From the
Gunung Machinchang cable car you can see the
waterfalls of Telaga Tujuh in the
distance. Likewise, you can see the
cable cars hovering over the forest
canopy from Telaga Tujuh.
Telaga Tujuh, which is part of the
Gunung Machinchang Forest Reserve
(mainly comprising dipterocarp
forests), is probably among the
oldest natural and free attractions
in Langkawi. In the old days a visit
to Langkawi would not be complete
without climbing the steep slopes of
Telaga Tujuh to experience the cool
waters of at least one of the seven
wells.
Today, Telaga Tujuh is still
free to access but with better
facilities for visitors.There is an
ample parking area, better shops
selling souvenirs, food stalls,
musalla (Muslim prayer rooms),
toilet facilities (one at the
bottom, one on the way up and one at
the top), A long flight of 638
concrete steps inclines at
about 45 to 60º lead all the way to
the top, where there is a
wooden lookout tower and several
shelters.
If
you don't fancy hiking all the way
up, just make a detour halfway (10
minutes from the bottom) where
a concrete walkway takes you to the
first tier of the Telaga Tujuh falls.
It is a great place for a cool dip or
just to relax. Water from the
mountain flows into the top well,
then the one below, and so on until
it emerges from the seventh and
lowest well into a waterfall that
cascades into another stream below
in green, peaceful surroundings.
Telaga tujuh is the source of Sungai
Perangin.
Hundreds of macaque monkeys roam the grounds
at the bottom, so be mindful of your
belongings. The monkeys do not
attack but they may feel threatened
if you harass them or their
families. Try not to taunt or bare
your teeth at them as they may take
this as a sign of aggression.
If
you travel to Telaga Tujuh by taxi,
it is best that you ask the driver
to wait until your return. There are
times, especially during weekdays
when it is difficult if not almost
impossible to get a taxi for the
return journey.
Alternatively, you can walk a short
distance down the road to the
Oriental Village where there are
taxis available most of the time.
Telaga Tujuh is closely associated
with many of Langkawi's
legends.
It is said that fairies used to come
down to frolic and bathe in these
pools, thus giving it healing powers.
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