Into the woods in sleepy Serendah

Cool getaway: Have a splash at the Serendah Waterfall and then relax and enjoy a meal at the gazebos nearby.

THE quiet town of Serendah is home to some of life’s simple pleasures.

Those looking for a cool respite will enjoy Serendah Waterfall, which is about a 40-minute drive from Petaling Jaya.

As a first-time visitor, I discovered that locating the waterfall was relatively easy using my smartphone’s GPS.

During the drive on the narrow road to the waterfall, one will pass by some lakes and drive through an orang asli village.

Visitors should drive slowly along this road as there are a lot of dogs and goats wandering around or lying on the road itself.

Parking bays are available for visitors while snacks and drinks are sold at stalls located near the entrance.

The cool mist from the waterfall greets visitors on reaching the main picnic area.

On a Sunday morning, the area proved to be popular among families, with many visiting with their children for a cold dip while others could be seen enjoying a barbecue or picnic within the area.

While there are gazebos near the waterfall for visitors to rest, it may be best to bring a mat to place on these seats to keep your belongings from getting wet from the mist.

The waterfall is shallow in some places and chest-deep where the water gushes down into the pool below.

Spectacle wearers should consider going in without their glasses as the currents can be strong. Contact-lens wearers should also take extra care.

While the water may be cold, do not let it deter you from sitting underneath the waterfall as some might find the water gushing against their body therapeutic.

For 30sen, basic facilities including showers and toilets are available.

At the time of my visit, the showers were without heads while many of the doors had broken locks or were hanging off its frames.

However, the facilities are sufficient for one to wash-up, towel off and change their clothes.

Another hidden gem in the area is Sekeping Serendah Retreat, where one can choose to stay in a glass box, timber shed and other selections.

Getting to this retreat was slightly daunting despite relying on my smartphone’s GPS as it requires one to drive through a narrow road in a remote location.

However, one will be comforted upon seeing signs indicating the retreat’s location as they continue to drive further in.

The private retreat offers visitors a unique experience of living in a lush green setting equipped with beds and mosquito nets.

Drop-ins are not encouraged and visitors are advised to make an appointment if they are keen to do a recce of the retreat as security is tight.

During my walkabout, I discovered that there was no WiFi or mobile coverage there. There was no television either.

However, those who enjoy nature will appreciate the retreat’s picturesque setting and its unique architecture.

Those unfamiliar with Serendah may find it challenging in deciding where to eat even though there are several restaurants and eateries in town.

Blogs and other information provided on websites may be outdated with regard to recommended places to eat in Serendah.

My attempt to hunt down some of the stalls highlighted was fruitless as some of the businesses have moved or ceased operations.

I eventually settled to eat at an Indian restaurant in Serendah town and was pleasantly surprised to find that my meal of rice, chicken and vegetables came to about half the price that I would normally pay in the city.

However, those who prefer snacking on street food may opt to do so when passing by Rawang town in the daytime upon heading back towards Kuala Lumpur.

Various stalls operate by the roadside selling items such as Rawang coconut shake, fruits and fried goodies.

My discoveries barely scratched the surface of what Serendah has to offer. The town with its simple and laidback way of life and charming natural attractions is an ideal place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.