Sekayu Waterfall

School Holidays at Sekayu Waterfall

My school holiday program last week was full with attending plenty of 'kenduri kahwin' (marriage feast). Most of them were the family related kenduri which cannot be avoided at all. For example, I have attended the kenduri kahwin for my 2 cousins on Sunday (13/03/2011) and on Tuesday (15/03/2011) both at Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan. On Monday (14/03/2011) I have attended a big kenduri kahwin for the son of my old friend, YB Dr. A. Rahman Mokhtar, the State of Terengganu EXCO celebrated at Kuala Besut.

Then, on Friday (18/03/2011), I have attended another kenduri kahwin of my friend's daughter at Kampung Sekayu, Kuala Berang, Terengganu. After having the lunch at the kenduri, and after Solat Jumaat (Friday Afternoon prayer) I went to Sekayu Waterfall. I have not been here, at the waterfall for many years already. There were so many changes to the surrounding area of the waterfall. It has became a park....beautiful and splendid park with plentiful of attractions for the visitors to enjoy them.

the entrance of Sekayu Waterfall

The Sekayu Waterfall is located within the Sekayu Recreational Forest in Kuala Berang. It was established in 1974 and officially launched in 1985. Seven cascades here with water-cut pools which become the natural swimming pools make it a famous retreat for visitors. In wet season, you can hear the sound of rushing water falling from a high altitude from far away as you trek up the hill towards the pool. It is a pleasure experience.

main pool

jungle trekking

 

Not much trekking to be done for lowest level of the waterfall except you have to climb the human made concrete stairs. 

Picnicking places and resting huts are along the way. Only when you are not satisfied with the lowest pool and intend to challenge the mountain, there the real trekking will take place. Even so, it is not going to be a difficult and challenging one as the mountain is not steep. If you are an expert in trees perhaps you can name some of the names of the trees along your way up. Sekayu is rich with Dipterocarp species such as Meranti and Damar Hitam (Shorea Species), Keruing (Dipterocarpus species) etc.

meranti tree

Because of the long established history, the recreational park is well facilitated with public facilities such as shelters, changing room, chalets and rest house, providing for visitors’ convenience besides three units of fully furnished chalets with the price rated between Rm30 to Rm50 a night. Sekayu Waterfall is said to be one of the most comprehensive picnicking and trekking area in the state.

chalet at the Park

To offer more choices to the visitors, there is a fruit orchard, a mini zoo, a bird park and a flower garden. 

entrance gate of the agro Park

 

Because of the ease in access to this waterfall, during the weekends or holidays, people come here for picnic or camping (this is also partly because there are no restaurant at Sekayu, therefore you have to bring your own supply). It is no doubt why this recreational park has become one of the promoted agro-tourism destinations for the state.

The Sekayu camping site is a choice if you are interested in spending the night outdoor. It is advisable to arm yourself with mosquito repellents.

The Sekayu waterfalls are also renowned for its seven cascades of falls. Below are some photographs about the Sekayu Park:-

Getting there :
 
Sekayu waterfall can be accessed either through Kuala Berang (16 km) or Kuala Terengganu (56 km). There are buses and taxis from the main road to Kuala Terengganu to Kuala Berang then taxis from Kuala Berang to the waterfall. Along the way to the destination, you will pass through some traditional Malay villages. Padi fields, perhaps buffalos soaking themselves in the muddy water and villagers selling fresh corn by the road, giving you unspoiled country side scenery. RM 1.00 will be charged for each entry into the recreational forest.