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I've heard and read a lot of great stories about Sungai Lembing Waterfall and have always wanted to go there myself. We booked our accommodation ourselves, and then booked the trip to the waterfall through the accommodation where we were staying.
The package included the driver picking us up at 5:30am and taking us to the nearby hawker center for a self-paid breakfast. He then took us up to Sunrise Hill where we should have been able to see a "sea of clouds" and the sunrise (unfortunately, it was a cloudy morning and we got to see neither). Only after that, we were to take an one hour of bumpy ride in the truck towards the gathering spot where we would then need to hike on foot.
The gathering spot has a toilet, and you can rent a pair of Adidas Kampung for a nominal fee if you do not have a suitable pair of climbing shoes.
The trail started by immediately crossing a rather rapid stream, which I think would be challenging for young kids and older folks. After that, it was a rather chill jungle trekking for about 15 minutes, before reaching another challenging part of the journey.
It was moderately hard near the waterfall, where you had to traverse through wet moss-covered rocks while holding onto anchored ropes before finally reaching the destination. We were quite early when we reached the area as there were still not a lot of people around, which let us pick a nice spot by the side of the water pool beneath the waterfall, where we could dip our feet into the cold water while comfortably sitting on a flat rock.
Sungai Lembing Waterfall is truly one of the most magnificent waterfalls that I've seen so far in my life. The water flow from the river on top must be quite mild, therefore instead of a stream of water directly falling from the top to the pool below, it is scattered into tiny droplets by the protruding rocks on the cliff wall, forming a misty curtain of water. I believe it is exactly this phenomenon, which creates a humid environment that is perfect for a rainbow to form.
However, quite unfortunately, it was still rather cloudy when we were there, and we were unable to see any rainbow. Instead, we focused on immersing ourselves in the magnificent view of the fall and the cool surroundings, relaxing our feet in the cold water while enjoying the simple complimentary meal brought by our tour guide.
Overall, it was a worthwhile experience, especially for a nature lover like me. I wouldn't mind coming to this place again if I got...
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The Road to the Rainbow – Sungai Lembing to Pelangi Trailhead 🚙🌿
The day kicks off in the sleepy charm of Sungai Lembing town, where the streets are quiet but alive with hints of history — old shophouses, the smell of fresh kopi from local cafés, and the soft morning mist hanging over the hills. Then, the convoy of 4x4s lines up, ready to swap town comfort for jungle adventure.
You climb into the back of the truck, feeling the excitement build. The driver gives a quick grin, the engine rumbles to life, and soon you’re leaving the asphalt behind. The road narrows, the tarmac gives way to dirt, and the ride turns into a roller-coaster.
The 4x4 lurches and bounces through red-earth tracks, splashes through shallow streams, and rattles over rocky stretches. The air gets fresher and cooler as the town disappears behind you, replaced by a sea of green. Tall bamboo groves and ferns lean over the trail, and now and then, the forest parts to reveal rolling hills washed in morning light.
Every bump is a jolt of adrenaline — you grip the railings, laugh when the truck tilts on uneven ground, and feel the splash of muddy water as the tyres churn through a river crossing. The sound of rushing water and cicadas becomes louder the deeper you go.
After about 30–40 minutes of off-road fun, the 4x4 finally slows to a stop at the Pelangi Trailhead. The jungle closes in all around, and the rest of the journey will be on foot — but you can’t help smiling. The ride itself was already...
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Lovely view. Can dive in for a swim. We were fortunate to have a friendly and humorous guide (Ah Teck). The guide will cook cup noodles and a drink using the water from the waterfall. (Suggestion: bring your own eggs. It is easily available at the breakfast venue) We had fun catching prawns and swimming in the water.
It is a fun process to get to the waterfall, hour plus drive, followed by another hour of climbing / trekking. Likely to get wet. Better wear rubber boots.
Disadvantages: There were leeches as we trek to the waterfall. Do bring a lighter or insect repellent along. Fortunately, at the waterfall itself, there don't seem to have any. The rainbow "appears" subjected to the...
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