For us who spend so much time between 4 walls in the city, it’s a real blessing to be able to get out and escape and see some green scenery sometimes. Away from all the brick and stone walls to open areas with birds chirping and water flowing. That’s where I was able to get to, one fine weekday last week. To Sungai Gabai (Gabai River) waterfalls (https://goo.gl/maps/fZNWySVXUkGH5fWh6 ), which is not too far away from the Kuala Lumpur City Center.
[Picture above from Google Maps] - The last time I was here might probably be over 20 years ago, so, I guess that’s overly too long ago, and whatever memory I had of the place was gone. From the center of city of Kuala Lumpur, the route to Sungai Gabai is just under 35km but because of the small rural roads, the journey did take over 1 hour. Away from the hustling and bustling of the city into the greenery.
[Picture above] - There is no easy way to get here via public transport, so it’s best to just rent a vehicle which is the most cost effective option. As you enter, the small archway that welcomes you to Gabai River Forest Reserve. To get here, one has to traverse very narrow earth roads. And thank goodness I came on a weekday, so to avoid any traffic along the small path.
[Picture above] - A big sign saying that only visitors that have taken 2 complete doses of Covid-19 vaccine may enter. The entrance fee is RM 1, which is about 0.20 USD. Car parking and use of the bathroom/toilets are extra charges that needs to be paid as well.
[Picture above] - When I was here, since it was a weekday, the area was rather quiet, which was great. That would help with social distancing and also gives me space to take photos and explore the area. A family who was here earlier was having a picnic at the base of the waterfalls. The lower part of the waterfalls can be seen in the background.
[Picture above] - Along the sides, there are steps that one can climb up to the higher part of the waterfalls. This is a must do, and one would get the chance to see greenery all around, including patches of local bamboo. It was a peaceful climb.
[Picture above] - As I climbed up, there were also different spots along the path that visitors could relax in the stream. Some with big rocks which would be a good spot to sit and enjoy the cool weather here.
[Picture above] - At many spots along the area, one can sit, relax and just listen to the running water. Here in this spot, no one in sight.
[Picture above] - The place was relatively clean, and when I saw some plastic, I would just pick it up to dispose of later.
[Picture above] - A picturesque area to take some photos would be the cross bridge area with the stream flowing below.
[Picture above] - A day done in travelling and exploring the Sungai Gabai Waterfalls. A highly recommended place to get away from the city for the day. Bring food and drinks, bring friends. Enjoy the cool weather.