A Post-MCO Adventure: A Journey to Lata Iskandar Waterfall, Perak (Jul-2020)

In July 2020, after months of staying indoors due to the Movement Control Order (MCO), the urge to hit the road and explore the beauty of Malaysia once more became undeniable. So, I decided to embark on a road trip that would take me from the beaches of Port Dickson to the cool waters of Lata Iskandar Waterfall in Perak. Along the way, a spontaneous stop at Hutan Lipur Kuala Woh added an extra layer of adventure to my journey. This trip, filled with coastal views, lush forests, and tranquil waterfalls, was the perfect way to recharge after the long lockdown.

Port Dickson: A Beach Escape

My trip began with a two-day getaway to Port Dickson, a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere. After months of confinement, the prospect of feeling sand between my toes and hearing the waves crash was pure bliss.

On the first day, I made my way to Tanjung Tuan, also known as Cape Rachado. This place is a hidden gem, offering panoramic views of the Straits of Malacca. I also went to the Cape Rachado Lighthouse, a structure built during the Portuguese colonial period. I took a short hike up to the lighthouse, where the view of the ocean meeting the sky was simply breathtaking. The surrounding forest and peaceful atmosphere made it the perfect spot to clear my mind and reconnect with nature.

On 2nd day I went to Blue Lagoon, a secluded beach located near Tanjung Tuan. It’s known for its calm, clear waters and is an ideal spot for swimming and unwinding. I spent some time soaking up the sun, floating in the cool waters, and enjoying the serenity of the place. There’s something so therapeutic about being by the water, and Blue Lagoon was exactly what I needed to relax and recharge.

I also set off to Bukit Batu Putih, a hill located near the coastline. A short hike up the hill offered stunning views of the surrounding beaches and lush greenery. It wasn’t a strenuous climb, but the views at the top were more than worth it. The peaceful atmosphere and the sense of achievement after the hike made the visit memorable. I spent some quiet time at the top, enjoying the cool breeze and the landscape below. But what really made this hike stand out was the incredible sunset view at the top.

As evening approached, I reached the summit just in time to witness the sky transform into a canvas of warm colors. The orange and pink hues reflected off the ocean, creating a mesmerizing scene. The peaceful atmosphere, the gentle sea breeze, and the stunning view made it a truly magical moment. I stayed for a while, watching as the sun dipped below the horizon, feeling grateful for the beauty of the world around me. It was the perfect way to end the day, and the memory of that sunset will stay with me for a long time.

(click here to read my blog on the trip to Tanjung Tuan, Blue Lagoon and Bukit Batu Putih)

With my two days in Port Dickson coming to an end, I felt refreshed and ready for the next leg of my trip. The coastal beauty of Port Dickson had been the perfect antidote to the months of being cooped up at home.

A Serendipitous Stop at Hutan Lipur Kuala Woh

On the way to Lata Iskandar Waterfall, I decided to make an impromptu stop at Hutan Lipur Kuala Woh, a forest reserve located in Perak. I had heard a little about it, and the idea of exploring a peaceful forest setting intrigued me.

As soon as I arrived, I was enveloped by the cool, shaded atmosphere of the forest. The sound of birds and the rustling of leaves underfoot were calming. I took a short walk along the trails, enjoying the fresh air and the beauty of the surrounding nature. The river that ran through the reserve was crystal clear, and I could see small fish swimming along the banks. It was a brief but refreshing stop before continuing my journey.

Lata Iskandar Waterfall: A Refreshing Finish

Finally, I arrived at Lata Iskandar Waterfall, and it did not disappoint. The waterfall, located along the way to Cameron Highlands, was a sight to behold. The sound of water cascading down the rocks was both powerful and soothing, and the cool mist provided a refreshing escape from the heat.

The View from the Top Waterfall

Climbing to the top of the waterfall was both thrilling and rewarding. The air became cooler, filled with the refreshing mist from the rushing water. As I stood at the highest viewpoint, I was mesmerized by the way the waterfall carved its path through the rocky terrain, plunging down into the pools below. From this vantage point, the panoramic view of the dense rainforest was simply spectacular. The symphony of birds, rustling leaves, and the roaring water created a natural orchestra that left me in awe.

The Mid-Pool Waterfall: A Natural Oasis

Descending slightly, I reached the mid-pool—a tranquil retreat halfway through the waterfall’s descent. Here, the water collected briefly before continuing its journey downstream. I couldn’t resist diving into the crystal-clear pool, feeling the cool water embrace me as I swam. Floating on my back, I gazed up at the canopy of trees above, allowing the sounds of nature to fully envelop me. From here, I had a perfect view of the trail of cascading water as it tumbled gracefully towards the lower pool, a mesmerizing sight that added to the magic of the moment. The mid-pool also provided a serene resting place, where I could simply sit back and take in the surroundings.

The Lowest Pool Waterfall: A Refreshing Retreat

At the base of the waterfall, the lowest pool was the most inviting. The water here was calm yet invigorating, creating a natural swimming area. Families and travelers gathered around, some wading into the water while others sat on the rocks, enjoying the cool breeze. I watched as children laughed and splashed, their joy reflecting the pure, untamed beauty of the place. The gentle roar of the falls provided a soothing background as I let the icy water wash away my fatigue.

The Enchanting Surroundings

Beyond the waterfall itself, Lata Iskandar is surrounded by an enchanting rainforest, rich with towering trees, ferns, and vibrant flowers. Small wooden stalls lined the roadside, offering handmade crafts, fresh produce, and delicious local snacks. I took my time browsing through woven baskets and sipping on freshly brewed tea from the highlands. The atmosphere was peaceful, with the aroma of nature mingling with the scent of grilled corn and herbal remedies sold by friendly vendors.

As I finally made my way back to the car, I turned for one last glance at Lata Iskandar. It wasn’t just the waterfall’s beauty that captivated me but the sense of tranquility it offered. This place is more than just a stopover on the way to the highlands—it’s a sanctuary where nature whispers its secrets to those willing to listen.

If you ever find yourself on the road to Cameron Highlands, make sure to pause at Lata Iskandar. Trust me, the magic of this waterfall is something you’ll want to experience firsthand.

Here are some of the video and 360-photo.

View All Posts