Re-invigorate Your Spirit at Sungai Kedondong

The month of Ramadan is a lovely time to re-invigorate our souls.  Spending some time with Mother Nature may be just the thing to we need to relieve ourselves from trappings of modern technology, and reconnect with our selves and our spirit.  If you don’t celebrate Ramadan, it may also be a time to enjoy the forest more to yourself, as fewer people will likely be out picnicking in the mornings and mid-day.

Sungai Kedondong is a lovely little recreation area just off the main road B66, between Batang Kali and Genting Highlands.  The site is run by the Majlis Daerah Hulu Selangor.

The river is very cool and refreshing. and it has many boulders, which makes for fun "rapids" and swimming.  The easy access of Sg Kedondong makes the site very popular over the weekends, which sadly means there can be quite a bit of trash along the riverbanks.  How we Malaysian's can show so much disrespect to Mother Nature, while at the same time enjoying her beauty, is a real mystery.  But there are spots that are less crowded and still very beautiful.

If you follow a small trail along the river, you will eventually come to a small

waterfall area, with a pool and all.  The hike takes less than an hour to arrive to the waterfall.  If you continue, there is also a second, smaller waterfall further up the river trail.

However, the trail can be difficult to find, and can also be quite slippery.  Be sure you inform someone if you and your party decide to hike the trail to the waterfall.  You must be aware of the weather.  A sudden rain can lead to flash floods, which can make the waterfall and the trail dangerous as well, so keep your eyes on the cloud cover.

There are several stall along the road just opposite the rereation site, selling snacks and the like. 

For an easy way to enjoy Taman Warisan Negeri Selangor, drive over to Sungai

Kedondong.   Take the B66 road from Batang Kali towards Gohtong Jaya on the way to Genting Highlands, you will see a small signboard and the recreation area on your right hand side.

Always be careful and responsible, rivers and waterfalls can be dangerous.  Always go in a group, and inform someone of where you are going.  Finally, NEVER leave your trash behind - keep the Park clean!


GPS Coordinates:

3°25'48.4"N 101°43'48.3"E

--> (Lata Kedongdong)


-->

A Sad Day - DEIA for EKVE is Approved By DOE

TrEES has received official confirmation from Department of Environment that the DEIA for the EKVE was approved on 25 April 2013. Under the approval, only part of the originally proposed expressway has been approved as Phase 1, from CH0.000 to CH24000.00, 24.16 km in length, starting Sungai Long interchange to Ukay Perdana interchange.

It is deeply disappointing that the proposed EKVE is progressing ahead, despite the widespread public protest on the project and its negative impacts on an environmentally sensitive area that is critically important to Selangor, KL and Putrajaya.

Are We Jeapordising Our Future for Short Term Gains?

Clearing in Kelantan - Borneo Post

With increasing frequency, newspapers are reporting on Malaysia’s forest being cleared.  Most of these forests are identified as water catchment forests, protecting vital water resources for millions of people.  Furthermore, the water and other services these forests provide, free of charge, provide the critical backbone for the nation’s economy.

Areas highlighted include five hills between Kuala Krai and Gua Musang in Kelantan, Ulu Muda in Kedah, and most recently over 40ha of land spread over four valleys and hills have been stripped of forests in less than a month, for vegetable farming in Cameron Highlands.    And let’s not forget the on-going concern for Taman Warisan Negeri Selangor, with a probable 24km expressway being built through its catchment forest.

Only some of this clearing  may be illegal.  Much of it has been confirmed, by the relevant state authorities, as legal forest clearings! 

Are we throwing it all away?

Legal or illegal, it  all begs the question.  These forests are all important water catchment areas.   With our growing population and the unpredictable consequences of climate change, we should be taking much better care of our precious water resources.

Other countries have found real cost savings by protecting water catchment forests, in both the amount of water and quality of water the forests protect. 

Water security is an issue that is not merely important at the local or state level but also at the national level.  Leadership by example is critical.  Federal government should be compensating states for conserving forests that protect water resources.  States should be prioritising long-term gains of water protection over short term gains of logging or transportation.

(If you want to be depressed, read more on the forest clearings here:)

Clearing in Cameron Highlands - 1 

Clearing in Cameron Highlands is Legal 

clearing in Kelantan 

Logging in Ulu Muda, Kedah