The water collects to a small lake
I had visited gorgeous Jangkar Waterfall for the first time as a junior reporter while covering an event in Biawak, Lundu, Malaysian Borneo, in 2013. At the time, I wrote a rather plain news article about the trip focusing on how state government should have developed the area with standard infrastructure such as a road to turn it into a new tourist destination. The article was then published in a national paper.
After that time, I had never really expected to be able to take the hike again due my life having a rather busy schedule. Today, as I hold a simple job and I am blessed with more leisure time, I plan to take all those trips I have delayed for such a long time, and one of these was of course Jangkar Waterfall. Many thanks go to my cousin for supporting me with the plan and joining me on the trip.
The group taking a rest
Jangkar Waterfall, situated in a mountainous area, is blessed by the fact that it can be seen from the roadside in its full splendour. It often reminds me on a miniature of one of the greatest waterfalls in the world, Seljalandsfoss Waterfall in Iceland.
Jangkar Waterfall is located right above the agricultural plains that extend from the famous Gunung Gading at Lundu in the north part of Malaysia/Indonesia Borneo border at Kampung Biawak. To the south lies the 1600 meter high Gunung Rumput. The 1st and highest of Jangkar’s 23 Waterfalls is a 30+ meter giant, the highest waterfall in Western Sarawak.
My cousin picked me up from home on an early Saturday morning in February. We started the trip and since I was hungry, we agreed to stop at a coffee shop at Bau Town to have a breakfast of authentic local food Kolo Mee, to stock up our belly for the hike. The day was perfect: not so sunny, with a cloud-covered sky.
Along the path
Once we reached Kampung Jantan, the check point before the waterfall, we met our tour guide and got ready for the hike. Our tour guide was a Bidayuh Selako, a very friendly and helpful guy. We found his fee of RM11 per person to be very affordable.
The journey to the waterfall takes about 1 hour, and if you are fit and used to trekking it would take less than that. The first part of the trek was smooth, but once we headed to the middle part the hilly area took some efforts. Tiredness and lack of sugar from sweating can easily occur, as it happened to our friend Dick, who is the plumpest amongst us. The guide recommended to bring some sweets to bite along the journey to prevent vomiting and tiredness. Drinking plenty of water is also imperative during the hike.
Dick taking a rest
The air got fresher as we walked to higher levels. Eventually, Dick managed to walk on, thanks also to the inspiration he got from the sound of fresh water flowing through along the path. The nature gave us great feelings; along the way, we passed villagers, farms, green grass fields, rock formations, tall and old trees and some amazingly huge lianas.
The sound of the approaching waterfall granted us such an excitement that our pace of walking was actually faster now than it was at the beginning. Once we reached the top, we quickly dipped our legs in the water and enjoyed its coolness and freshness. From the top, you can take in unique views that can only be experienced at Jangkar Waterfall.
The writer enjoying the waterfall
The water at the stream was strong and this brings me to inform you that a few accidents have happened there in the past, so please follow your guide recommendations when picking a place to have a swim. We did, and immensely enjoyed our lovely swim. And as usual, I took advantage and took lots of wonderful pictures that will help me remember this amazing journey.
Jangkar Waterfall is undoubtedly one of the hidden gems in Sarawak that is waiting to be explored. I highly recommend this place to those seeking nature and adventurous times.
One of the few pools
The one hour healthy hike is, in my opinion, well-worth the waterfalls you will experience: in exchange fot the effort, you get beautiful views, an amazing dip and pure, clean air. Dick can confirm this: he did not give up and enjoyed it full blast and had no regret.
Our guide highlighted the fact that some of those. taking this hike give up half way through. But the nature is great, one we cannot really enjoy due to our every day commitments. Get the chance to take this hike, and enjoy the nature!
DATA
Where is Jangkar Waterfall? Jangkar Waterfall is located at Kampung Jantan, Biawak Road, Lundu, Malaysian Borneo.
How far is it from Kuching? Approximately 90 km, about 2 hours drive.
How to get there? The most recommended way if you have no private transport is to rent a car or a bike.
Is it safe? Yes, it is indeed. Just follow your guide advice and don’t swim in certain areas. And if the rain start to fall copiously, give up the hike since the waterfall will rise up in alarming pace.
Amazing natural features
Is it possible to hire a tour guide? My suggestion is: if you are not local, hire a tour guide. They are cheap and knowledgeable, take your safety very seriously and ensure you do not get lost. More and more people get lost and with no clear signs along the way and the hardship of tracking you in case you get lost, hiring a guide and following his advice is perhaps one of the best investments you can make when trekking in Borneo.
See Jangkar Waterfall on trip advisor: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g3423733-d9785891-r341333661-Jangkar_Waterfalls-Lundu_Town_Lundu_Sarawak.html
