There’s something about nature that offers an antidote to stress and calms the qualms in our minds, especially for those of us who live in the fast-paced city. No, we’re not making this up—plenty of scientific studies have shown that nature does indeed have a healing effect on our physical and mental well-being.
Besides spending time at the park or hiking along nature trails, one popular activity to unwind amidst nature is visiting a waterfall. Better yet, it’s something you can do in a group with friends and family, or even as a date. For ideas on where to go, we’ve put together a nifty guide to some of the most beautiful waterfalls within two hours from KL.
Before diving in, here are some key things to take note of and tips on what to bring along your trip:
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Important to note
- Wear appropriate attire and footwear (you may have to cross puddles and streams to reach some falls)
- Avoid visiting a waterfall during/after a rainy day as the currents may be dangerous (some places may be closed depending on weather conditions anyway)
- Hike in a group if possible, and let someone know where you’ll be going
- When in doubt about directions, ask others or follow the more beaten path
- Remember that you’re hiking at your own risk; don’t force yourself to continue if you don’t feel comfortable—safety first!
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What to bring
- Water (don’t forget to stay hydrated!)
- Rubbish disposal bags (leave nothing but footprints behind)
- Sunscreen (protection is key)
- Insect repellent (again, protection is key)
- First aid kit (optional, but good to have for safety)
- Food/snacks (tip: energy bars and bananas are great to refuel your energy)
- A picnic mat (optional, but good to have for comfort)
- A towel and change of clothes
With that, here are our recommendations for the best waterfalls to visit in KL and Selangor.
1. Sungai Pisang Waterfall, Batu Caves
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Sungai Pisang is one of the most popular waterfalls in the Klang Valley, so expect large crowds on the weekends. To get to the falls, visitors will have to cross two large tunnels beneath the Karak Highway (a popular spot for the ‘gram) and walk through the river. A short distance after that, the route splits into two—with Route 1 (on the right) being the easier route that leads to the base of the waterfall, and Route 2 (on the left) being the more challenging route with steep, narrow ledges leading to the top of the waterfall. What awaits is a stunning 20-metre cascade, with spacious grounds for camping and picnics.
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Entrance fee: RM10 for parking
Difficulty: Intermediate
Approximate time to reach falls: 45 minutes to an hour
2. Sungai Gabai, Hulu Langat
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If you’re looking to get to a waterfall with minimal effort involved, Sungai Gabai is the place for you. Located in Hulu Langat, the base of this multi-level waterfall is within walking distance of the entrance and carpark. Families with young children can opt to stay near the bottom of the waterfall for safety. Alternatively, visitors can climb up the flight of 333 concrete steps and cross wooden and concrete bridges to reach the peak of the multi-level waterfalls. Along the way, there are also several gazebos and pools to wade in.
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Opening hours: 8am to 6pm
Entrance fee: RM1 per person
Difficulty: Beginner
Approximate time to reach falls: Walking distance to the base or 30 minutes to the main waterfall
3. Chilling Waterfall, Kuala Kubu Bharu
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Those who are up for a challenging trail will find one to get to Chilling Waterfall, situated in a fish sanctuary on the way to Fraser’s Hill. The trek will take visitors deep into the forest across six river crossings—some of which are waist-deep for an adult, so this isn’t a child-friendly option. You’ll see plenty of exotic plants and fishes on the way, adding wonder and excitement to the journey. The reward is a breathtaking 80-metre fall overlooking a calm lagoon, with several spots to set up a picnic to enjoy the view.
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[Note: Sungai Chilling closes during the monsoon seasons from November through February, and may be closed periodically throughout the year for maintenance and fish conservation.]
Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday only)
Entrance fee: RM1 per person
Difficulty: Intermediate
Approximate time to reach falls: 1.5 hours
4. Sungai Tekala Waterfall, Semenyih
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Like Sungai Gabai, Sungai Tekala is one of the more accessible watefalls for families with young kids. Nestled in the Sungai Tekala Recreational Forest, the first fall is just a five-minute walk from the entrance and carpark, with a wide shallow stream for children to splash around. Visitors may continue to trek up to find their preferred picnic spot along the multi-level cascade with natural rock pools. The clear waters and surrounding tropical rainforest here promise a relaxing escape from the concrete jungle.
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Opening hours: 7am to 7pm
Entrance fee: RM1 for adults; RM0.50 for children aged 12 and below
Difficulty: Beginner
Approximate time to reach falls: Walking distance to the base or 30 minutes to the peak
5. Kanching Waterfall, Rawang
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Tucked away in Kanching Eco Forest Park, Kanching Waterfall boasts an impressive multi-tiered waterfall enveloped by lush greenery. There are seven levels with varying levels of difficulty to reach. Levels one to four are suitable for beginners and accessible via a concrete stairway and path, whilst levels five and six can be reached via a well-worn foot path. To get to the highest level, visitors will have to climb a steep and rocky trail.
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Opening hours: 7am to 5.30pm
Entrance free: RM1 per person; RM2 for parking
Difficulty: Beginner
Approximate time to reach falls: 5 minutes to first fall; up to 2 hours to reach highest fall
6. Kemensah Falls, Ampang
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Kemensah Falls is one of the more challenging waterfalls to reach, and you’ll also need to request a permit before entering. The good news is that you can rent an ATV to ride your way up the muddy trails, but if not, be prepared for slippery paths. At the end of it, you’ll find a stunning 38-metre waterfall drop, with smaller cascades to frolick in. (Note: Expect some traffic en route to the entrance as the roads are narrow and there are popular riverside restaurants and chalets along the way.)
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Entrance fee: RM2 for motorbikes, RM5 for cars
Difficulty: Intermediate
Approximate time to reach falls: 1.5-2 hours
7. Lepoh Waterfall, Hulu Langat
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Another challenging trail for the fit and adventurous is Lepoh Waterfall in Hulu Langat. A permit is required to hike up to the falls, which starts near Asli Adventure Camp. After roughly 90 minutes of trekking through the jungle and stopping to admire the unusual flora and fauna, you’ll hear the sound of gurgling streams before arriving at the base of the scenic waterfall. Leeches and mosquitoes are commonly reported here, so be prepared with the appropriate attire.
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Opening hours: 7am to 7pm
Entrance fee: RM1
Difficulty: Intermediate
Approximate time to reach falls: 1.5-2 hours
8. Serendah Waterdall, Serendah
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Located near an Orang Asli village about an hour’s drive away from the heart of KL, Serendah Waterfall is a popular place for families and friends seeking a weekend respite. The main waterfall is very easy to reach and has a wide base for swimming and picnics. If you prefer a bit more privacy, take a short walk up the road past a campsite and you’ll arrive at a stream. Keep following the stream up and you’ll find a multi-tiered cascade with ample spaces to relax and dip in the river.
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Entrance fee: RM2 per car
Difficulty: Beginner
Approximate time to reach falls: Walking distance to first fall, 20 minutes to higher falls
9. Saga Hill, Ampang (AKA Apek Hill, Cheras)
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Popular among avid hikers, Ampang’s Saga Hill is a multi-route trail that is connected to Apek Hill in Cheras. The main waterfall is located in between the two hills and there are several spots to sit by the water and enjoy its gushing streams. While not as high or picturesque as some of the other waterfalls on this list, the Saga Hill trail offers a few interesting spots to stop and catch your breath, such as a tea station, a playground, and an exercise corner.
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Opening hours: 6am to 6pm
Entrance fee: Nil
Difficulty: Intermediate (difficulty varies depending on the track)
Approximate time to reach falls: 1.5 hours
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