One day in Hulu Langat

 It was a long weekend but we didn't have anything planned. In a classic case of FOMO, we ended up in this sleepy district that's about 1.5 hours from PJ or about 1hour if you're coming from KL. Yes, we came specifically for the waterfall.

By the time we reached, it was about 3pm. By then, the cars were already parked at the entrance of the small hill. So, if you're looking for less crowd, come earlier. No need for a four wheel or pickup truck as the road is tarred. The entrance fee is RM 1 per person.

There are two main areas. If you're not up for hiking or even walking, stick to the lower ground which is at the entrance. Most of the families are also camped here. Yes, you can have your picnic here but bring your own mat so that you can sit on the ground. There is a hut but you would want to be near the water. There is also a toilet for you to change your clothes.

If you are feeling adventurous, take a hike up. It's not muddy or slippery but does have an almost-steep climb. I would like to think that I found it difficult because I had a rather exhausting HIIT routine that morning that the hike left me breathless and required few stops in between.

Lo and behold, the waterfall. Actually, this is just midway to the higher ground. Along the way, be prepared to smell smoke. BBQ smoke to be precise. Yes, bring along your makeshift BBQ pit to grill up lunch.

This is where most of the people (who could manage the climb) ended up in. Surprisingly, this area is more crowded than down there. As this is Malaysia, most (if not all) were in shirts and shorts. Anything but proper swimming attire. Maybe there is underneath it all. The only thing that I was concerned about was Leptospirosis. I read about a guy's first account detail of how he contracted it, the eventual pain and how he manages it on a day to day basis. It was horrific.

The water isn't crystal clear. In some areas where the sand is fine, the water can get a bit murky. But it is cooling and folks enjoy splashing one another.

It was stupid but I didn't end up in the water, merely waddled around, allowing the water to reach up to my thigh because I didn't want to get wet. Not that there wasn't a spare change of clothes, just didn't like the idea of being wet in my normal clothes and not a proper swimming attire. I blame it on that gwailo feedback on TripAdvisor who found it funny to see us locals jumping into the water almost fully dressed.