Lata Serpik

Lata Serpik is a two waterfall reminder that the seemingly inconsequential villages that we pass on our journeys to larger more exciting towns hide the most unexpected gems …..

Lata Serpik, or Air Terjun Batu Ular Tedung as it’s also known, is situated deep within the Semai village of Kampung Pisang in Behrang, Perqk. and is two pristine cascades unsullied by crowds or development.

Fall 1.

Fall 2.

A faded sign towards the second fall/cascade recalls a former heyday. In the early 2000s, local authorities tipped it for greatness but its popularity amongst residents of Slim River and Tanjung Malim has waxed and waned. On the consecutive weekends that I visited with Trailblazer Hiking Club, we were the only people there.

Lata Serpik’s perceived remoteness may have something to do with it; you can drive right up to Sungai Rasau along which the falls are located, but the pot-hole riddled single lane road makes the 8 kilometre journey from Slim River feel considerably longer.

The oil palm of Kampung Pisang or the palm trees of Hollywood? Hard to tell…..

Still, those that take as much pleasure from the journey as the destination may enjoy the drive. After turning off the A121 Jalan Slim River-Tanjung Malim road just before Kampung Kuala Rasau, modest Malay homesteads with lovingly tended gardens give way to small rubber tree plantations and larger oil palm estates before the rustic Semai village of Kampung Pisang reveals itself.

At last count (in 2017) there was an estimated 317 people living here. Many homes are constructed using natural materials foraged from the forest, and the designs used are a masterclass in the simple beauty and practicality of native architecture.  Plus, if you arrive at the right time as we did on our first trip there, you’ll be greeted by smiling wide-eyed children curious as to who visits.

The first of the 2 falls is left of where the road end at the river.

Fall 1 checked out we make our way back to the road and cross the river there.

Where the road ends seems to be the boundary between oil palm and forest.

4×4 vehicles can cross upper Sungai Rasau just 50 or so metres short of the first fall, which is to the left. Once past a rather charming orang asli house and up a steep hill is an intersection. The path left leads to a short trail that follows the river upstream.

We cross the river to the road on the other side.

Native architecture and design at its finest.

The only real hill to climb.

At the top of the hill is a fork. Left to Fall 2.

The trail starts here but it’s a very short one.

… et voila!

Carol cools off….

Both cascades are a  mere 10 minutes walk apart and surrounded by forest. They have relatively shallow pools although the second is the more impressive of the two: considerably taller and wider, I liken it to the adult vs kiddie pool.

Hulu Sungai Rasau is also the source of the village’s water, so if the spirit takes you and you decide to travel down this less beaten path, do be considerate of local needs and keep the environment pristine.

Distance and time 700 metres one way to both falls from our parking spot or a 5 minute walk to the first fall and an additional 10 minutes walk to the second fall.
Rating Easy.
Facilities None.
Parking None. It’s roadside only so park with care. There’s more space on the other side of the river if you can get your vehicle across it.
Cost Entry into the village and parking are free but a courtesy call to the village chief or Tok Batin would be appreciated, as would making a donation of supplies.
GPS coordinates (parking) 3.91101, 101.45122
Get to my AllTrails map for Lata Serpik here. 

Join Trailblazer Hiking Club Malaysia here and keep an eye out for announcements. Trailblazer big kahuna Kelvin can arrange private trips, just drop him a message for more info.