AN ENCHANTING NATURAL PHENOMENON: RAINBOW WATERFALL, SUNGAI LEMBING

“Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high. There’s a land that I heard of once in a lullaby.”

Whenever we listen to this Judy Garland song, we let our imaginations set free, wondering where is the place. Well, imagine no more. There is a truly beautiful rainbow paradise in Malaysia – Rainbow Waterfall at Sungai Lembing, Pahang.

An enchanting rainbow radiating around the cascading waterfall is a natural phenomenon happening here every morning. The rainbow effect happens when the sunrays hit the countless tiny water droplets from the 200-metre high waterfall. This phenomenon is best captured in the early morning during sunrise. The entire view of the streak of rainbow across the waterfalls is a magnificent sight to behold! Put it aptly, Rainbow Waterfall is one of Mother Nature’s best handiworks.

True. Rainbow Waterfall is a rare nature’s hidden treasure compared to the more popular natural wonders like the amazing Mulu Caves, the world’s biggest cave chamber, and Mount Kinabalu, one of Southeast Asia’s tallest mountains. That makes it even more exciting to explore this hidden jewel but firstly, you need to make a trip to Sungai Lembing town. From there, you will need an hour of four-wheeled bumpy ride that is full of challenges. You will then come to a river and need to hike about 45 minutes to reach Rainbow Waterfall.

Sungai Lembing: A town as old as time

Located 42 kilometres northwest of Kuantan, Sungai Lembing got its name from the ruler in the past who saw a vision of a “lembing” or spear in the nearby river. Visitors who have been to Sungai Lembing will tell you if you step into this old mining town, you will feel as if time has stood still. Obviously, this is true as the town still preserves the remnants of the past – the underground tin mine.

Sungai Lembing was developed in the 1880s when the British set up the tin mining industry. It was once the world's second richest tin deposit, the biggest and the longest underground tin mine. In fact, Sungai Lembing was once known as the El Dorado of the East and the wealth from the tin mining was even phrased as “Rescue the Queen’s Crown” to refer to the tin’s deposits in helping the declining British economy back then.

The amazing fact about Sungai Lembing tin mining is its mine shafts and subterranean tunnels that could reach as deep as 700 metres, reputedly the deepest in Southeast Asia. The mine has a complex of underground tunnel estimated to be around 322 kilometres long. To archive the history of Sungai Lembing especially its tin mine industry, the Sungai Lembing Museum was set up in 2003.

Sungai Lembing Museum: Reliving the glorious days of mining

The museum is unique as it is situated in the past residency of a mine officer and still preserves its British architecture features. Some of the interesting displays in the museum include the mining paraphernalia, drilling machine, railway track, safety helmet and the furniture belonging to the mine’s manager office back in those days.

The total concept of the Sungai Lembing Museum greets visitors to view the museum according to the historical chronology happenings and artefacts. Diorama and exhibition were used to reenact the nostalgic days of the town’s glorious past. Past personalities related to the town were also highlighted such as Sultan Abu Bakar, Tok Janggut and W.W. Abel.

So are you ready to go for a mining expedition? Well, ride the “Minecraft” which will take you to a real mine! Then continue your journey by taking a stroll. It takes about one hour to complete the tour and the tunnel height ranges from 3.66 metres to 61 metres.

Your tin mine expedition will take you to an adventurous and educational experience. Discover the many mining paraphernalia, mannequins, drilling machines, trams, interactive exhibits, information boards and best of all, check out the panning for tins! The expedition at this living museum is indeed priceless and beyond your imagination!

Other attractions at Sungai Lembing

Besides the pages of historical wonders of tin mining and the Rainbow Waterfall, Sungai Lembing is also blessed with many natural wonders. Panorama Hill is popular with visitors during weekends especially those who like to take a peek at the phenomenal beauty of the sunrise between the verdant profiles of the hills.

The Mount Tapis Nature Park

The Mount Tapis Nature Park and Pasir Kubur (Sandy Grave) provide perfect settings for camping and fishing. For an adrenalin rush, ride the fast flowing river rapids or visit the Sungai Jin Deer Farm where you can snap pictures and feed the deer. If you are interested in spelunking, check out Charas Cave which is located 4 kilometres from Sungai Lembing. The cave lies at the foot of the 1,000-metre high Panching Hill. Here, you will find a flight of stairs leading to a Buddhist cave temple which houses the 9-metre statue of a reclining Buddha. Enjoy the panoramic views of Sungai Lembing town as you climb.

With so many rainbow-filled encounters at Sungai Lembing, you may sing your own version of “Over the Rainbow” on your trip back home with fond memories.