Chapter 7: Rivers and TemplesRiver Return
After two days in the forest, I chose the river over the road. The boat
slipped away from Kuala Tahan at dawn, its bow cutting through mist
and green reflections. Dense jungle pressed close to the banks, alive
with birdsong and the occasional splash of unseen creatures.
Travellers worked together to unload my bike and bags at the
Tembeling jetty, camaraderie flowing as naturally as the river itself.
The final stretch to Jerantut was hilly, but the town greeted me with
warmth. Stocking up on essentials, I laughed at my frugal purchase,
which I thought was instant coffee, turned out to be instant tea
sachets—powdered milk and sugar included. It felt a bit sacrilegious
to sip instant tea right next to the Cameron Highlands, a region
famed for its rich, aromatic tea.