Sungei Yong Waterfall Abseiling

Sungei Yong Waterfall Abseiling
30 Sep 2005 - 02 October 2005
by Josephine Poh
Toa Payoh Central YEC Adventure Secretary

Did you know that no two trips are the same? The different elements of a trip never fail to make it so, each time, you a different surprise too. Sungei Yong is not an extremely spectacular waterfall but what it has to offer is relatively unspoilt nature within close proximity. It is located at the north face of Gunung Belumit, Kluang (Johor) and has a 2-step water that is 80m in height at its highest. Sungei Yong is also a destination ideal for beginners to apply the skills they learnt.

Being technical in nature, all participants had to be sufficiently equipped with abseiling proficiency skills for when you are down there, its nothing by you, your rope and your equipment. This was a trip organized as a motivation for taking up the Abseiling Proficiency Course for some of us. And for the rest of us, it was just a chance to just go for a trip and be surrounded by nature.

Things were much simpler for me since I did none of the planning, though I did attempt to change the food plan so that we could have something more satisfying after a long day.

It was pitch dark when we arrived at our base camp (entrance of Belumut) for the night. On seeing such a large group of 20 of us, the “caretakers” at Belumut simply took the opportunity to earn a few quick bucks out of us and offered the porch of their home to us for the night.


We set off after breakfast and our last chance to visit a "civilized toilet". The hike to the waterfalls was a short one. Nothing strenuous or exhausting but we had to cross a small gully by balancing ourselves on beams strategically placed. Rumor has it that there are tigers in Sungei Yong. The recce team confirmed it. We saw the fresh tiger footprints on our way in and out.

Because it had been raining the night before, our safety officer decided that the large volumes of water made it impossible and dangerous for canyoning. We settled for one with less vertical descends. The way down was extremely slippery and at some places, bore sharp edges. It was very difficult not to slip. We had to be really mindful about where we stepped or placed our hands. Our technical team set up two lines and with the safety precautions in place, we were all ready to go. It was a good experience for the first timers and also a whole new experience for repeat canyoners. The terrain was stepped, so it felt like walking down a staircase at certain parts.

Though there was a lot of free time while waiting for the lanes to be available, it was not wasted. And those who found their spot in the sun had a wonderful time sun bathing and napping at the same time. With the sounds of the water flowing in the background, smell of the lush green forests and air that cannot be fresher, this is what we also know to be a "natural spa", perfect for unwinding and relaxing. We had the luxury of some splashing good fun in the waters before heading home too.

It was rained cats and dogs! Still, I think we ought to be thankful for the good weather for heaven has been kind to only allow it to rain only towards the end of the day. Till then, I will always remember the 10 packets (100) of hotdogs we had in those 2 days!