Tengkil Falls - An Off-Road Adventure To Hidden Waterfall

About Tengkil Waterfalls

Located in Gunung Panti Recreational Forest, Tengkil Falls is yet another waterfalls in the same range of Kota Tinggi Waterfalls. However, instead of located near the entrance of Kota Tinggi Waterfalls (like Pelepah Waterfalls), Tengkil Falls lies on the western slope of Gunung Muntahak.

I had never heard of Tengkil Falls prior to this trip, but me being me, I never miss an opportunity to explore new mountains and waterfalls if the schedule is right, so when Kenny from Max Mountain Club offers to bring us there, I immediately grabbed the limited slots. Why limited slots? Well, apparently Kenny was planning to drive his 4wd through an oil palm plantation (Petri Jaya) and go off-road until we reach the jungle trail. Therefore, he could only afford to bring 4-5 people, the maximum passengers his 4wd can fit. Luckily, I managed to tag along with Jojo, Ykai, YG, Momo and Xiao Chai. 

Once again, it was thanks to Kenny that I was able to explore this place I otherwise wouldn’t know existed.

Palm Plantation

08:00 4wd to oil palm plantation 

The 7 of us gather at the main road heading towards the oil palm plantation, where we parked our cars in front of a Malay warung and hopped onto Kenny’s 4wd. He then drove into the oil palm plantation. The journey was smooth in the beginning as we travelled on the road until we started going off-road.

On the 4wd to trailhead

It wasn’t intentional to drive off-road, but somehow the bushes had grown on the road Kenny used previously, and therefore we were basically driving off-road for what seem like a kilometre or two. Luckily we were on a 4wd, as a normal sedan would definitely get stuck for trying to drive on such high bushes. 

Going off-road

There's no way, only bushes

When you can't find a way, make one

The ride was kinda bumpy but as with my Chamah hike, the bumpier it is, the more fun it is to me. After what seem like half an hour on a bumpy 4wd ride, we finally emerged from the bushes and parked before the ditch. We then geared up and started walking along the ditch, then crossing the electric fence and into the jungle trail.

Note: The electric fence will be switched on at night to prevent wild animals such as elephants from entering and destroying the crops.

Easy hike to the waterfalls

08:30 Enter jungle trail

As we entered the jungle trail, we hiked mostly along Sungai Tengkil (Tengkil River) but we had to cross the stream from time to time as the terrain changed. Some part of the trek is relatively flat, while others are fairly steep.

Going uphill

Going downhill

Occassionally, we also needed to climb up and down by grabbing on tree trunks and roots. The journey is short, but certain level of fitness is recommended. 

Nothing is ever too difficult for those who are well prepared. Nothing is ever too easy for those who never

Waterfalls

Though some sources mentioned 7 waterfalls and the sign on the tree next to the main waterfall did numbered it as 7, I could only spot 4 waterfalls. I have a feeling 7 refers to the number of tiers, but for simplicity sake, I’ll just stick to 4 waterfalls,you’re your easy reference. After all, who is so free to count each and every tier, right?

Waterfall ahead... Almost there!

09:00 First waterfall

After trekking for an hour, we reach the first waterfall. It’s a fairly small waterfall, so we only stopped for photos and did not dip in. We then continued our journey to the next several waterfalls.

First waterfall

Nope, not gonna look at the camera

With Jojo and Momo

09:15 Second waterfall – Jeram Sinar Mentari

From the first waterfall onwards, all other falls are only within 5 to 15minutes hike away. The second waterfall is the smallest of them all, though there is a name for it – Jeram Sinar Mentari. The guys didn’t even bother to stop for photo, but being a blogger, I had to snap some to show here.

Second waterfall has got a name!

Small but still beautiful

09:20 Third waterfall

The third waterfall is just 5 minutes hike away from the second one, and it is a medium one. There’s a pool to dip in, but since we saw a group of hikers approaching from behind, we decided to head straight to the main waterfall first, in case it get too crowded there.

Third waterfall

I can sit here all day

09:25 Main waterfall – Tengkil Falls

Just as I thought it’s far away, the main waterfall is again only 5 minutes away. It’s the biggest and prettiest among the four waterfalls, and I couldn’t wait to step into the water and play.

Main waterfall

Saving the best for the last

It hadn’t rained for several days so the water ain’t that big, so on rainy days, it would be even more magnificent. But it was nice to just stand there and let the water hit on you, like a natural “massage”. It was so freaking cold, but we enjoyed the chilling sensation nonetheless.

We kept getting splashed by the cool water

Me and waterfall

Another wefie by Jojo

It’s not the grandest waterfalls I’ve ever seen, but it’s one of the cutest and prettiest in my list. Besides, an aerial photo caught on a drone camera certainly helps adding scores to this trip.

Shot with drone

Another shot with drone

So cold!

Pancake for breakfast

10:00 Breakfast at waterfall

As we were busy soaking ourselves in the cold water, and playing with Ykai’s drone, Kenny was busy preparing Chinese pancake for all of us. You are really like a father figure to us, always taking care of everything, even our tummy! Thanks Kenny! I’m always lucky to have people cooking for me for my hikes. Truly blessed!

Chinese pancake

Thanks Kenny!

I think he made about 20 pieces in total but he only had one, while we devour the rest. We even shared some with a group of Malay hikers. Don’t worry, it’s halal vegetarian pancakes ya!

Sunday like this is perfect

Descent 

11:15 Descend

Around 11.30am, we decided to descend as Ykai had to run some errands and the rest of us needed to travel back to Singapore. It’s Sunday and it’s best to cross the causeway before it gets too crowded in the evening. The descent was way easier than the ascent as usual and I think it took us roughly around 45 minutes or so in total.

It's time to go home

12:00 Reach oil palm plantation

By 12pm, we already reached our 4wd. We changed to slippers and made sure we got rid of all leeches before getting into the car. Unlike my other hikes, my legs were not spared by leeches this time around. Though bitten by a few leeches on my legs, I was lucky that they weren’t still hanging around at that time. I would probably freak out if I had to pull them out. Thankfully, they were all gone after being well fed. 

12:15 4wd back to main road

Goodbye waterfall, mountain and oil palm plantation

We drove back the same way we came in and this time around, Ykai filmed part of the route with his drone. Well, especially on the main plantation road as it was easier for him to navigate his drone. 

 

Nice shot by YG

Here’s the video created by Ykai for the entire hike that day. Ykai does a lot of video with his drone, GoPro and iPhone, so if you are interested to see more of his video, you can check out his YouTube channel here

The journey was pretty scenic in my opinion and as I am writing this post now, I’m missing this place already. Bring me back, please! 

Drone in action again

You can see Gunung Panti from here

Lunch at Restaurant Tong Bak Kut Teh

Lunch that day was at Restaurant Tong Bak Kut Teh. Judging by the restaurant’s name, Bak Kut Teh seems to be the signature dish, but I actually prefer their steamed chicken and steamed fish. That’s probably because I’m not a fan of Johor-style Bak Kut Teh.

Steamed chicken, Braised pork and Bak Kut Teh

There’s no Bak Kut Teh like the Klang’s. Once a fan, forever a fan

We also ordered a small portion of steamed fish

After lunch, we took a shower at Momo’s house before being dropped off at Giant Bukit Indah to board the CWL bus back to Singapore. 

Epilogue:

After joining Max Mountain Club, I’ve been introduced to more waterfalls in Johor, and I’m surprised that there are so many beautiful waterfalls in this state. Not only that they are beautiful, they aren’t that difficult to hike.

Beautiful isn't it?

For a person with average fitness, Tengkil Falls can be reached in about an hour to one and half hour, depending on your speed and how long you break along the way for photos. We went slowly and it took us only an hour to the first falls and another half an hour to the main one. The hike was easy and enjoyable and I could see myself coming back again in the future.

Being playful with my hiking mates

The scenic journey through the oil palm plantation is the main highlight! The only challenge is to find the way to the trail head. Kenny, I shall count on you again to bring me back in the future! *Evil grin*

Look at this view!

As the place is quite remote, it was able to be left untouched for now, while retaining its natural beauty. The place is not littered, and the water is clean, making it a perfect place to unwind from our mundane Monday-Friday city life. All I hope is that it stays as clean and beautiful for as long as it can, even if it becomes more accessible in the future. I therefore plead that every one of you who discover this place through my blog, to be a responsible hiker. Remember:

Leave nothing but footprint. Take nothing but photo

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you for reading all the way till the end. Too much info and you just want a summarised itinerary but too lazy to scroll back up? Well, here’s a summary I’ve drafted up for you. Hope it helps you with your planning.

Itinerary:

**Disclaimer: Below is my timing according to my speed. So please take it with a grain of salt, as everyone is different. Have fun hiking this waterfall. *wink*

Day Hike (22/7/2018)

Total distance hiked: unknown (forgotten to turn on my Suunto watch)

07:30 Meet at main road

07:45 Drive to oil palm plantation

08:00 4wd to oil palm plantation

08:30 Enter jungle trail

09:00 First waterfall

09:15 Second waterfall – Jeram Sinar Mentari

09:20 Third waterfall

09:25 Main waterfall – 7 tier Tengkil Falls

10:00 Breakfast at waterfall

11:15 Descend

12:00 Reach oil palm plantation

12:15 4wd back to main road

13:00 Out to main road

Things you should bring:

🔼 Go Pro / underwater camera / waterproof phone – because you know, you are bound to get wet

🔼 A good drybag – to keep your stuffs (phone especially) dry

🔼 A set of dry clothing (you can keep them in your car) 

🔼 Hiking or trekking shoes with a good grip – Kampung Adidas is a great choice

🔼 Wear long pants and gloves (if you are concerned) to keep yourself away from cuts and scratches, and also to keep yourself protected from leeches

🔼 Enough water to keep yourself hydrated

🔼 Keep your hiking pole at home, it’s a burden. You will be using your hands the most as you grab on tree roots, branches, trunks and rocks

🔼 A like-minded friend – for a good companion brighten up your day

🔼 And most importantly – YOURSELF

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-Thanks for reading-