Waterfalls

Waterfalls are some of the best attractions of nature in Cameron Highlands. Many streams meander through the rainforest areas, flowing into tributaries that lead to the larger rivers in the lowlands. A few break into large torrents that cascade down steep boulders, forming the waterfalls that we love so much. If you ever visit the Cameron Highlands, you should experience at least one of the three most popular ones; Lata Iskandar, Robinson or Parit Falls.

Lata Iskandar is a series of waterfalls that you'll encounter about 15 km after Tapah along the trunk road to Cameron Highlands. While not directly within the Cameron Highlands, this waterfall is the most well known in the area due to its sheer size and magnificent drop. This majestic waterfall cascades for 25-meters down into a series of rock pools. Over the years, the landscape has changed somewhat due to erosion and the force of the waters hitting the rocks.

While nice to look at and photograph, the water does not collect into a pool deep enough for proper swimming, so you're better off just dipping your legs into the running stream. A small trail on the left side of the lowest tier leads up to the higher points of the waterfall above, where there are slightly deeper parts.

There are many wooden huts selling souvenirs and handicrafts for tourists around Lata Iskandar. Peer around and you can see traditional medicine made from tree roots, clay pots, blow-pipes and rattan baskets for sale; good stuff to bring home as gifts. Most of them are open to bargaining. In addition, you can try some of the traditional snacks sold by the road side.

Parit Falls, which means 'Pit', has a name that reflects the sad state of its affairs. This waterfalls is heavily polluted with garbage and debris, though the surrounding forest is still very much pristine. Parit Falls can be accessed from the main road at a right turning just before Brinchang Town. The waterfalls collect at a wide pool that may be used for swimming, but the temperatures are freezing and the rubbish floating disappealing.

The park is well-developed with a playground, bridges and tiled walkaways. The road leading down to Parit Falls from the main road is littered with large pot holes, so be careful while driving. Within the Parit Falls area, there are a few jungle trails to explore, with surrounding trees labelled for easy identification. If you follow the trail to the left from the entrance, it will lead to another trail which turns up steeply to the right. This trail leads to the telecommunications tower at the top and if you walk long enough, following the signboards, you'll reach the peak of Gunung Beremban, another of Cameron Highland's mountains. The trail to the right leads to the Century Pines Resort and a playground. A new landscaped park is due to open soon, which is a small montane garden housed within a fenced compound, located at the entrance to the right.

The Robinson Falls are a series of magnificent water cascades down a steep hill slope in a forested area, located near Tanah Rata Town. To reach it, visitors need to follow the road that leads to the hospital from Tanah Rata. A quick turning to the left just before the uphill slope to the hospital will take you to the entrance of the jungle walk to Robinson Falls.

The jungle walks leads downstream to the main waterfall area, which can be reached in as little as 10 minutes. There is no proper swimming area, and the waterfall is only good for looking at and photography as you cannot head down to the shore due to the steep terrain. The waterfalls is also hopelessly polluted by drain water from farms, giving it a putrid stench.