The Fascinating Myth of Lata Kinjang
There are many interesting holiday destinations in the state of Perak. This time, we would like to highlight a popular picnic spot that is certainly no stranger, especially to the residents of Chenderiang: the Lata Kinjang Eco-Forest Park.
For those traveling on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) through the Tapah, Perak area, you have surely seen the towering waterfall visible from a distance in the Titiwangsa Range. However, not everyone knows that it is the famous Lata Kinjang waterfall. Lata Kinjang Eco-Forest Park is located in Chenderiang, about 18 kilometers from the town of Tapah, Perak. If you are coming from Kuala Lumpur, the drive via the North-South Expressway, followed by the exit at Tapah, takes approximately two hours to cover a distance of about 200 kilometers.
Interestingly, Lata Kinjang Waterfall is listed among the tallest waterfalls in Southeast Asia, with a height exceeding 850 meters. For your information, the tallest waterfall in Malaysia is the Jelawang Waterfall at Gunung Stong.
Lata Kinjang Waterfall is always a focal point for visitors during holidays, especially when the school holiday season arrives. Many international tourists also come here to enjoy the beauty of the waterfall and the lush Malaysian jungle, which is not found in their home countries. According to local folklore, Lata Kinjang got its name because there were once many barking deer (kijang) in the area, so much so that the British who hunted them pronounced the animal's name as 'kinjang', and the name has remained ever since. The beauty of this area attracts souls seeking tranquility amidst the lush green forest. This area is also frequently used as a location for filming movies and dramas.
There is a legend believed by the local community that a beautiful woman, thought to be a 'bunian' (fairy) princess, once appeared at the waterfall, catching the attention of a wealthy British man who then aspired to marry her. It is said that the British tycoon built a bungalow at the first level of the waterfall and constructed stone stairs from the bottom to the top of the waterfall just to catch a glimpse of the fairy princess.
However, after waiting for a long time, the fairy princess never appeared, leaving him disappointed, and he eventually returned to his home country in Europe. The bungalow he built gradually fell into ruin. The fairy princess, described as the guardian of the waterfall, only showed herself for a few minutes because she did not want her identity to be known by ordinary humans. The story of the fairy princess is merely a legend passed down by word of mouth from past generations until today.
There is also a cluster of 'buluh perindu' (mystical bamboo) in the waterfall area that can only be harvested by certain individuals. There have been rumors and stories suggesting that the nation's legendary artist, the late P. Ramlee, possessed 'buluh perindu' taken from Lata Kinjang to make his voice melodious. In the waterfall area, there are also many mountain goats, but they are difficult to trap. At the third level of the waterfall, there are footprints of a barking deer and a leopard that are believed to have been cursed into stone by 'Sang Kelembai'. Sang Kelembai is a magical creature in Malaysian folklore. It is said that in ancient times, Sang Kelembai often visited Lata Kinjang in the evenings. The local residents were very afraid because Sang Kelembai liked to cast curses, and whatever was cursed would turn into stone. In the waterfall area, there are also traces of the grave of Sang Kelembai's child that has turned to stone. There are also stones shaped like Kelembai's footprints and a rice-pounding mortar.
Near the waterfall area, there is also an Orang Asli village, and they have inhabited the area for a long time. Besides swimming, visitors can walk along the banks to reach the upper part of the waterfall. There are stairs, but visitors must be careful as they can be slippery. Visitors will feel satisfied enjoying the beauty of the green nature while listening to the sounds of jungle insects. Bathe to your heart's content in the pools formed at each level of the waterfall. Soaking in the cool water is truly refreshing, especially on a hot day. Several huts have also been provided for visitors to rest. If visitors wish to camp or explore the forest, please obtain permission from the Perak State Forestry Department. Various facilities are provided at the Lata Kinjang Waterfall area. In addition to a prayer room (surau) and public toilets, there are stalls selling food, drinks, and souvenir shops.
If coming from the North-South Expressway (PLUS), exit at the Tapah Toll and pass through the small town of Tapah. Then take the old road towards Chenderiang. Lata Kinjang is located just about 17 km from Tapah Town. The entrance fee to Lata Kinjang Eco-Forest Park, as set by the Perak State Forestry Department, is RM2.00 for adults aged 18 and above, RM1.00 for senior citizens, RM1.00 for children under 18, RM5.00 for foreigners, and free for children under 3 years old.
