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12 Waterfalls In Klang Valley To Check Out If You Want To Unwind With Nature

If Spotify's Nature playlist doesn't cut it anymore.

Cover image via @dan.s.ting (Instagram) & @hussainshahidi (Instagram)

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Every now and then, it's good to get some fresh air and a dose of nature

Thankfully, Malaysia is filled with forests and waterfalls, where we can occasionally relax at a refreshing stream and enjoy the sounds of nature.

Of course, please continue to practise standard operating procedures (SOPs) like physical distancing during this time.

If you're at risk or have come into contact with any COVID-19 case, be considerate of those around you and take the necessary steps to quarantine.

We've put together a list of waterfalls in Klang Valley to check out based on their trails' length and intensity:

For beginners

I. Sungai Gabai Waterfall

Sungai Gabai Waterfall is easy to access and is less than an hour's drive from KL. There are around 330 steps to climb, which are doable for most. You can reach the main waterfall within 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace.

There's a small cascade with slippery rocks which you can slide down if you dare (just be careful when doing so!). Other than that, you'll find wading pools and streams to dip your feet in.

Take note that it can get pretty crowded during the weekends and there may be a small entrance fee of RM1 to RM2 per person.

2. Kanching Rainforest Waterfall

Kanching Rainforest Waterfall has seven tiers, making it ideal for both beginner hikers as well as more seasoned ones.

The first waterfall is a mere five-minute walk from the parking lot. Families usually enjoy the lower levels, however, if you enjoy a bit more challenge, you can explore the higher ones. The first three levels are easily accessible with cement walkways, while jungle trails begin after the third.

There may be a parking fee (RM2) and an entrance fee (RM2).

3. Sungai Tua

Sungai Tua has cascading streams and wading pools for families with children, including a waterfall by the roadside. If you venture further in, you'll be able to see the main waterfall, although the stream below is just as refreshing to relax at. 

There may be an entrance fee of RM1 for adults and RM0.50 for children. 

4. Sendat Falls

Sendat Falls also known Hutan Lipur Sungai Sendat consists of two tiers. One of which takes only about a 10-minute walk from the parking lot. At the main waterfall, there's a small pool where you can swim and many often camp near here as well. 

There may be an entrance fee of RM2 per adult and RM1 for children. 

5. Sungai Tekala

Sungai Tekala is about a 40-minute drive from KL city. When you arrive, there are cemented steps leading to the waterfall, which take roughly 10 minutes to reach from the main entrance. 

There may be an entrance fee of RM1 per adult and RM0.50 per child. 

For intermediates
I. Chiling Falls

Disclaimer (30 April): Chiling Falls is temporarily closed until further notice for maintenance and fish conservation.

One of the more popular ones in Selangor, Chiling Falls takes a bit of hiking to get to and requires you to cross the stream several times but it is quite a beautiful sight once you arrive.

It's about a 30-minute to one-hour trek to reach the main waterfall. And you might even spot fish along the way! You can feed them with fish food purchased at the entrance of the waterfall.

It can get pretty crowded at the main waterfall, especially on weekends, but chilling at the lower levels is just as fun.

2. Bukit Apeh or Bukit Saga Falls

Unlike the others, Bukit Saga Falls or Apeh Waterfall is not as big (around 7m high) but it's quite picturesque and a good place to soak in nature. Stand underneath the waterfall for a refreshing jolt of cool water!

The trail to the waterfall, which takes around 1.5 hours, is steep in certain areas. If you're someone who enjoys the hike more than the destination, it's definitely worth checking out.

3. Pisang Falls

Pisang Falls takes about 50 minutes to an hour to trek from its main entrance and requires you to cross the stream several times. Along the trek, you'll need to go through two huge tunnels underneath the Karak Highway. The trek will soon split into two routes (Route 1 on the right and Route 2 on the left).

Route 1 will take you to the base of the waterfall, while Route 2 will take you to the top of the falls. Route one is said to be a slightly easier trek, as Route two requires you to navigate a steep and narrow ledge, which might be difficult with children. 

There may be an entrance fee of RM1 per adult and RM5 for parking. 

4. Ulu Tamu Falls

Located just an hour away from KL, Ulu Tamu Falls takes about 30 minutes to reach but requires visitors to wade through knee-deep water (unless you're driving a 4WD!). You'll pass orchards along the way and eventually reach a junction.

The left trail will take you to the first waterfall called Jeram Antu, which has a nice pool for you to dip your legs in. However, if you take the right fork, it will lead you to a second, slightly larger waterfall.

5. Kemensah Falls

Kemensah Falls is a 38m-high waterfall that takes about an hour to trek to, with some steep slopes along the way. It's a beautiful waterfall that hits huge boulders at the base so there isn't any pool to swim in. 

Nevertheless, it offers quite a spectacular view with streams along the way where you can relax at. 

6. Sungai Luit or Lata Makau Falls

It takes about two to three hours to hike to Sungai Luit also known as Lata Makau Falls. And the trek can be pretty challenging for some, requiring you to cross several streams, but it's totally worth it. 

The waterfall itself plunges into a large emerald-like pool, which is rewarding after a long hike. 

7. Setinggi Falls

It takes about two to three hours to reach Setinggi Falls from Klinik Serendah. But if you want a shorter hike, you can trek from Jalan Melur, which will take around 40 minutes to an hour instead.

Once you reach, you can either relax on one of the huge boulders by the waterfall or sit right underneath it for a good massage. ;)

If you head to any of these waterfalls, please look after Mother Earth and leave nothing behind but your footprints!

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