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| By Ianpassion |
Tucked away in the jungle of Manang, Satun Province, South of Thailand, there is a waterfall called in Thai "Namtok Dao Kra Jai" or Scattered Stars Waterfall in English. This is the highest waterfall in Satun. I have been here several times, yet I never get bored coming again. This place is always enticing.
Together with friends, we trekked this waterfall. It was almost noon when we arrived. From the parking area, I immediately noticed the rapid sound of river streams and birds and crickets singing. Right ahead of us was a vast tropical jungle.
Towering trees, lush plants, and blooming flowers were along the trail. All of these reflect the magnificent creation of our Father (John 1:3, Psalm 95:4-5).
What was extreme on this trekking was when we began to make a new trail. Erosion destroyed the old one. A sign erected on the side of the trail cautioned us. It was a deadly point. If we commit mistakes then we fall down the cliff into the current of the river.
After several minutes of sneaking in this difficult trail, finally, we arrived at Dao Kra Jai Waterfall. There was nobody. The whole place seems like it was reserved for us. The waterfall is around 100 feet high. The volume of its water drops sounds like a massive pounding machine. So beautiful to ponder. It is named after scattered stars waterfall because of its sparkling waters falling like stars from the sky. It was refreshing when its droplets hit on our sweating skin.
We hiked on a top of a rock where we settled to get a closer view. This place was the most beautiful area to rest and dine with friends because right in front of us was a panoramic view of the Dao Kra Jai waterfall. The water streams flowed like a sparkling diamond curtain spreading down from the peak. So beautiful!
We went further down rappelling on slippery rocks. Below was a pool, deep half my body. This is a perfect place just to relax, swim, and ponder about things in life. My friends managed to jump from a cliff into a deep water pool.
We went further down rappelling on slippery rocks. Below was a pool, deep half my body. This is a perfect place just to relax, swim, and ponder about things in life. My friends managed to jump from a cliff into a deep water pool.
What was most challenging in this trekking was when we started hiking up its peak passing through a trail on the side of the waterfall. It was a bit dangerous. Good that the weather was good, so the trail was dry. If wet then we would have a problem with the slippery ground and blood-sucking worms (leeches). The trail was so steep so our hands bracing the ground and roots were unavoidable.
It was breathtaking when we finally arrived at the peak. After crossing over a stream then we had a perfect overview of mountain ranges, green forest, the sky, and the horizon. A few steps forward was a wonderful top view of the massive volume of waters run down along the canyons. We were speechless here, but just a feeling of greatness! The open space full of limestone boulders makes this place best for camping with the back view of three mini waterfalls, swimming pools, and green vegetation.
In the swimming area, the water was turquoise blue color, so clean and refreshing. Very alluring. So I went down to dip and had my back massage on the strongest current. After a few minutes, I was fully refreshed.
Praise the Father Almighty!
