Gunung Stong and Jelawang Waterfall

The Jelawang waterfall drops down the flank of Gunung Stong in a series of long slides and falls, and local claims put it among the tallest in Southeast Asia, though measuring a staircase of cascades is not straightforward. The trail up starts easily and then climbs steeply beside the water, sweaty and root-strewn, to a flat area known as Baha's Camp where most people spend the night. From there, longer routes continue to the summits of Gunung Stong and Gunung Ayam, both several more hours through montane forest. Dabong is reachable on the interior railway that runs up the middle of the peninsula, which is a slow but memorable way to arrive.

What you actually see

• The main cascade - a long staircase of falls and slides down the mountainside.
• Baha's Camp - the flat ridge campsite above the waterfall used as a base.
• The summit routes - further climbs to Gunung Stong and Gunung Ayam.
• The interior railway - the slow jungle line that reaches Dabong.

When to go

February to September is drier and the rock less treacherous. The climb to the camp takes two to three hours and is best started early. Avoid the northeast monsoon months, when Kelantan floods and river levels rise sharply. Camping gear can be hired locally but is basic, and weekends bring groups of Malaysian hikers.

Honest expectations

The climb is short in distance but relentlessly steep and slippery, with sections beside the falls where a slip would be serious. Facilities at the camp are minimal and litter has been a recurring problem. Water flow drops noticeably in dry spells, and the famous height is never visible in a single view. Reaching Dabong takes most of a day from either coast.

Nearby

Dabong village and its caves; Kuala Krai and the jungle railway line towards Gua Musang.