Want to touch a rainbow? Curious to know whether there is really a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? (By the way, there is.) Well, you can find the answers at the Rainbow Waterfall of Sungai Lembing in Pahang state, Malaysia.
I found my answers by joining the Sungai Lembing tour organised by The Adventure Village group with FitnessKakis group.
Our bus cleared Johor Bahru customs shortly after midnight and we arrived at little Sungai Lembing town before sunrise. It's a Saturday morning and the sleepy town was already bustling with excited holiday makers.
First stop was Pasar Sungai Lembing and it's adjacent hawker centre - the only one in town. Here, we got the necessary caffeine and carbs to fuel us for the day's exciting programme ahead.
I opted for the local specialty, san sui tofu 山水豆腐 and Sungai Lembing noodles 林明面. I like this simple breakfast - more about san sui tofu in an upcoming post.
After breakfast, we climbed onto the waiting 4 wheel drive trucks that will take us up to the Rainbow Waterfall - well, nearly. We still need a short trek to the waterfall which is accessible only on foot.
The nearly hour long 4 wheel drive ride was a mini adventure in itself, up and down narrow dirt tracks and small streams. Our trip was during the dry season. I imagine during the wet season, there will be some slipping and sliding thrills added to the ride - free of charge 😝
The 4 wheel drives dropped us off at a small river or stream which we had to cross on foot and trek about 40 minutes to the waterfall.
The crossing was just knee high. There was also a shallower path laid with stones. I am told that during the wet season, the crossing can be waist high.
Have no fear. Kumpung Adidas is here.
I love these rubber shoes known affectionately as "Kampung Adidas". I could use these to cross rivers and climb hills comfortably. Once again, I dumped the fancy trekking boots I brought along and used just these ugly ducklings throughout the trip. Next time, I shall just leave those heavy famous brand boots at home.
The first time I saw these rubber shoes was during my Mount Kinabalu trek where the porters climbed the 4,000+ metres to the summit with heavy loads just wearing these. "Kampung Adidas" are sold at most little shoe shops in Malaysia at RM8 to RM10 a pair. #notsponsored 😂
From the river crossing, it's another 40 minutes trek to the waterfall. The cheerful trek was leisurely, stop, go, stop, go as there were lots of people from children to elderly folk.
Almost there. No sweat ☺
There are some rocky stretches near the edge of the waterfall.
When we arrived at the waterfall, there were already a couple of hundred happy people waiting for the rainbow.
The waterfall was a quite a sight to behold - streams of water cascading down the 300+ metre perpendicular rock cliff. It sounds like a drizzle - no thunder nor even a splash.
The friendly 4WD drivers serve hot instant coffee, Milo and cup noodles cooked with water from the waterfall while we waited for the rainbow to appear.
One of the drivers told me that the rainbow will appear at around 10:00am for about 30 minutes. It was precisely what happened.
Every body had their eyes peeled to the bottom of the waterfall. There were shouts of excitement and cheers as people here and there around the pool spotted their rainbows.
Finally, everyone who came was rewarded with their rainbow.
After the rainbow disappeared at around 10:30am, we made our way down.
I am grateful that the Rainbow Waterfall was very clean as everyone left only foot prints and took home only rainbows.
Soon, we were back at the river crossing where the 4WDs were waiting to take us back to Sungai Lembing town.
Sungai Lembing's Rainbow Waterfall is not very big - it's doesn't have the earth shaking roar and thunderous majesty of Niagara but it has a rainbow everyone can touch and take home in beautiful memories.
And, for that million dollar question about the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.....
When you reached the end of the rainbow, you will realise that the pot of gold is in your heart. Everyone's heart 😍 Has always been there. Really. Just look at children for proof.
The Adventure Village organises exciting trekking trips around Asia and beyond. Do join Adventure Village Facebook Group to be updated on their upcoming trips.
Date: 30 Jul 2016
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