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� Gunung Jerai � Alur Naga Waterfall & Legends �Bukit
Hijau �
� Bukit Hijau � Lata Assam Jawa (Lata Bayu) �
Take your pick and drive over
for hours of peace and solitude within the green environment. What is a
tropical paradise without the sights and sounds of the cascading
waterfalls? This magical play of flowing and crashing water can be found
at many locations in Kedah.
Gunung Jerai
As the highest peak in the state, it adds a touch of variety to the scenic flat plains seen throughout the area. Located near Sungei Petani and standing at an impressive height of about 1,200m above
sea level,
it boasts of cool, fresh air, natural surroundings and a decent
helping of local legends. From the summit, the visitor is treated to
spectacular views of rolling paddy fields and the sea surrounding
Penang
and Langkawi islands. Considering this place to be sacred, traders built
a complex of temples that have now been excavated and preserved at the
Lembah Bujang Archeological Museum site.
The main vegetation is the dipterocarp forest which consist of hardwoods
such as keruing, cengal and meranti. Going up the landscape changes
dramatically from lowland to montane conifer forest. Typical species of
the conifers include Agathis dammara and Podocarpus imbricatus. Several
rare orchids are found on Gunung Jerai including the Bulbophyllum
longiflorum. Pitcher plants of the Nepenthes species are also quite
common
A forest recreational park, the Sungai Teroi Forest Recreational Park,
is located on one of the mountain slopes, being home to a variety of
species of rhododendrons, orchids, pitcher plants, countless varieties
of ferns and herbs. Trees along hiking trails have been labelled for easy
identification. Dammed mountain streams form semi-natural pools provide
cool spots to relax. The Forestry Museum which is housed in a beautiful
traditional Malay house is located a short distance away from the
Peranginan Gunung Jerai Resort. Here visitors can derive useful information on Malaysian forests
and learn among other things, the commercial and medicinal uses of
different indigenous plants.
The mountain also holds a secret relating to the Second World War. The
British army, anticipating a Japanese attack from the sea, had built
trenches located close to the peak. There, they would wait for the enemy
who never turned up. The visitor can still see these trenches criss-crossing
the jungle path.
Alur Naga Waterfall & Legends
Located about 200m from the resort is the famous Alur Naga waterfall
which is indeed a magnificent spot. The hike down a path of steep
boulders was well worth it as one could spend the whole day enjoying the
serenity and beauty of the falls.
The name was derived from a legend where a dragon was believed to have
lived in the cave behind the waterfall and occasionally came out to
bathe in the pool. Or as another legend has it, a king called Raja
Bersiong (king with fangs) used this pool as his private bathing pool.
Located near the waterfall was a huge rock resembling a ship which was
believed to have turned into stone. On top of the rock one can see long
diagonal lines intersecting one another exactly like the wooden planks
on a ship. He then went to a corner of the "ship" and demonstrated that
it was hollow beneath. That is supposed to be the trap door leading to
the lower deck. A short distance from Batu Kapal, were three strangely
shaped stones � a human head, three toes and a dolphin. According to
legend, a long, long time ago, the sea level was higher and Gunung Jerai
was not a mountain but only an island called Pulau Serai. Batu Kapal,
which was actually a junk, was shipwrecked when it was caught in the
coral reefs. The human head and the three toes could have belonged to
one of the sailors and together with the dolphin, were all changed into
stone for eternity.
Trekking
For those who are more adventurous and physically fit, they can walk up
the road. This comparatively arduous task takes an average of four
hours.
While ascending, there are several strategically located vantage points
from where visitors can have a magnificent view of the coastal plain,
the "rice bowl" of Kedah, the Straits of Malacca and legendary islands
of Langkawi.
Take-on the 20,000 "Tangga Kenari" steps challenge up the mighty Jerai
Peak. This alternative access for trekkers offers a better experience as
the crawling route meanders to the top. Along the way, get familiar with
the myriad attractions of the forested abode... take a breather at the
many lay-bys and let the unique sensations of the environment rejuvenate
your spirits. You are in nature's own pharmacy where the flora may just
be the panacea to life's many incurable ailments. You could also partake
of a nocturnal hike up the mountain with the help of lights that show
the way up the steps.
Getting There / Stay
This forest clad mountain that was formerly known as the Kedah Peak lies
45 km to the south of Alor Star. It is accessible by road where 12 km of
winding tarmac leads all the way up from the foothill to the only
resort, Peranginan Gunung Jerai, sitting at the peak. Overnight
accommodation is provided for with rooms and chalets. The town of Gurun
is the stop off point, 33 km south of Alor Setar on the Butterworth-Alor
Setar trunk road. A jeep service can take you up the mountain (45
minutes), starting at 8.30 am till 5 pm daily.
Location � 4 5 km to the south of
Alor Star
Visit Rating -
Bukit Hijau
Located about 112km south-east of Alor Setar, deep in the forest of
Gunung Inas in the Baling district is Peranginan Bukit Hijau, a great
highland retreat for those inclined for the greenery. A three-kilometre
jungle-trail through a virgin forest reserve leads up to nearby Gunung
Inas at 1,454 metres.
 Also
known as Lata Bukit Hijau Recreational Forest, it is famed for its
amazing seven-level cascading waterfalls that create seven pools of
cool, crystal clear water. Although picnickers come here during
weekends and public holidays, its large camping ground with basic
toilet facilities along the Sungai Mempelam (Mempelam River) is more
than adequate for all. Activities available there include nature walks
along the bridle path that leads to the forest reserve where one can
see nature
at its best.
To get there, one can proceed on routes:
1. Sungai Petani - Kuala Ketil - Bukit Hijau (1 hour driving).
2. Kulim - Bukit Hijau
Location � Gunung Inas
54 km from Kulim Towm or 112 km from Alor Star
Visit Rating -
Lata Asam Jawa (Lata Bayu)
 This
is a very old recreation area and also a renowned spot in the
northernmost part of the country. The park is dominated by a big
cascade. The Waterfall is a finale to series of rapids ending up with
a cascades. Total height of the continuous slide is about 30 meters
high. A beautiful pathway follows the left bank all the way until a
level plain on top of the rapids. There is only one small vertical
fall of 2 meters at the end of this stretch.
Some 3 kilometers out of Baling town and a branch road to north Kedah,
places like Sik, Weng etc. On the way [15 kilometers later] in the
village of Assam Java, good and prominent signage directs you to the 3
kilometers Park road.
Location � About 30 km from
Baling & 90 km from Alor Setar
Visit Rating -
information - travel guide - places of interest |
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