In common Internet parlance, we are often told to ‘get off your phone and touch grass’. While it may sound unnervingly harsh, plenty of good comes from taking time away from your digital screens and reconnecting with nature. If you’re looking to do it over the weekend, here are several waterfalls less than an hour’s drive from the Kuala Lumpur city centre.
From phones to computers to televisions and now, even in our cars, there’s almost no getting away from the myriad of electronic displays that have become part and parcel of daily life for those living in cosmopolitan environments for the sake of convenience. That said, convenience has robbed many city dwellers of what scarce hours we still have away from our digital lives.
As of December 2023, general statistics globally indicate that most people spend an average of around 6 hours and 40 minutes on their screens. You don’t need us to tell you that too much time spent with your eyes locked on a screen presents a medley of health concerns, especially concerning circadian rhythms and sleep patterns.
The solution? A panacea that is freely accessible to all: more time spent outdoors in nature. 120 minutes, to be exact. This figure was obtained from a research study conducted in 2019 across 20,000 participants by a team led by Mathew White of the European Centre for Environment & Human Health at the University of Exeter.
Their research discovered that spending two hours per week in green spaces, whether in public parks or other outdoor environments, can significantly improve an individual’s overall sense of personal well-being. These results corroborated with a study published in Frontiers in Psychology, which cited reduced cortisol levels among study participants who spent an average of 20 to 30 minutes outdoors in nature.
Fortunately enough, reaping those benefits could not be any easier for those living in the Klang Valley area. With several stunning natural vistas within easy reach, it takes less than an hour to embark on a well-deserved retreat into nature’s embrace, surrounded by the cacophony of majestic waterfalls and the ebb of gentle streams. If that sounds like something you have in the cards, keep reading to learn about the top 10 waterfalls less than an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur.
10 best waterfalls less than an hour from KL to visit and heal in nature
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Kanching Rainforest Waterfall
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Cascading along seven separate tiers of rock, Kanching Rainforest Reserve’s mighty, 120-meter-tall waterfall is an easy recommendation for those who want a brief day trip out of the city. Located in the Rawang district, the sprawling 500-acre forest reserve is also home to a substantial number of the country’s native wildlife, which may make a rare appearance if you’re lucky to catch them. As for the waterfall itself, a relatively shallow swimming pond at the very bottom offers visitors the opportunity to luxuriate in a cool dip to beat the heat.
Estimated distance from KL: 41 minutes by car
Operating hours: 7.30am – 5.30pm (opens daily)
Entrance fee: RM2 for locals, RM5 for foreign tourists
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Sungai Gabai Waterfall
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Even closer in proximity than Kanching, the Sungai Gabai Waterfall has easily earned its popularity among Malaysian families who relish a weekend adventure without the stress of commuting. Serenely regal in its perpetual roar which can be heard from the very moment you arrive at the Selangor State Park’s proximity, this stunning natural wonder can be enjoyed from wading pools at the bottom or 300 steps up from the very top. Be warned, with family-friendly amenities such as barbecue pits and gazebos galore, it can get crowded.
Estimated distance from KL: 52 minutes by car
Operating hours: 8am – 6pm (opens daily)
Entrance fee: RM1
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Serendah Waterfall
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If you’re the type to veer from the crowds, Serendah Waterfall is probably a good bet as it is less known among most of its contemporaries. Found near the Kampung Orang Asli Serendah (Serendah Indigenous People’s Village), this spot is rather simple in its appeal. Basic comforts, such as changing rooms and gazebos are scattered by the perimeter of the single wading pool, but given its more secluded location, the one standout here is likely to be the general sense of solitude that Serendah affords. For those who fancy indulging in more physically demanding activities, consider attempting the Serendah Waterfall Loop trail.
Estimated distance from KL: 50 minutes by car
Operating hours: 8am – 6pm (opens daily)
Entrance fee: RM3
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Sungai Pisang Waterfall
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Ask any Klang Valley resident with a remote interest in hiking, and they are likely to have ventured to the Sungai Pisang Waterfall on more than a few instances. Easy to miss on the first try, the entrance leading into a relatively novice-friendly hike that will eventually bring you to the site of the waterfall can be found just off Karak Highway, close to the Orang Asli Hospital. Trek for roughly 45 minutes on foot and you will be rewarded with the sight of a 20-metre high waterfall, as well as wading pools to freshen up in. Better still, those with an intrepid spirit can even set-up camp here overnight for a proper adventure.
Estimated distance from KL: 55 minutes by car
Operating hours: Opens daily
Entrance fee: Free, but if you require a local Orang Asli guide, separate charges apply
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Sungai Sendat Waterfall
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Housed in the serene tranquility of the Sungai Sendat Forest Reserve, the namesake waterfalls that take after the attraction’s moniker provide simple, unadulterated fun for families craving a more relaxed pace than what man-made waterparks can afford. Separated into three tiers, the thunderous vigour of rushing currents dispenses restorative succor for those who need a break from the monotony of city life. However, do note that the upper two tiers can be quite dangerous owing to undercurrents, so it’s probably best to keep your water-bound activities on the very lowest wading pool.
Estimated distance from KL: 45 minutes from KL
Operating hours: 8am – 6pm (opens daily)
Entrance fee: RM1 for adults, RM0.50 for children
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Sungai Tekala Waterfall
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With one cement path leading you all the way up into the depths of an almost pristine oasis of calm, it is no wonder why the Sungai Tekala Waterfall is often one of the busiest picnic spots for locals over the weekend. Offering visitors a relatively approachable hike on relatively safe terrain, you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of the forest reserve’s best bounties amid lush foliage. As for the waterfalls themselves, gentle cascades on a low rock shelf provide languid appeal for those who just want a casual soak, while the more theatrical torrents deeper in are great for those who want a photo opportunity.
Estimated distance from KL: 53 minutes by car
Operating hours: 7am – 7pm (opens daily)
Entrance fee: RM2 for adults, RM1 for children
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Bukit Saga Waterfall
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While the previous entries on our list are generally suited to most casual weekend tourists and families alike, Bukit Saga may best be conquered by those who have a bit more athleticism and hiking experience under their belt. Breaching the easternmost edge of Kuala Lumpur in Cheras, you will have to be able to endure quite a challenging voyage along Trek C for roughly 50 minutes or so to reach the waterfalls here. Not nearly as grandiose as the others on our list, this one is best served as a panacea from the duress of your ascent up the hill, before you’re on your way back to civilisation once more.
Estimated distance from KL: 45 minutes by car
Operating hours: 6am to 6pm (opens daily)
Entrance fee: Free
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Commonwealth Falls
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Just off the Rawang Bypass is the Commonwealth Forest Park, which neighbours Templer’s Park and Taman Eko Rimba Kanching of Kanching Waterfall fame. Often overshadowed by the latter, visitors are often surprised to learn that this park also plays host to a waterfall of its own, which is located a little further upstream. Be sure to exert care when navigating to the falls as the path here is not well marked. Camping facilities are available to those who wish to take their experience into the evening. As its name would suggest, the park was first established to commemorate the 1998 Commonwealth Games that were held in Kuala Lumpur.
Estimated distance from KL: 28 minutes by car
Operating hours: 7am – 7pm (opens daily)
Entrance fee: RM1 for adults, RM0.50 for children.
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Chiling Waterfall
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Everything you need to know about this waterfall spot is in its name: Chiling. Promising plenty of R&R for visitors who are in dire need of time off, this particularly picturesque waterfall can be found among a clutch of other well-known tourist destinations, including Fraser’s Hill. The water feature in itself is a sight to behold, comprised of three separate streams that combine into a single, dramatic torrent gushing down three tiers. Conveniently found in a fish sanctuary, you’ll also find a host of other things to do here, including feeding said fish. However, be prepared to get wet as you’ll need to traverse six crossings to get to the waterfall proper.
Estimated distance from KL: 1 hour by car.
Operating hours: 8am – 6pm (closed on Mondays)
Entrance fee: RM1 per person.
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Sungai Kroh Waterfall
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As a statutory body parked under the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability portfolio, the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) boasts one of the most well-kept and well-loved man-made forests in the city, first established as a vital effort to resuscitate one of Kuala Lumpur’s green lungs. Measuring 544 hectares, this popular recreational site also plays host to a number of small waterfalls, courtesy of Sungai Keroh that meanders through its expanse. Beyond a cool plunge, don’t forget to explore other attractions in the vicinity, such as the new Forest Skywalk.
Estimated distance from KL: 30 minutes by car.
Operating hours: 6am – 7pm (opens daily)
Entrance fee: RM1 per person, children under 13 enter free
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Written by
Benjamin Wong
Senior Editor, Fashion and Dining
Armed with an Advertising major from Lancaster University, Benjamin is a senior editor who has spent his time oscillating between the social media and digital media landscape since 2018. With a keen interest in haute fashion and gastronomy, he has written for publications such as ERROR Digital, WORLD OF BUZZ, and KL Foodie. Beyond the keyboard, you can find him arms-deep in a thrift pile.
