Tar Tan

The Tar Tan waterfall cascades down Pom Mountain, eventually transforming into the lower fall of Numuang 1.

It's a beautiful part of the island, no tourism industry up here, just an abundance of durian fruit trees surrounded by wild jungle and its associated sounds.

Beginning deep in the jungle, the roads are steep, windy and interchange between concrete, concrete tracks, stones and dirt. It's not advisable to take this journey without the company of a local guide from your hotel or tour operator.

A scooter is pretty much out of the question. We managed to get within 800 metres on a scooter, but had to leave the bike and walk the rest of the way. You might see locals flying up and down these roads on motorbikes, but remember they've been doing it since they day they could climb on a bike.

We would not try it again, that last 800 metre walk felt like 8000 metres and that was going down hill. With every step we were wondering how we would be able to climb back up that 800 metres.

Thankfully the locals running the waterfall site saw an opportunity with the amount of people that end up in the same boat as us and have a 4x4 taxi service to run you back up to where ever you left your transport. I might add, it's the most expensive 800 metre taxi ride we've been on at 200 Baht. We would of happily paid 5 times that amount if it meant not climbing back up on foot.

The waterfall has 9 points, but you really only need to see the proper waterfall that is marked as Point 9. You get given walking poles to take with you at the entrance and soon realize why. To the main fall it's about a 15 minute trek across the stream, over tree roots, rocks and slippery corners all the while making good use of the walking pole.

Once reached the waterfall is not that impressive, but as mentioned earlier, the best part is the adventure of getting there. It also depends on the amount of rainfall, a good dump of rain can change the scenery dramatically.

The price of entry is 100 baht per person, remember to take drinking water with you for this one and wear proper footwear.

To get there, take the road opposite the Mummified Monk at Wat Khunaram, head to the top of Pom Mountain and follow the signs after the Mountain Grand View Viewpoint and Tarnim Magic Garden.