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The Star
20-05-2025
- The Star
Chasing chilled waters at Sg Chiling, one of Selangor's most majestic waterfalls
Just an hour's drive north from the concrete sprawl of Kuala Lumpur, a different Malaysia unfolds – one where tarmac gives way to jungle trails and the ceaseless hum of traffic is replaced by the gurgle of river currents. This is where you'll find Sungai Chiling Waterfall, tucked away near the foothils of the Titiwangsa Range, in the lush embrace of the Selangor State Park. For city dwellers looking to swap smog for mist and glass towers for green canopies, a weekend hike to Chiling Waterfall is more than just exercise – it's a reset. Sunlight cutting through the canopy in radiant beams, casting a rainbow shimmer over Sungai Chiling, one of nature's quiet masterpieces. The trail begins modestly enough, just after the Selangor Dam en route to Fraser's Hill. Visitors to the waterfall must apply for a permit in advance, which can be done online via the Selangor Forestry Department. The cost is RM5 per person to enter the park. Registering at the ranger station near the entrance is also required, where your name is logged for safety. A guide is not required for the hike to the waterfall. The reward after the hike – Chiling Waterfall in full glory, thundering into a misty pool as hikers soak in the moment beneath towering rainforest trees. A suspension bridge swings gently over Sungai Chiling, marking the start of an immersive journey into one of Selangor's most treasured forest reserves. The hike is just under 4km one way – an out-and-back trail that is relatively moderate in difficulty, but highly rewarding. What makes this trail so special is not just the waterfall at the end, but the experience of getting there. Warning signs marking each crossing – and swimming is strictly prohibited during rain, as river levels rise rapidly. Within the first 10 minutes, the real character of the trek reveals itself: six river crossings – some ankle-deep, others chest-high, depending on rainfall. You'll need to wade, balance and perhaps even laugh as cool, clear water flows around your legs. Ropes are anchored across some of the crossings, but the river isn't tame – it demands attention, especially during the monsoon months. Crossing 6, the final stretch before reaching Chiling Waterfall. For that reason, park rangers often close the trail if water levels surge. On dry days, Sungai Chiling becomes a gleaming ribbon cutting through the forest, its banks lined with tangled roots, mossy rocks and natural stepping stones. As you hike, the jungle hums with life. 'We love Sg Chiling' sign welcoming nature lovers to Selangor's hidden gem. Towering trees form a vaulted canopy overhead, filtering sunlight into soft green glows. Birds chatter in the distance. Once in a while, you might spot a butterfly as large as your palm – perhaps a Rajah Brooke's Birdwing – drifting lazily by. The air is rich with the earthy scent of wet leaves and the occasional sharp tang of wild ginger. What many don't know is that Sungai Chiling is also home to one of Malaysia's best-known freshwater conservation efforts. Cool, clear and endlessly flowing – this section of Sungai Chiling glides over granite and moss, a perfect prelude to the waterfall ahead. In 2005, the Department of Fisheries gazetted part of the river as the Mahseer Fish Sanctuary. Here, the endangered ikan kelah – often called the 'king of the river' – swim freely in large schools. These majestic fish, prized for their strength and beauty, are protected. While you can feed them with pellets sold near the entrance, fishing is strictly forbidden. After slightly more than an hour and a half of hiking, or longer if you stop to take in the surroundings, you'll hear it before you see it: the roar of falling water. Emerging from the trail, you're met by the magnificent sight of Chiling Waterfall, a three-tiered cascade plunging into a wide, natural pool surrounded by smooth boulders and mist-soaked jungle. A crystal-clear stretch of Sungai Chiling weaving through the rainforest, offering a tranquil pause mid-hike. The waterfall towers at nearly 80m, and its chilly plunge pool lives up to the name. Even in the sweltering midday heat, a dip here is bone-chilling – in the best possible way. Weekends can get crowded, so the best time to start is early – around 8.30am. One regular hiker, Johnny Yong, recalled reaching the fall in 45 minutes and having the entire site to himself for half an hour before the crowds trickled in. 'It's peaceful, almost sacred at that hour,' he said. 'It feels like nature letting you in on a secret.' A hidden spectacle of raw natural power revealing the dramatic drop of Chiling Waterfall as it carves through the forested cliffs. The park opens only on weekends, 8am to 4.30pm, and closes during heavy rain or after sustained downpours. There are basic campsites near the start of the trail, and while facilities are minimal, the experience is richly rewarding. Sungai Chiling is not merely a waterfall. It is an experience carved by water and time, woven together by flora, fauna and silence. This is a trail worth taking for a weekend of hiking, river crossing and a glimpse of Malaysia's wild heart. Follow Johnny Yong's hiking adventures through his videos and photos on: • Facebook: • Instagram: • YouTube:


Reuters
29-01-2025
- Business
- Reuters
India's coffee output dips, clouds export outlook despite record prices
MUMBAI, Jan 29 (Reuters) - India's coffee exports are expected to decline more than 10% in 2025 due to lower production and reduced carry-forward stocks from last season's crop, even as beans fetch record high prices, industry officials told Reuters on Wednesday. The South Asian country, a major tea producer, is also the world's seventh-largest coffee grower. The country mainly produces robusta beans used to make instant coffee, but also grows the more expensive arabica variety. Lower exports from India could further tighten global supplies, already squeezed by weaker output from top producer Brazil, which would support benchmark futures , that hit a record high this week. "Although prices are higher, the smaller crop will result in lower export volumes," Chengappa Pradhan, researcher at Volcafe, the coffee trading arm of ED&F Man, told Reuters. Exports in 2025 could fall by more than 10% from the prior year's record 295,402 metric tons, he said. Output is expected to fall this year as higher summer temperatures and water scarcity impacted the conversion of coffee flowers into cherries, while later heavy rains lead to fruit dropping, said Marvin Rodrigues, a coffee grower. "This year, harvesting was delayed due to rains. Early trends suggest lower yields," said Rodrigues. The country harvested 374,200 tons of coffee, including 261,200 tons of robusta and 113,000 tons of arabica in the 2023/24 marketing year ended in September 2024, the state-run Coffee Board estimated. "We have not yet finalised the number for the current season's production. We are receiving reports of lower yields. Our estimate will be finalised after conducting a detailed survey," said an official with Coffee Board. DEPLETED STOCKS The rally in coffee prices in 2024 and European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) regulation led to higher Indian exports in 2024, but that brought down inventories to a negligible level, said Ramesh Rajah, president of the Coffee Exporters' Association of India. "Lower carry forward stocks would bring down available surplus for exports," Rajah said. European countries such as Italy, Germany and Belgium are among key buyers of Indian coffee. The initial deadline for the EUDR, which aims to prevent the import of commodities linked to deforestation, was December 2024, which has since been delayed to December 2025 for large operators and traders. European buyers bought more coffee than required in 2024 anticipating the EUDR, but they are now slowing down purchases because of record prices, Rajah said. Demand for Indian arabica is a bit subdued, but there is good demand for Indian robusta, which is fetching premium over the benchmark London futures, Rajah said. Indian robusta was being offered at a premium of $250 per ton over London futures, dealers said. "Farmers have witnessed prices rally month after month, and many are holding back their crops in anticipation of further gains," said Pradhan of Volcafe. Get a look at the day ahead in U.S. and global markets with the Morning Bid U.S. newsletter. Sign up here.