Chemerong-Berembun- Langsir (CBL) is one of the most beautiful treks in West Malaysia. Located in the Chemerong Forest Reserve, in Hulu Dungun, Terengganu, the crystal clear emerald green and turquoise pools give this place the nickname of “Jiuzhaigou (Jiuzhai Valley) of Malaysia”. The trek was first made famous by Chemorong Waterfall (370m) – one of Malaysia’s highest waterfalls. The towering waterfall can be seen from a distance on the drive to the start point of the trek, and appears like a giant human figure close up. The trek to the waterfall, was in recent years, expanded to include a trek to Gunung Berembun (1038m) and Langsir Waterfall to form the CBL trek.
There are two ultra-clean and pristine rivers on the CBL trail. At the lower part of the mountain, Sungai Chemerong runs all the way up to the impressive Chemerong Falls and past the beautiful Camp B and Camp Y. Further up, Sungai Langsir’s brooks and streams start from Gunung Berumbun all the way down to the breathtaking Langsir Falls .
The trail and campsites are so well maintained that hardly any trash can be found. There is almost NO mosquito, NO cockroach and NO rat in the mountains.
To preserve and protect Chemerong Forest Reserve of its pristine conditions, trekking permits are limited to only around 6o people a day and the submission of each applicant’s name is required. With only a small group of trekkers allowed on the mountain each day, there is hardly any overcrowding, allowing trekkers to enjoy the beautiful trails and campsites without having to jostle for space.
The Chemerong-Berembun- Langsir (CBL) trek starts from the trailhead at Hutan Lipur Chemerong to Chemerong Waterfall with a loop to Gunung Berembun and Langsir Waterfall. The total distance is around 27km. Trekkers can start and end from either side of the loop.
Our 3-day trek starts from the trailhead at Hutan Lipur Chemerong and follow the CLB route …Chemerong-Langsir-Berembun. This route allows for a more leisurely trek with ample time to spend at each scenic spot and campsite.
Day 1 will bring us to the magnificent Chemerong Waterfall after about an hour of walking on gradual tropical rain forest terrain from the trailhead. Spend some splashing good time at the waterfall and have a picnic lunch. The trek to Kem Balak (Camp B campsite) from Chemerong Waterfall is another short walk of about 2 hours. This section is a steep vertical ascent that requires some scrambling, passing Seraya Besar (Big Tree / Y junction point) along the way. Go for a “fish spa” in the crystal clear Sungai Chemerong by Kem Balak while waiting for dinner. Enjoy stargazing once the night falls and if you are lucky, spot some fireflies.
Day 2 is a slightly longer day of around 3.5-4 hours of trekking. The terrain is more undulating, with river/stream crossings, rather than steep vertical ascents. There are more scenic spots along the way, such as the turquoise pool of Sungai Bangan Balu and Bongsai area. There is a short section of steep uphill after crossing Sungai Bangan Balu to the Bongsai area, before the terrain becomes more gradual leading to yet another beautiful campsite at Langsir Waterfall. After settling in at the Langsir campsite, visit and have a dip at the multi-tiered emerald green Jeram Lesung pools. In the evening, head down to the rocks area of the Langsir campsite for sunset view before heading back up to the campsite for dinner and another night of stargazing.
Day 3 is the longest and toughest day of the trek. The start of the day is a short walk along Sungai Langsir to Jeram Lesung pools, before the steep uphill ascent of about 200m to the top of Gunung Berembun. This section will take around 1-1.5 hours. The descent from Gunung Berembun to the trailhead is the loop to Big Hole Tree and Kem Y. After Kem Y, the loop will eventually lead back to Kem Balak (Day 1’s campsite). The estimated timing to reach Kem Balak is around lunch time for a lunch break before moving on. From Kem Balak, it is another 45mins to 1 hour walk to the trailhead, passing Seraya Besar (Big Tree / Y junction point) again, but skipping the detour to Chemerong Waterfall, for a shorter descent route out to the trailhead to end the 3 days of scenic trek.
After the trek, we will drive to the idyllic seaside town of Kuantan to spend a night and enjoy a sumptuous seafood dinner, as well as, chill and relax, before the long drive back to Singapore the next day.
The best time to trek CBL, or any of the mountains in West Malaysia, is outside the monsoon season from March to October. Chances of encountering bad weather and rain can be high from December to early February. For CBL trek, the dry season also means high water level and massive flash floods are at the minimal.
This trek is graded 2B.
Good to have below 2000m trekking experience. Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness can complete this trek and have an enjoyable time. You will be trekking for 4-6 hours daily, with a 5-6kg daypack, in tropical rainforest mountain terrain, crossing some rivers and camping for 2 nights.
You can wear a quick dry t-shirt, sports shorts/tights or trekking pants and trail shoes. Bring rain gear, a light jacket/sweater and long pants for the night and waterproof your backpack. You will need to bring a lightweight/tropical sleeping bag and sleeping mat too. Drinking water is from the river by the campsites. For those with sensitive stomach, good to bring water purifying tablets or water filter.
| DAY | DESCRIPTION | MEALS |
| 1-3 |
12.30am: Meet up and board vehicle to Terengganu. 8.30am: Arrive at trailhead. Meet up with local guide, have breakfast and trek registration. Start 3D/2N trek. Overnight: Kuantan hotel on Day 3 |
B/L/D |
| 4 | 11am: Depart from Kuantan. Transfer back to Singapore. | B/-/- |
| DATES | PRICE |
| TBA | $550.00 (SGD) / person |
No visa is required for a stay of less than one month for nationals of all ASEAN countries except Myanmar. For a stay exceeding one month a visa will be required, except for nationals from Brunei and Singapore.
Nationals or passport holders of the following countries require a visa to enter Malaysia.
| Duration | Countries |
| 30 days | Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Montenegro, Nepal, North Korea, Pakistan, Serbia, Sri Lanka, UN-Titre De Voyage, UN-Laisser Passer |
| 14 days | Afghanistan, Angola*, Burkina Faso*, Myanmar, Burundi, Cameroon*, Central African Republic*, Colombia, Congo Brazzaville*, Congo Democratic Republic*, Djibouti*, Equatorial Guinea*, Eritrea*, Ethiopia*, Ghana*, Guinea-Bissau*, Hong Kong (COI), Ivory Coast*, Liberia*, Mali*, Mozambique*, Niger*, Nigeria*, Rwanda*, Western Sahara* |
| Prohibited | Israel |
* Entry by air only
For latest updates and details of visa application, please visit https://www.malaysia.gov.my/portal/subcategory/1543.
In Malaysia, there are moneychangers located at the airport terminals, in shopping malls and shops in the city centres, as well as major rest stops along the North-South Highway in Peninsula Malaysia. You can also change money at the banks and hotels. The rates at the moneychangers tend to be better than those offered in the hotels and banks. It is best to change money in the city, prior to travelling to the National Parks or remote areas where there is likely no moneychanger or bank; or the exchange rates offered by the hotels tend to be high. Double count your money before leaving the moneychangers to make sure the accurate amount is given.
Credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, are readily accepted by hotels, major stores and restaurants in the cities and the major tourist areas. The smaller and local establishments typically accept only cash payment.
Malaysian Tourism Tax (TTx)
Effective from 1 September 2017, foreign tourists staying at paid accommodation in Malaysia are subject to pay a Tourism Tax of RM10 per room per night. This flat rate of RM10 will be applicable for all room types, based on per room per night. Collection of this tax will be payable to the hotel/lodge directly. Under the Tourism Tax (Exemption) Order 2017, Malaysians or Permanent Residents with MyPR cards are exempted. The TTx is mandatory and regulated by the Ministry of Finance and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department.
Malaysia’s electricity is 240 Volt and 50 MHZ. The electric plug is the rectangular blade plug or Type G. If your electronic devices use 110 Volt 60 MHZ electricity, you will need a voltage convert. Please bring a travellers’ adaptor.
The official language in Malaysia is Bahasa Melayu, although many Malaysians speak several languages and will use them all in general conversation. English is compulsory subject in all schools and is widely understood, especially those working in the tourist industry like the tourist guides and hotel staff.
Malaysia is a melting pot of culture and this is very evident in the variety of cuisines available. Besides a wide range of Malay, Chinese and Indian food, international fare from all over the world is also available and may even be adapted to local flavours. The local tastes tend to lean towards spiciness and strong tasting sauces and best tried via their street food, which is in abundance and relatively affordable.
As Malaysia has a high population of Muslims, many of the restaurants, eateries and fast food are Halal, therefore not serving pork; and these are often not mixed with non-Halal caterers.
It is strictly not recommended to drink water straight from the tap. You should boil the water before you drink it or buy bottled water. Bottles of mineral water can be easily purchased in hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and petrol kiosks in Malaysia. Many hotels also provide a small bottle of complimentary mineral water per day to each guest.
Giving a tip to tour guides is a common practice in Malaysia but other service staff in hotels, restaurants and taxi drivers in general do not expect a tip from tourists. Service charge of 10% is included in hotels & most restaurants.
There is no compulsory vaccine to be taken to enter Malaysia. You should, however, be up to date on routine vaccinations, especially vaccines against water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (examples: hepatitis, typhoid and tuberculosis) while traveling to any destination. You are encouraged to consider having vaccinations before you travel. At least eight weeks before you depart, make an appointment with your doctor or travel clinic for a basic health check-up, and to discuss your travel plans and any implications for your health, particularly if you have an existing medical condition.
Recommended routine vaccinations for travellers in general:
| Hepatitis A | Spread through consuming contaminated food and water or person to person through the faecal-oral route. Risk is higher where personal hygiene and sanitation are poor. |
| Hepatitis B | Spread through infected blood and blood products, contaminated needles and medical instruments and sexual intercourse. Risk is higher for those at occupational risk, long stays or frequent travel, children (exposed through cuts and scratches) and individuals who may need, or request, surgical procedures abroad. |
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Rabies
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Spread through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite, scratch or lick on broken skin. Particularly dogs and related species, but also bats. Risk is higher for those going to remote areas (who may not be able to promptly access appropriate treatment in the event of a bite), long stays, those at higher risk of contact with animals and bats, and children. Even when pre-exposure vaccine has been received, urgent medical advice should be sought after any animal or bat bite. |
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Tetanus
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Spread through contamination of cuts, burns and wounds with tetanus spores. Spores are found in soil worldwide. A primary series of 5 doses of tetanus vaccine is recommended for life. Boosters are usually recommended in a country or situation where the correct treatment of an injury may not be readily available. |
| Typhoid Fever | Spread mainly through consumption of contaminated food and drink. Risk is higher where access to adequate sanitation and safe water is limited. |
| Influenza | A vaccine specific for a given year to protect against the highly variable influenza virus. |
For more information and professional advice on travel vaccinations, please consult your doctor or travel clinic.
For people residing in Singapore, you may visit The Travellers’ Health and Vaccination Clinic (THVC) at Tan Tock Seng Hospital:
Travellers’ Health & Vaccination Clinic
Address: Level 4, Clinic 4B, Tan Tock Seng Hospital Medical Centre
Contact number: 6357 2222
Website : https://www.ttsh.com.sg/Patients-and-Visitors/Medical-Services/Travellers-Health-and-Vaccination-Clinic/Pages/default.aspx
Malaysia’s climate is equatorial and tropical, meaning it is generally hot and sunny all year round. Mosquito & insect bites and sunburn are typical health concerns in such a tropical place, particularly for those who stay outdoors for long hours.
Mosquito and insect bites are common in the lowland areas in Malaysia, especially in the jungle. Apart from acting as carriers of disease, mosquito & insect bites can result in unpleasant and occasionally serious skin reactions. You are advised to take measures to avoid mosquito and insect bites, including using an insect repellent at all times and wearing long, loose fitting, light coloured clothing in the evenings. Some simple ways to minimisation of exposure to mosquitoes:
Malaysia is a generally safe country and violent crime rate is low by world standards, although petty crimes such as bag snatching, credit card and ATM frauds are common in the major cities.
As with traveling in anywhere in the world, there are a few things to watch out for, like staying vigilant and safe, not flaunting personal valuables openly and be careful of pickpockets, etc.
These are some tips on safety:
It is also a good practice to register with your respective foreign ministry if there is such a service provided to citizens, to contact you in order to make sure that you are safe and, if need be, assist you should an emergency (e.g. natural disasters, civil unrest, etc.) occur when you are overseas.
For Singaporeans, this is the link to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs eRegister :
https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/eregisterportal/common/preLoginEregisterView.action
