08/05/2026
**Gunung Pulai - Double Adventure and more**
The Hidden Waterfall of Gunung Pulai was a less-accessed trail of the Johor permanent forest reserve. Indeed, our CAC group of 22 were the only people at this waterfall on our day-hike at Gunung Pulai. Subsequently, we understand that this part of the hike was probably the more challenging among the waterfall-options in the area as we had to descend a rock path on a rope alongside the waterfall. What an adventure towards the end of our day-hike! Having completed this surprise section, we were in for a chill time at the plunge pools at the base of the Hidden Waterfall, soaking in the turbulent pools to enjoy water therapy. Our guide jokingly said the water-therapy will help us recover from our hiking fatigue.
Day 2 began early, and we had plenty of time to hike to the summit of Gunung Pulai by noon. On this route, we were surrounded by forest scenery — sounds of forest wildlife, staghorn ferns high in the canopy, and gibbons swinging nearby. The wild gibbon scene was much like Mandai’s Rainforest Wild Adventure (Singapore Zoo) — perhaps we should rightfully say it the other way round.
Our guides took us through the checkpoints on the trail, reaching the summit of 600m (654m on open literature). Making our descent after the summit, we completed the round-trip with a total distance of 14-km, starting and ending at our lodging at Rainforest Treehouse. On the way up, we persevered on the steep sections to reach the ridge and eventually the summit. We were grateful to our guides for keeping us informed and helped us visualise the trail ahead.
This event was a first double-adventure of CAC. Participants have cycled from our homes in Singapore in the morning of Day 1, rode along the causeway and together and continued on the roads of Johor to the foot of Gunung Pulai, some 50km from JB. We rode the return journey on Day 3, riding from Gunung Pulai to JB and Singapore. The morning atmosphere (both ways) was a pleasure to ride in, with the panoramic view of Johor Strait while we were on the high points on the road as well as cruising through the outskirts of JB. Local food and refreshing fruit juice on our transit at Pekan Nanas was reminiscent of earlier days of our club when we cycled in Johor.
On this three-day trip, we enjoyed a two-night stayed in Rainforest Treehouse at the foot of Gunung Pulai. The facility was configured to be eco-friendly but luckily, it provided ample electric sockets – a modern necessity!
The stay in the treehouse perhaps turned our double adventure to a triple adventure. The treehouse facility was on a hillside with the treehouses reaching high to the forest canopy. The facility offered a rustic, nature-immersed experience. The treehouses were on the steep slope, probably spanning 50-metre elevation. Treehouses, common showers, toilets and dining areas were sited along, at different elevations. While we enjoyed great views from the high elevation tree houses, going through the elevation on a rocky path, especially at night was challenging, especially for those who were at the higher units. Regardless, it was an enriching experience stay in the treehouse promoting harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
Two adventures plus treehouse experience all in one trip!