Had a vacation at SG LembingĀ for the last 3 days, and I had to say it had been nothing but awesome. š I’m seriously loving the place so much I wished I can be there longer.
And before everything slips away from my mind, let me note down everything I can remember!
If you google SG Lembing, it will tell you that it’s a small tin mining town. I’m not too sure about mining, but it’s definitely a small town! And what it didn’t tell you is that, the people are friendly, the food is delicious, the town is safe to walk at night even when there isn’t much street lights. It’s definitely very worth going down to pay them a visit.
Transport
I’m from Singapore, and I don’t own a car, so I probably took the longest journey to get there.
First, we took theĀ overnight busĀ (Transnasional) from Singapore to Kuantan (a bigger town nearby) that takes around 6 hours. After reaching theĀ Kuantan bus terminal, we went to the basement to takeĀ bus no. 303Ā (right side of the station) to theĀ last stop, which we ended up at Kuantan town, thenĀ bus no. 500Ā to SG Lembing (also the last station). 303 was pretty fast, but 500 take up to an hour to get there. Fares are cheap, like RM 2-4 per person. The first bus starts pretty early, like 6am.
FYI: Bus no. 200 goes to a mall nearby (Berjaya Megamall) and the beach. The mall is one stop away, and the beach is the last stop, which we heard it takes around 20 mins. Gonna check out the beach next time, heard there’s Chit Chat and Starbucks there too.
Note to self: There’s only 1 timing (10pm) available to Kuantan daily, so I’m gonna check out the buses and timing available from Larkin (JB bus terminal).
Accommodation
We stayed atĀ Time Capsule Retreat. If you google, there will be tons of pictures and it’s recommended by many short travel articles of Singapore blogs and articles. And they ain’t exaggerating, it’s really a fantastic experience. The catch I believe is you would have to love nature. 3 of us stayed in Aurora (which is a container with a loo and 2 double bed).
And this is the view from outside our bedroom.
The view is fantastic, you can see nature’s work while staying in a clean and safe zone. But not entirely clean though, you will bound to get sand and mud in the room from coming in, and mosquitoes are also everywhere. Would have to keep the door shut as much as possible to prevent them from coming in. But again, this is nature, not the city. How can we be in the nature and keep everything squeaky clean and in control? You get the drill.
The bosses areĀ reallyĀ helpful and sincere. There’s aĀ bit of aĀ distance between where the bus stopped and Time Capsule, and we were walking for quite a bit before we actually got on the right track. Fortunately, we bumped into their car along the way and they offered not just only a ride, but a tour in the town. They showed us where are the good food, where to get liquor etc. The service they provide is exquisite. So if you are gonna stay in Time Capsule and you are gonna take the long route like me, give them a call they might just be able to show you some directions or even to pick you up.
Booking of Time Capsule: It’s best that you can call or text them. Mrs. Young respond to texts very promptly.
Food
It’s like I’m dead and come to heaven. šĀ Everything isĀ so good. I don’t even know where to begin.
Shao La
The char siew is nothing like I had before. Yes maybe similar to a good one I had in JB before, but seriously man. Have everything- char siew, shao rou, roasted chicken. Really, really good.
Noodles
I am fortune enough to be introduced to the noodles supplier of this town. They make everything the traditional way. Which bring me to my next food recommendation.
Yong Tao Foo
This is food market at the centre of the town. The tour guide of rainbow waterfall will bring you here for food (will come to the rainbow waterfall later) but of course you can visit them at your own leisure. Both of them uses the same noodles supplier as per above which taste so super good. There are 2 yong tao foo stall- one in front one at the back of the market. My companions prefer the one at the back but I feel both are just as good. And be sure to order the dry mee version.
Malay Food
We ordered maggie goreng, nasi goreng and some chicken. They are so cheap and so good. But business is good, so it might take a while to get them.
Biscuits Shop
Just beside the noodles supplier is a shop that handmade every of the snacks/biscuits/tao hua. Everything is so delicious and smell so nice. Be sure to talk to the lady boss, she will be able to recommend you. Oh yes, and try the tao hua.
All delicious food mentioned above are recommended by the lady boss of Time Capsule. If you are staying there, I believe she will be very willing to point out the places to you.
Transportation in town
As Singaporeans without a car, we rented bike and bicycles and it’s enough to get almost everywhere. Bikes are at RM 60 and bicycles are at RM 20 for 24 hours. They do charge hourly if you want to, but we just took them for a whole day since they are not that expensive. If you have a car, just drive them everywhere too! People there are nice enough to give way, so be sure to be nice to them and give way when needed to!
Activities
Yes! Finally the exciting part. š
Rainbow Waterfall
Car can’t get you there, only a powerful 4 wheel drive. You can probably book at any of the reception of your accommodation for a tour guide, which cost RM 40 per trip. Pick up is usually between 5.30-6am. They will bring you to the market for breakfast (the Yong tao foo mentioned above) which you would have to pay for yourself. Don’t worry, itĀ doesn’t cost much.Ā At 6.45am, you would have to get back up the pickup and that’s the adventure starts! Hold on tight because there isn’t any safety belt of any sorts, and the ride can get really fast and bumpy.
After riding into the forest, it will bring you to the peak for a great view. Stop a while, and off you go again.
For the longest time I thought the pickup is gonna bring me straight to the waterfall, the ignorant me didn’t know there’s gonna be a walk. Or maybe a more appropriate word isĀ a climb.
First, we have to cross a river with water streaming fairly quickly.
Then there’s around a 30mins walk/climb up the hill. Beware there isn’t much safe precautions, except there will be ropes tied between trees for you to hold on to and tour guide to look after you. Personally I feel this is not for the city girl/boy and those who are particular about safety. You just have to watch out for yourself and be careful.
But when you reach, the obstacles getting up will be all forgotten, because you come face to face with a view like this.
Spectacular, trust me. Photos can’t even justify it’s beauty, and the rainbow haven’t even appear yet. It’s probably around 15 storey high, and the water is chilling cold.
Words can’t even express when the rainbow appear, let alone double rainbow and the circle rainbow.
Milo and cup noodles will be served. A very pleasant touch after we were wet and tired from getting into the middle of the waterfall, where the rainbows were.
Notes:
- The climb up is not that easy. Be mentally prepared.
- Bring a waterproof bag, waterproof mobile phone… It’s gonna get wet.
- Wear your swimwear underneath. You might get excited and jump in. (You probably will)
- Wear their shoes provided. It may look flimsy but it’s actually pretty good. Or wear your hiking shoes.
- Rainbow in November is the best. December is not.
The Bridges
There are 2 bridges in town. Not only you can cross them on foot, but with bicycles and bikes too! š They have a good view of the town and river. Cross them!
Lembing Hill (Sea Cloud)
Not my fav, personally. But it will be a good workout, though. Recommended to start climbing at 5-530am, when you get up there you will see the sunrise and the sea cloud. We started at like 7-8am. Didn’t get to see the sunrise, but the sea cloud is pretty awesome. Any later though you won’t get to see much.
The stairs can get pretty steep, and some are actually ruined. Wear your workout shoes. I wore my slippers and I kept slipping. š¦ Not a pleasant experience.
It’s such a relaxing and happy experience that we made a pact to go back every November. For the best rainbow waterfall too. š
Jasmine Lau 