Karak town. About 28 kilometers after the Karak/ Simpang Pertang Junction, there is Gapoi. Just after town, still going south wards, there is a water filtration plant and also a right turn into a "Orang Asli" settlement.
There is ample parking space here. And no more heavy tractor using the road. The locals are usually there in doves. Go down to the river and wade through the river, about 15 meters wide. At parts - just 0.75 meters deep. At this juncture, the river is still going through cascading stage. Then the large cascades are further down stream. Once across the river, is an area of abandoned rubber estates. With a short 100 meters walk, the estate scene gave way to primary jungle. Very clear and well trodden pathways will lead you through the undergrowth, by then also away from the river bank. The bushes here are thick. While the track is hardly 10 meters from the river, the place is a compete silence!
This picture was deliberately taken during a dry season. With the help of my "Asli" friend, we waded by the side to get close to the waterfalls. By the way, he was there doing some underwater spear fishing! Didn't get to see the large fishes he harvested! |