Waterfall Trek @ Jeram Perlus, Hulu Langat

Brief Information

Jeram Perlus waterfall is quite a fascinating scene. Not to mention its height clearly making it the tallest waterfall I’ve seen of all my limited waterfall adventures. It is situated mildly deep into the jungles of Hulu Langat as a 2.5 hours trek is demanded in order to be rewarded with such treasure. If you’re looking for a solid trek bundled with picnic and a waterfall all to yourself, Jeram Perlus is highly recommended.

My Experience

So this time around I arranged a small group of 3 first timers who were enthusiastic to include outdoor activities as part of their fitness goals this year onwards. Because we were all sportsmen, I had to search for a hike challenging enough to test our stamina in an unfamiliar terrain but not enough to wear our joints out. Hence I stumbled upon Jeram Perlus. Sharing the same entrance as the ever so popular Sg Gabai waterfall makes Jeram Perlus easy to locate… the parking lot that is.

The starting point of this hike should be in an Orang Asli (Native) village. Once you’ve parked your vehicle, follow the road until it reaches the end (you can approach the villagers as they are helpful).

I can’t provide accurate directions for this trip hence here’s a tip for those unfamiliar to Jeram Perlus, GET A GUIDE! It’s better to be safe than sorry when you’ve hiked for hours and end up nowhere with supplies dwindling. Remember it’s a 2.5-3 hours hike so unless you’re familiar, best to hire someone who can take you there and return safely. We hired a guide for RM70 (non-negotiable), there were two actually, one lead and the other followed behind… barefooted. His feet were considerably bigger than US size 12 (and thick too!), perhaps not binding our feet with the sorcery of branded shoes really does make our feet grow?

I reckon there are various routes to the waterfall, having read other blogs, the route didn’t seem too consistent with the one we were on. Anyhow this route was slightly challenging in the earlier stages with long stretches of uphill and obstacles made from fallen trees. It was also comforting to know that the village children use the same path to travel to school; maybe our guide was indirectly telling us to buck up… Just my two cents.

As this was all our first time trekking such a distance, along the way when fatigue began to set in I was constantly looking at my watch and asking the guide “how long more to reach the waterfall?” His reply was the same each time, “not so soon”. In the middle of nowhere it’s easy to lose focus and motivation if you’re not properly hydrated. Thank goodness for the amount of supplies we brought, apparently it was just enough to last the journey back.

It was only after more than 2 hours that we saw plenty of water. It was indeed comforting because throughout the journey we came across more dry bamboo forest than lush greenery; there were even parts where a forest fire had occurred leaving black patches of soot on the ground.

Check out the video: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=827428177273310&set=vb.750764898272972&type=2&theater&notif_t=video_processed

Our journey back was half an hour quicker since we took fewer breaks and it also felt less intense somehow, perhaps we already had an idea of the trekking distance and familiarity with the terrain. Nevertheless my joints were sore when we finally reached civilisation.

I love the feeling of relief, kind of like having a chilled beverage after working long hours in the sun. In this case, standing before the tallest waterfall I’ve seen after the most laborious hike I’ve attempted makes Jeram Perlus an ideal destination for those seeking a good few hours of hiking followed by a relaxing time chilling or camping beside the waterfall. Another plus point was that at the time we went only one of us got caught by a leech which was eventually brushed aside.

What to bring/wear?

• Long pants (prevent cuts from branches)
• Mosquito repellent (although we didn’t have issues with mosquitoes)
• Salt (win the fight against leeches)

Jo’s ratings (ratings are subjective and biased towards participants’ experience)

• Accessibility: 8/10

There was a single narrow road leading all the way to the parking spot at the village.

• Difficulty: 7/10

This was definitely the most challenging hike I’ve done in terms of testing my endurance, there were several long stretches of uphill climb which will burn your thigh muscles and the level of humidity will drain the water from your body.

• Rewarding Experience: 8/10

Everyone sighed with relief of reaching as well as sighting such a waterfall; this was also my most memorable moment of the whole trek.

• Overall Rating: 8/10

I’d rate this waterfall trek highly due to its exclusivity and location. It’s not far from the city centre and I’m not a big fan of very crowded waterfalls. The fact that you’d have to trek a couple of km was also contributed to my rating.

Additional Information

Be sure to get a guide on your first time or if you’re not too confident with the directions.

Getting there

GPS Coordinates (Decimal Degrees): 3.167587 101.900236

1. From Cheras-Kajang Highway, turn off at Jalan Hulu Langat (B52) and continue straight all the way
2. You’d notice signboards along the way for Sg Gabai waterfall, follow them anyway as both entrances are the same
3. Take a right turn at Jalan Sungai Lui (B19), after a short distance the signboard will inform you to make a left turn to enter a small road
4. You’d come across a divide, keep left and you should be on your way to the village

1. From Jalan Ampang, turn right to Jalan Taman Putra, subsequently take a left turn to Jalan Hulu Langat (B62)
2. Follow the road all the way until the intersection to join Jalan Hulu Langat (B52) where you’ll make a left turn
3. You’d notice signboards along the way for Sg Gabai waterfall, follow them anyway as both entrances are the same
4. Take a right turn at Jalan Sungai Lui (B19), after a short distance the signboard will inform you to make a left turn to enter a small road
5. You’d come across a divide, keep left and you should be on your way to the village