In 36 hours, I experienced
and it was bloody worth it. I thought I'd be roaming aimlessly on the streets of Kuching but a couple of days before, I made contact with Sarawak's version of myself. Michael Lo is truly Sarawak's adventurer and a foremost expert on flora and fauna. His
Michael Lo's Blog and Michael Lo's Photos will verify his reputation. Even my Godfather of Waterfalls Jan's Blog & pics has visited Micheal Lo. Michael Lo is different from the people I've trekked with because Mike Lo knows the surrounding flora and fauna's scientific name.That is what was impressive about Mike. While trekking, he would stop and say "Teoh, look at this erochilus caladenia. it's rare and can only be found in this region" or "Teoh, look at this scaphiostreptus parilis, a milipede that only curls itself into a round shell if disturbed"
Anyway, he picked me up from the airport and straight away, We went to a limestone hill nearby the Padawan region and explored a section of the hill which Mike has not been to. Here are some pictures courtesy of Michael Lo :
The next day, Mike picked me up at 6am to visit Jangkar Falls. I've only seen pictures of Jangkar Falls and it looked mighty powerful. We drove for about two hours to the Indonesian border and arrived at a river. From there, we river trekked (my fav)
In the distant horizon, I saw a white line high up on the mountain. Squinting my eyes for a clearer look, it was without a doubt the Jangkar Falls. I quicky took out my Moleskine notebook and jotted down information and drew a sketch of Jangkar.
I tried to follow the footsteps of Charles Darwin on his Galapagos trip or Sir Walter Raleigh but then I realized I had an invention called a camera - a digital one nonetheless. However, it was still good to be bringing along a Moleskin notebook you know , just for the heck of it.
I was beginning to feel excited and went ahead of my host eventhough I didn't know the way. Sorry Mike if I was too eager. You understand my enthusiasm right? A few clambering and mounting later, I stood in front of Jangkar Falls! MAGNIFICENT!
I was still far away from the fall and yet, I could feel the water spraying all over my face. That's how powerful this waterfall is.
We spent at least an hour mucking around the base of Jangkar Falls and yes, the water was extremely cold. On Mike's cue, we decided to trek higher which is the top of Jangkar Falls and an astonishing view was waiting for us. Mike has seen this view countless times but for me, it was just superb. The second Jangkar Fall laid in
front of my eyes :
and a 180 degree turn, the view was :
Apparently, there are 5 more huge waterfalls that laid in front of us. I persuaded Mike to name one of the waterfall - Michael Lo Falls but he's not that type. Sadly, I am one and I am still searching for a Teoh Yew Aun Falls and I reckon it should be this year.
We've been here for almost 5 hours and enjoying myself so much so that Mike had to remind me of my flight back to KL in 3 hours time. Reluctantly, I left Jangkar falls and headed back to Kuching.
What can I say?
1)Air Asia tickets = RM60.00
2)Tune Hotel = RM50.00
3)Petrol = RM20.00
4)Trekking With Sarawak's
Adventurer, Micheal Lo &
Jangkar Falls = Priceless
I will return again to Sarawak to carry on my journeys with MIchael Lo because it truly is an honour and privilege to team up with this outstanding man.
