TRAVEL MALAYSIA #2 - AYER HITAM FOREST RESERVE

Lets take a walk together! There are several waterfall spots within the Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve. They are all unique and beautiful in their own ways. As mentioned earlier in TRAVEL MALAYSIA #1, I would have loved to show my foreigner friend this place if it hadn't been raining the night before our outing. When it rains, the trail tends to be muddy and slippery.

One of the several entrances to begin hiking

This particular reserve is a 1248 hectares of lush green forest reserve situated between Puchong and Serdang. To complete the entire two way trail takes approximately 3 hours of hiking. When I first got into hiking, I never knew that it would turned out be so much fun. Overtime, I've learnt to really enjoy hiking as it allowed my body to get in touch with mother nature. Besides being a healthy and cost effective form of entertainment, it does wonders to calm those nerves caused by everyday stress or negativity. I became a much more happier person as a direct result of that. If we spend more time and energy on positive thoughts, then, we all have the potential to accomplish wonderful things in life.

Root of trees creating natural steps and pathway

Fungi forming natural occurring shape

I was totally unprepared during my first hike so I ended up being dehydrated and frustrated for getting lost. However, life is filled with many unexpected surprises. It was during my first hiking trip here that I met kind samaritans who renewed my faith towards humanity. Challenges made us discover many things about ourselves that were otherwise neglected. Life is beautiful, indeed!

Fresh water prawn

Fresh water prawns foot spa 😂 😂 😂

Enjoying a dip is fine but avoid contaminating the waterfall with sunscreens or detergents

When I finally found the best spot to rest my legs during my second hiking trip, I was very shocked to be attacked by strange water creatures. It turned out that there were fresh water prawns living in between the rocks at the waterfall and they were busy picking at my dead skin cells. Usually, fresh water prawns can only survive in very clean water source. I pray with all my heart that this place will last a very long time so we need to do our best to protect it. I'm very lucky to have experienced and to store wonderful memories like this in my mind as well as on the Steemit blockchain.

The forbidden Blue Lagoon

Warning! There is a forbidden waterfall spot within the Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve known as the Blue Lagoon by the locals. This waterfall spot is highly protected by the reserve authorities. Anyone caught swimming in it or even near it will be fined RM10,000 or roughly USD2,500.

Lastly, upon finishing the trail, one might be greeted by a resident tortoise. Sometimes, there are exotic birds and monkeys bidding farewell to those with sharp eyesight. I'm in love with this place and hope that you've enjoyed the journey with me too.

Thank you for reading!

Cheers,
@wittywheat