Waterfall adventures ✨
The first and possibly last post of 2025. I don't know why I hardy find time to include more.
Anyway, we will start with this from the BBC (Sep. 30) concerning tourism on Bali. Which also includes waterfallchasing. It also reflects on tourism worldwide, which works very much in similar fashion.
'Bali, Indonesia's famed tropical paradise, has charmed plenty of tourists over the years.But it's also leaving a growing number disillusioned...Social media posts about "expectations vs reality" in Bali abound.Diners enjoying the sunset at a beach-side restaurant - and the piles of rubbish along the rickety stairs to get there.The bikini-clad pose in front of a waterfall, while a snaking line of tourists await their turn on slippery rocks.The alfresco smoothies with bamboo straws, right beside soot-puffing motorcycles stuck on jammed roads.Millions flock to Bali every year in search of the spiritual Shangri-La promised in the noughties memoir and film Eat, Pray, Love.What they're greeted by instead are crowds, traffic and the cacophony of construction, which has ramped up alongside a post-pandemic boom in tourism'.
Life is too short to wear clothes
Positives. Waterfalls as symbolic friendship between nations. China's People's Daily (Jul. 15) on the Vietnam-China waterfall of :
'Along the China-Vietnam border, the China-Vietnam Detian-Ban Gioc Waterfall cascades across both nations. As the biggest cross-border waterfall in Asia and the fourth-largest cross-border waterfall worldwide, this natural marvel straddles Detian village in Chongzuo, south China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region and Ban Gioc village in Vietnam, a living testament to shared natural beauty and strengthening bilateral ties.For generations, residents have shared language and customs. "We gather wood from the same mountain and drink water from the same river," locals often say. Those longstanding connections have been revitalized through the region's transformation into China's first cross-border tourism cooperation zone, turning shared geography into vibrant cultural exchanges'.
Official photographer for Bobby & Lucas Adventures. #chasingwaterfalls
Tragic
Negatives. Again waterfalls are beautiful, but certainly also tragic.
NDTV (May 10) on the costs of medical assistance after taking a fall at a Thai waterfall.
Following, a few citations from Malaysia, as an additional warning for seeking out waterfalls for recreation pursuits. FreeMalaysiaToday (Apr. 6):
'A teenage boy drowned after losing his footing while having his photograph taken at the Lata Jarum waterfall in Ulu Dong, Raub, near here today'.
FreeMalaysiaToday (May 12):
'A public holiday outing to a waterfall turned tragic for seven friends from Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) after one of them drowned at Lata Changkah in Terengganu today'.
FreeMalaysiaToday (Sep. 16):
'A 16-year-old male student drowned while bathing at the Lata Mengkuang waterfall near here with some friends today'.
Better still to close off waterfalls, if possible.
The Phnom Pehn Post (Sep. 15):
'The Kulen Mountain waterfall area in Siem Reap has been temporarily closed to tourists due to rapidly rising floodwaters, with at least two rivers surpassing emergency alert levels as of Monday, September 15'.
Elsewhere there's this news.
The LaotianTimes (May 13) on the wane (due to a wash-out) and (expected) rise of this Luang Namtha waterfall:
'Authorities in Luang Namtha Province are reviewing plans to restore the Tad Nam Dee Waterfall, a popular natural tourist site, following significant damage caused by last year’s floods from Typhoon Yagi.The popular eco-tourism site, located just 6 kilometers from Luang Namtha town in Ban Nam Dee village, had attracted over 35,000 visitors in the six months after its official opening in February 2024. However, heavy rainfall in September forced a temporary closure, prompting local officials and stakeholders to discuss rehabilitation efforts.The Tad Nam Dee Development Company reported that while the site had seen strong interest from both domestic and international tourists, issues such as limited parking and service disruptions were noted even before the weather-related damage.The restoration plan includes not only repairing the site but also improving nearby infrastructure, including canals, markets, and school facilities. Materials will be provided by the company, with local residents contributing labor.
A timeline for the reopening of Tad Nam Dee has not been finalized, but authorities say restoration is a priority ahead of the next peak tourist season'.
Then, Thailand's Nation (Sep. 15):
'The iconic Kuang Xi waterfall in Luang Prabang province has been ranked among the world’s 21 most beautiful waterfalls by the leading travel magazine “Travel + Leisure”, further strengthening Laos’ reputation as an eco-tourism destination'.
Someday soon, we’ll look back at these moments and remember them as the time of our lives.So thankful for every day.•••#tiomanisland #giantleaves #nomads #malaysia #travelcouple #travel #catisland #waterfallskinnydipping #babygreentreeviper
Charm
More from news items from the Lao PDR, most a Tad too long perhaps.
A Vientiane Times feature (May 14, 2024) on Tad Lo and Tad Hang (Saravan):
Over to Khammuan. The Vientiane Times (Feb. 27, 2025):'Saravan province in southern Laos is home to two breathtaking waterfalls named Tad Lo and Tad Hang. These hidden gems offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural world.These two waterfalls combine to create a stunning cascade located in the heart of Saravan province. Surrounded by dense jungle foliage and the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves, Tad Lo offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking a place of tranquility.The waterfall tumbles gracefully over rocky cliffs, creating a mesmerising display of nature’s power and beauty. Visitors can take a refreshing dip in the cool waters of the pool at the base of the waterfall or simply relax on the riverbank, have a drink, enjoy the local food, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.Located in Sanvangyai village, 31 kilometres from the nearest town on Road No. 20 running between Saravan and Pakxe, the water originates from the Xeset River in Xekong province.Tad Lo is the uppermost waterfall and ends in a large pool which is perfect for people who like swimming. Tad Hang is a smaller but larger cascade that flows through and against the edge of the rocks; its charm lies in its secluded location and untouched beauty.The crystal clear waters of Tad Hang cascade gently over moss-covered rocks, creating a picture perfect scene that is straight out of a postcard. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely swim in the tranquil pool or simply bask in the natural beauty that surrounds them.In addition to the waterfalls, it’s possible to take a hike through dense forests and also get panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. Nature lovers can marvel at the exotic flora and fauna that thrive in this majestic environment while watching birds flitting through the trees and sometimes standing motionless on a rock in the hope of catching a fish....I [the author] spent a lot of time at Tad Lo because it has some very nice huts where I enjoyed lunch with some friends. The water was warm but we felt chilly when sitting close to the waterfall, so we decided not to swim but just to sit in the hut with our feet in the water and watch other people swimming and jumping in the river.Tad Lo and Tad Hang offer a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With their lush jungle surroundings and opportunities for adventure, these hidden treasures are sure to captivate the hearts of all who visit. So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey through the natural wonders of Saravan province'.
Then to enhancing the surroundings of waterfalls. The Vientiane Times (June 3, 2025):'The Xiengleu waterfall in Bualapha district, Khammuan province, will soon attract more visitors when the construction of ziplines, a rope bridge and treehouses is complete.The owner of Sayphouluang company, which is building the new visitor attractions, Mr Amphone Bountalath, told the Vientiane Times that there are already restaurants, a campsite, and a viewpoint at the waterfall, which currently attracts at least 100 visitors each day.In 2023, Sayphouluang company was awarded a 40-year concession on a 33-hectare site to carry out developments around the waterfall, at a cost of US$12 million.The waterfall is 70 metres high and is situated in a scenic and secluded location....Phou Phamarn hill offers zip-lines for the adventurous, a canopy walkway through the trees, and hikes led by guides through forested areas'.
'A tree-planting activity was held at Naduang village in Vangvieng district of Vientiane province on Sunday to promote the Kaeng-Nyui waterfall, a new tourist attraction in the area....“The fact that we have such rich forests, dense trees, fresh and clean air, and the beautiful Kaeng-Nyui waterfall is due to the protection of the people of Naduang and neighbouring villages, and these resources will bring endless benefits to the people,” she said.Realising the potential of the waterfall, the Lao government, including the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, has been trying to mobilise funds to improve the six-kilometre access road and improve the service area at the Kaeng-Nyui waterfall area to provide convenient services to tourists so that they can relax at the site, which can also be a source of natural learning for locals and tourists.This is being done in preparation for the opening of services for tourists at the waterfall in conjunction with the celebration of National Arbor Day....The Kaeng-Nyui waterfall site includes forests and natural resources spread over 10 hectares.The Head of Naduang village, Mr Sengdao Vongphachan, said: “We will be ready to open the Kaeng-Nyui waterfall by the end of this month and we will be able to welcome domestic and foreign visitors.”About 90 percent of the work at the Kaeng-Nyui waterfall has been completed. The residents of Naduang village are preparing homestays for tourists'.
Vietiane Times reports (Jul. 22) on Tad Nokkok waterfall in Vientiane province which is gaining in popularity:
'The rainy season brings waterfalls alive in normally dry areas, especially in Vientiane, where local residents flocks to places that are now producing gushing cascades of water after weeks of rain....Xoknapha garden, which houses the Tad Nokkok waterfall in Nangommai village, Xaythany district, drew more than 3,000 visitors on Boun Khao Phansa, the first day of Buddhist Lent.Mr Sonnapha Xayyavong, who owns [!] the Tad Nokkok waterfall site, told the Vientiane Times “We reopened for service in June after the water flow increased significantly. We had so many visitors at Boun Khao Phansa that the carpark couldn’t handle the number of vehicles.”“We get hundreds of visitors every weekend, who come here to have a picnic and wallow in the fast-moving water as it flows over the rocks.”Tad Nokkok waterfall is situated about 40 kilometres from the Donnoon roundabout in Xaythany district. It takes about an hour to get there, with the route following Road No 10....“But of course the big attraction is the rapidly flowing water, which cascades down the hillside and runs over rocks and then collects in pools. The water is clear and cool and people love it.”Two kayaks are available for use on a 200-metre section downstream of the waterfall and Mr Sonnapha plans to buy four more.To meet the high visitor demand, he is buying another 1.5 hectares of land to add to the existing 6 hectares he owns. He will use this to improve and extend the car park, build 20 more huts and generally enhance the site, with this work now 60 percent complete.He also plans to create a trail through the wooded area that surrounds the waterfall so that visitors can add to their enjoyment by admiring the trees and caves'.
Finally, a blog post from Froggy Adsventures (Jan. 23) on a waterfall visit on Thailand's Koh Phangan:
'I was about to snap a photo of the waterfall when Chloe noticed something and told me to hold off. There, sitting beneath the cascade, was a woman—completely topless—enjoying the waterfall’s rush. Next to her was a man sipping from a coconut with a huge smile on his face, both of them locked in an embrace. Despite clearly noticing us before we noticed them, they weren’t startled or disturbed in the slightest. Our presence didn’t interrupt them one bit.Chloe politely explained that we’d be taking some photos and would keep them out of the frame. To our surprise, the woman cheerfully said, “No, please take a photo of us!” For me, the situation was a little awkward, but for them, it couldn’t have been more natural. After snapping their picture, she gave us her contact info, and a few days later, we sent her the photo. She was thrilled to have a memento of their time at the falls. I won’t share the photo here, though. You’ll just have to use your imagination.We explored the upper areas of the falls and found it both fascinating and precarious. The stream flowed freely down the rocky riverbed, carving little cliffs along its path. I had to tread carefully to avoid slipping too close to the edges. Its definitely not a place to lose your footing'.
My heart is so so so filled with love for all the crazy never imagined adventures Koh Phangan tooook me on hahahaha tearssss in my eyes while writing this. I lived my Zeytin Agaci moment & it was more beautiful than my wildest imagination.The biggest lesson however was the one that will forever journey with us. Taking responsibility for our own lives.Being a victim is probably the easiest role to take on but also what keeps us STUCK in one place. And there’s a difference between understanding this in the mind or with your whole entire body. I’m so so grateful for having experienced how proud & strong actually taking responsibility can make u feel. One of the most painful and painless 3 seconds of my life.Thank you deeply to all the beautiful souls I met on my journey. You inspired me so much.. thank you for reflecting my truth, responsibility, beauty & greatness back to me.Thanks for the HUGE growth opportunity Koh Phangan. Fuck man.. what a crazy 4 weeks! I’ll be back❤️❤️❤️
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