Waterfalls for the whole family

Sungei Pandan- Kuantan’s Playground

This fall, was formerly known as the Panching Falls is located near a settlement by the name of Panching. Access to the waterfall is by a separate road, a branch off Road. First follow the By-Pass highway, from the Highway Route 2 to Panching. This is an insignificant township outside the hills of Sungei Lembing town. Half way along this road, watch for a signboard for the quarry. It also marks the entrance to the waterfall as well. From here, it is another 9 kilometers to the waterfall.

The waterfall lies within the Berkelah Forest Reserve. In the lowland, the climate here favors the growth of Rotan [cane] plants.

Just before reaching the fall, you will see a special nursery of this Forest Reserve. In it are grown the various species of the "Rotan" plants found around the country.

Panching district is located in the eastern shores of the Peninsular that is influenced by the heavy torrential rains at the end of each year.

The wide Pandan River basin is a reflection of the seasonal weather- broad basin with little water during the off season period.

The Sungei Pandan Recreation area is a matured park managed by the Forestry Department.

The area is equipped with the necessary amenities- change room, showers, toilet and food stalls.

There is even a properly constructed wadding pool at the bottom of the fall.

The waterfall is impressive, tall, broad and near vertical drop. This picture taken during the dry seasons with water flowing down on both sides of the fall leaving the center, bare. The height of this waterfall is approximately 250 meters.

During the drop, water falls from one level to the next as shown by this photograph. At the bottom of the fall, visitors can still enjoy the reduced force of the falling water hitting upon their bodies.

The well constructed cement stairway lead adventurous visitors to the top of the fall for a good view of the hinterland.

Once on top, it is another plain.  Starting from the far interior, water from the stream flows gently to this level space.  Then it makes its way over another stretch of level rocky floor to reach the point where the drop starts.

The thing is, this rocky stretch is not that level anymore. Water action had cut paths in the rocky surface.  During the drier time water from the river will weave its way among the eroded paths.  This leaves the surfaces very rough resembling a plough field.

The edge of this place [top of the fall] is slippery and poses danger for the unwary visitors. Consequently a barricade of iron poles wrapped in barbed wire is placed at the edge. The view from here is good.

Just before reaching the fall, there is a suspension bridge across the gorge. This is not for the faint hearted. Vincent was particularly perturbed by the poor condition of the bridge.  There were wide gaps on the bridge as a result of the missing planks. Also several protruding nails were seen on the planks.  A fall to the rocks may cause the person serious injuries or even death.

A warning sign should be posted, if there is inadequate time to rectify the situation immediately.

This is a major attraction of the park and visitors should not be exposed to this dangerous bridge, especially the daring school children.

Gua Charas

Just a little distance down the road, about 12 kilometers away from the Pandan Falls, in the direction towards Sungei Lembing, there is this grotesque looking limestone outcrop.

Take the road that leads to the entrance of the Chinese Temple. The road is 4 kilometers long and it goes in circle around the palm oil estate to circumvent the karst hills. Reaching the caves opening facing east.

You need to climb about 200 cemented steps to reach the lower cave. It is lighted up and houses a statue of sleeping Buddha. Some further steps upwards, are other caves networks with openings. The walls of the caves are greenish blue because of the moss. From an opening, you get to see a panoramic view of the plain and the town of Kuantan in the far distance.