6 September 2009 - after probably more than 15 years since I first set foot in Lata Berumbun, I had the chance to revisit the place again today with my friends Remi and Aurelie. To go there from Raub, first drive towards the direction to Kuala Lipis. At the junction to Sg. Ruan, drive through Sg. Ruan and head for Sg. Klau. At the village of Sg. Klau, ask from the restaurant next to the bridge or anybody, indicating that you want to get there and you'll be directed to the drivers of the 4WDs that take tourists to Lata Berumbun. (The Chinese call Lata Berumbun "Pak Yee San"). It is usually wise to book ahead, and one can also arrange to stay overnight in the depth of the pristine jungles of Lata Berumbun (camping, of course).
The trip uphill takes about 45 minutes, 10 km from the village of Sg. Chalit. It is predominantly Chinese settlements with farming activities and if you're an absolute fan of durian, double the fun with an adventure during the durian season. The ride up the extremely treacherous trail itself is a real thrill, especially the river crossing with the four-wheel-drive. As there is only stand-only room at the back of the open 4WD, the view is spectacular but at the same time, you'll feel every bump and tilt of the 4WD. At the turn on the shoulder of the first hill going towards the second hill, don't forget to ask the driver to stop for the most spectacular panoramic view of the main range and the Klau Valley. On a clear day, you can even see Genting Highlands from this vantage point. Sadly, you will also see to what extend agricultural activities had had on nature. The Benom Range is a small but tall rocky mountains flanked triangularly by Bentong, Raub and Jerantut. If one try to imagine the extend of agricultural activities surrounding the mountains, I would say that there's not much left of any jungle except for the highest points and the unreachable spots. Sad. Near Sg. Chalit, one can see entire hills denuded for durian and vegetable plantations. The highest peak, Gunung Benom, touches almost 7000 feet and Lata Berumbun is located at around 1800 feet from sea level. Luckily, even after 15 years, not much development has reached Lata Berumbun and one can only hope that it will remain the same for generations to come...
Once there, life jackets are offered for anyone who wanted to swim as the pools are quite deep and since the mountain water is icy cold, it could be dangerous on prolonged exposures so pay extra attention! For the non swimmers, I would personally suggest that they don't indulge themselves in the water as it is not very safe. To see the second and third levels of the cascades, one would also have to first cross the stream and then trek the trails using the ropes provided by the organizers of the place (I think the JKKs of Sg.Klau and Sg. Chalit maintain the place). Be sure to move in groups and take your time as the trails are quite difficult and absolutely treacherous. Children are absolutely NOT advised to come to this trail and to certain extend even the 4WD ride uphill (and downhill). Rubbish, especially plastic drinking bottles and food wrappings remain a nuisance even in this secluded place and one can only hope for the better, that Malaysians (and others) will come to their senses and stop littering.
The trip uphill takes about 45 minutes, 10 km from the village of Sg. Chalit. It is predominantly Chinese settlements with farming activities and if you're an absolute fan of durian, double the fun with an adventure during the durian season. The ride up the extremely treacherous trail itself is a real thrill, especially the river crossing with the four-wheel-drive. As there is only stand-only room at the back of the open 4WD, the view is spectacular but at the same time, you'll feel every bump and tilt of the 4WD. At the turn on the shoulder of the first hill going towards the second hill, don't forget to ask the driver to stop for the most spectacular panoramic view of the main range and the Klau Valley. On a clear day, you can even see Genting Highlands from this vantage point. Sadly, you will also see to what extend agricultural activities had had on nature. The Benom Range is a small but tall rocky mountains flanked triangularly by Bentong, Raub and Jerantut. If one try to imagine the extend of agricultural activities surrounding the mountains, I would say that there's not much left of any jungle except for the highest points and the unreachable spots. Sad. Near Sg. Chalit, one can see entire hills denuded for durian and vegetable plantations. The highest peak, Gunung Benom, touches almost 7000 feet and Lata Berumbun is located at around 1800 feet from sea level. Luckily, even after 15 years, not much development has reached Lata Berumbun and one can only hope that it will remain the same for generations to come...
Once there, life jackets are offered for anyone who wanted to swim as the pools are quite deep and since the mountain water is icy cold, it could be dangerous on prolonged exposures so pay extra attention! For the non swimmers, I would personally suggest that they don't indulge themselves in the water as it is not very safe. To see the second and third levels of the cascades, one would also have to first cross the stream and then trek the trails using the ropes provided by the organizers of the place (I think the JKKs of Sg.Klau and Sg. Chalit maintain the place). Be sure to move in groups and take your time as the trails are quite difficult and absolutely treacherous. Children are absolutely NOT advised to come to this trail and to certain extend even the 4WD ride uphill (and downhill). Rubbish, especially plastic drinking bottles and food wrappings remain a nuisance even in this secluded place and one can only hope for the better, that Malaysians (and others) will come to their senses and stop littering.
View of the Klau Valley with the Main Range at the back...
Plantations on cleared hills on the Benom Range
A spectacular view of the Klau Valley...
Crystal clear water of the Sungai Chalit
Crossing the river on a 4WD...
The locals respect the awesome force of nature, here manifested in a "Toh Tei Kung" shrine, or spirit of the land...at the starting point at Lata Berumbun
Here is it, the majestic first cascade that forms a curtain of soft white water thundering down the smooth surface of a granite wall, directly into a large and deep pool...
Part of the cascade on the second level. accessible by trekking on the other side of the cascades.
The upper reaches of the second-level cascades that carved smooths rock formation, perfect for adventurous swimmers who want to do some sliding. Rubber tubes can be found left beside the deep pool for visitors to try their hands on the smooth surface of the cascade but attention, the cold water could induce cramps on prolonged dipping in the water!
A smooth cascade on the third-level of the less-visited part of Lata Berumbun. The pools here are equally deep everywhere (I was told around 3-4 m)
A view of the cascade on the third-level.
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