Be careful geocachers, this cache is not available all the time!
The opening times of the place are as follows:
Monday to Thursday - 9am to 5pm
Friday - Closed for maintenance
Saturday, Sunday, School and Public Holidays - 9am to 6pm
Enjoy!
Sungai Pandan Waterfalls
Sungai Pandan Waterfalls (also sometimes called the Panching waterfalls or Air Terjun Panching by the locals) is situated about 25 km from Kuantan, Pahang.
It is a popular picnic and recreational location for Kuantan dwellers and those staying in the surrounding areas.
The Sungai Pandan (Pandan River) Waterfalls is part of the Sungai Pandan Forest Reserve (Hutan Lipur Sungai Pandan) that encompasses an area of about 25 hectares.
This forest reserve, an untouched treasure, is home to several species of tropical trees including a few species of the pitcher plants.
The beautiful cascading waterfalls and the cool, slightly light green (color of pandanus plants - the reason for the name) and clear waters forming the streams along sandy soil amidst verdant jungle surroundings make for an attractive getaway for city dwellers to relax and pass away the time, especially during weekends.
Activities
Sungai Pandan Waterfalls resort is ideal for family picnics and outing.
Let the children swim, splash and have fun in the sand and the cool waters at the lower ends of the stream flow where the water level is low and ideal for small children.
Adults can just wade and take a cool dip at the waterfalls area further up. The huge rocks and boulders could be slippery, though, so do take care. But the water-pools enclosed by the rocks are just deep enough to swim and bathe. (
Waypoint - Sungai Pandan Waterfalls)
Explore Nature
If you do not like to bathe and swim in the cool waters, you can instead take a leisurely walk across the jungle trails and paved steps at the area and explore the numerous tall timber trees and flora that make the green jungle there.
You can perhaps identify the tall dipterocarp tree species of keruing, meranti and damar endemic in the area.
Tapirs, small animals and some species of birds can also be spotted around the trees.
Going further uphill to the top you can see the small stream that is the source of the uninterrupted supply of waters for the waterfalls. Along the way there are a few rest-huts to stop and view the surroundings.
Getting There
From Kuantan town, take the Kuantan - Kuala Lumpur main highway.
Just after the Malaysian Air Force Base which is on the right of the road (about 17 km from Kuantan), you will need to make a right turn at the traffic lights to the Panching and Sungai Lembing road.
From the turn, after driving about 5km you will reach the signboard for the Sungai Pandan Forest Reserve (Hutan Lipur Sungai Pandan) and turning left you will initially drive into an oil palm plantation and quarry road. (
Waypoint - Road to the Sungai Pandan Waterfalls)
After about 3 km of winding through the small two-lane tarred road you’ll reach the entrance to the Waterfalls.
The car park there is ample during the weekdays, but during weekends and holidays, they won’t be enough and you will find cars parked all along one side of the small two-lane road.
It is therefore advisable that you come early, in the morning instead of after lunch time, to avoid congestion and parking problems, especially during the public holidays.
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Now it's time to play geocachers!
First thing you'll have to do is to reach the main car park to start your journey.
All the informations you need were given just before, but I'll sitll give you the coordinates of the parking in the waypoints. (
Waypoint - Car Park)
There's no need to go inside but if you want to visit... it's your choice.
And if you want to stay for a few days, I'll also give you all the useful contacts in the waypoint.
Now you should start to follow the river (in the right direction... don't forget that the stream comes from the waterfalls!) and only 50 meters away, you will see a tall metal bridge, with stairs, on your right. (
Waypoint - Small Bridge)
Cross the bridge and keep following the path to the waterfalls.
At this moment you'll be probably approached by a men who will ask you some fees to enter the place (3 Ringgits for the parking + 2 Ringgits for locals or 5 Ringgits for foreigners; kids pay half the price... try to act like an expatriate, say that live and work in KL, and you could pay the same as a local).
He is the warden of the place, so just give him what he asks.
For continuing your way, you'll have to cross this bridge.
Take advantage of this moment to take some pictures of the whole waterfalls landscape since it is the best place to do it.
After this, if you look at the waterfalls, you should be on the left side of the bridge.
Continue to follow the path but don't go down to the water on your right.
Keep left and take the way which rises in the jungle towards the changing room.
Please Note: Recently, the wardens of the place have put some barbed wire to block the access to the stairs.
Nothing happened, nobody's fallen down, but they are affraid that it could happen.
The fence barely reaches hip level, so don't be scared: just use something to protect your legs (like a towel), stay as discreet as possible, and you'll be able to pass over it and continue your way.
Malaysians are not bad guys... so if you get caught, just apologize, say that you just wanted to see the view from the top, and there will be no issue; you can trust me!
And please, it actually makes sense but... don't show your face at the top of the waterfall (even for taking a picture).
As I said, be as discreet as possible!
But your rewards will be numerous:
- The view from the top of the waterfalls is just amazing (I could have put a picture here but I don't want to spoil the surprise).
- Very few people are coming here so normally you should be alone to enjoy this paradise of clear water and nature.
- And the cache is just there, waiting for you inside a cavity, close to a wonderful tiny waterfall. (
Spoiler 01)
Now, don't forget to read the hints if you need more help and it only remains for me to say to you...
Good luck geocachers!
PS : It's always pleasant to see a picture (or more) in the logs... 