The further one ventures in, the more beauty and mystique is revealed. Standing under the lush, dewy trees, the melodious singing of wild birds can be heard.

Adventurous nature-lovers will not be disappointed with a visit to the breathtaking Yang Tao forest and Bim Bip Waterfall, in Vietnam’s Central Highlands.

During the rainy season, the forest looks like the work of a watercolor painter.

Various shades of muted earthy tones and brilliant, tender greens seem to run together in a dreamy landscape.

Varieties of wild birds like the Red-whiskered Bulbul, Golden Myna and Moorhen chirp in harmony creating a veritable jungle of Eden.

The trek through the forest is challenging and often physically demanding.

Winding paths, rich with flora, climb steadily higher and, at times, one has to navigate imposing rock formations up to a meter high that block the footpaths.

Having a friend or two is certainly helpful to pull each other up and over the obstacles.

There are even more challenging sections that force hikers to lean into the steep slopes so closely that one can breathe in the deep smells of the earth.

The effort will indeed pay off, however, upon reaching another breathtaking sight – the Bim Bip Waterfall.

After nearly four hours of walking and climbing through Yang Tao, Bim Bip emerges like a fluid apparition.

Situated in southeast Dak Lak, the waterfall originates from the high mountain slopes of the Yang Tao mountain range.

It is affectionately considered the “younger brother” of the imposing Cu Yang Sin Mountain or “the roof of Central Highlands,” and is surrounded by a primeval evergreen forest.

Vast numbers of oversized plants on the mountain work effectively to retain moisture during the dry season, thereby maintaining the lush beauty for all four seasons of the year.

Four layers of rock, nearly 20 m in height, stand stoically as the rushing current of water sloshes against them wildly.

A jet of water shoots out from one of the rock formations and in the mid-day sun a spectacular, vivid rainbow appears.

Several large, flat rocks serve as wide planks on the two banks of the waterfall where visitors can lay out and relax, or even build a fire and camp out.

Surrounding rocks are covered with a delicate moss so soft and velvety it feels like silk to the touch.

Wild flowers in a dazzling array of colors bloom on the surface of the soft spongy greenery and, every so often, a species appears so unique and striking that visitors simply stop in their tracks to look.

A trip to Yang Tao will leave tourists with a deep appreciation for nature and its restorative effects on the soul.

The area is perfect for those looking for not only a physical challenge, but also for a quiet, contemplative experience.

Yang Tao is an ideal destination for ecotourism and visitors to the area can be sure to fall in love its pristine, natural beauty.

The Yang Tao jungle is located between Buon Ma Thuot City and the Ho Lac tourist area, along Highway 27; in Lac Dist., Dak Lak Province in Vietnam’s Central Highlands.