13th September 2003

by Lynette Foo

Saturday morning dawned bright and sunny, a glorious day for the much awaited drive to this scenic waterfall. This would be the 2 Door Car Club’s 9^th Drive (refer our website for the full list).Our tireless organiser Colonel Elias (CE as he is fondly known) who had just got back from the Hpoe Trophy – a 2003 km drive from KL to Phuket and back had planned this trip well right down to the weather!

Mingling during breakfast at Gazebo in Subang Jaya, the early birds who arrived from 8am waited patiently for the last to appear namely newcomer James David (and Shymin) who hailed all the way from Singapore. How could we leave him out as he had sent email asking us to wait for him and can he have someone’s handphone in case he got lost? Another first timer was Danny Khor with the Porche Boxter who brought a touch of glamour to the proceedings.

Having filled out tummies in preparation for the fun ahead, CE briefed us on the route, stopping points and handed out walkie talkies. All in all, we were 15 adults and 7 kids in 8 two door cars – Sam and family in a yellow Punto Convertible, Julian and family in a silver Fiat Coupe, James and Shymin in a black Fiat Coupe, CE and family in a Mercedes SL, Danny Khor (welcome to another newcomer) in a Porche Boxter and Ghaffur & Shida, Ros & David and Lynette & Benny in their respective red Mx-5s.

Finally after last minute preparations, a mixed bunch of Italians, Germans and Japanese roared tamely off at 9am. What a sight to behold. Those with cameras just had to have a group photo taken before starting out.As we moved off in convoy, CE being the leader and Sam the sweeper, the staff of Gazebo stopped in their tracks to the ogle the shining cavalcade.

The drive to Tapah was rather uneventful except for the stretch where we were cautioned via friendly oncoming motorists and by CE over the walkie talkie that there were some ‘Big Brothers’ hiding in the bushes with a speed gun. But as we were a well behaved and law abiding bunch we carried on our merry way with never a care.

Exiting from the highway we turned into Tapah town and sought the designated meeting point – the one and only Shell station in Tapah.  Since the compound was too small to take our crowd we proceeded to gather outside a school across the road. Time for a rest break and some nourishment! The local Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet did a bustling business from our group what with the amount of food packed to be eaten at the waterfall. Gathering once again at the school, we set off in style for Chenderiang just outside Tapah. The route to the waterfall was well sign posted along the way. We were treated to a fantastic view of the waterfall as we made our way through the twisty road to our destination.

At the water fall, we proceeded to overrun the entrance to someone’s kampung home when we paused to take a group photograph with the cars as the focal point. Then it was gangway for the waterfall. Led by the eager kids, we joined other pleasure seekers to sample the cool and scenic delights awaiting us there.

Splitting into two groups, the kids and their parents invading the lower reaches of the waterfall, the others climbed higher to a quieter and secluded section up stream. The tranquility of the place was further enhanced by the softly falling rain which did nothing much to dampen our spirits. Taking shelter under a double canopy of trees, we got acquainted with James, Shymin and Danny and exchanged news with the others while tucking into nasi lemak, nasi goreng and various snacks from KFC.

All too soon it was time to leave. Although still cloudy, the weather was kind enough to allow those with convertibles to enjoy the fresh air. Our convoy made its way via a lovely winding road through the Orang Asli settlement before rejoining the expressway. The skies opened up again on the way to Tanjung Malim but we did not lack for entertainment. Those with walkie talkies were entertained with lessons on the correct language to use when in radio contact courtesy of David and CE.

Taking time off for a rest stop at Tanjung Malim where we had the famous ‘pau’, glutinous chicken rice, yong tau foo, the ubiquitous perenial favourite ‘roti kahwin’ and coffee kindly sponsored by Danny. We said our goodbyes and dispersed on our separate ways with many a promise to meet up again at the next drive.

Many thanks to CE for the great organization and also to all who participated to make this a memorable and interesting outing. Some who had not participated before were impressed with the care and concern extended to ensure that ‘stragglers’ were not left to their own devices during the drive but that tabs were kept on them to ensure safety.

 So the question on every one’s mind is… ‘When’s the next drive?’