Kanching Waterfalls

Kanching Waterfalls (Hutan Rimba Kanching) is located at Kanching Recreational Forest next to Templer Park in Rawang district, about forty minutes of driving distance from Kuala Lumpur city center. 

Its proximity to the city makes it an easily accessible popular spot among hikers and picnickers. There are seven cascades of waterfalls starting from the first, which is a five-minute walk from the parking area. Walkways lead to the first three, whereas rocky trails and steep slopes begin after the third, which requires a reasonable level of fitness to climb.

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Entrance and parking

Since Kanching falls is located in the forest reserve, there is no public transport you can take to reach here. 

The best way, in my opinion, is to drive (foreign visitors can rent a car, right-hand drive in Malaysia). The GPS (3.2988182, 101.6193392) will lead you to the parking area.

The car park charges RM4 per entry. There is no entrance fee applied.

There are cafes and toilet facilities. 

The best time to hike up the waterfalls is in the early morning as it is not too hot, taking half a day.

The walkways to the waterfalls are on the left of the shops and the cafe.

CEMENTED WALKWAY 

The stream has a remarkable height of 120m, divided into seven levels of Kanching waterfalls and cascades. 

The first three levels are easily accessible by the cement walkway and concrete steps. This walkway leads to the second level, which is the most popular destination.  

Kanching Waterfalls- level 1

There are seven levels of waterfall cascades situated in this tropical rainforest reserve of nearly 500 hectares. The first two lower levels are located close to the entrance. It is an excellent place for family outings at this ideal picnic spot since it only takes five to ten minutes to reach by strolling along the cemented walkway.

The first waterfall is relatively small, sheltered by the surrounding trees. It is not too crowded as visitors will usually not settle here but prefer to walk deeper into the forest to explore various spots. 

Kanching Waterfalls- level 2

There are some basic facilities here, but the changing rooms and toilets are poorly maintained. The water is shallow and safe, as it has turned into a man-made pool. 

You can use the picnic gazebos if you come early, as they can become quite congested when approaching noon, particularly during weekends.

KANCHING WATERFALLS – Level 3

I arrived early in the morning, and this place was so tranquil. September is the dry season, so the water cascade is small. 

I took about ten minutes of a slow walk from the entrance to arrive here. So far, I still have the feeling of being inside a park than a forest reserve until this point.

The walkway ends not too far after level 3, where you start entering the rainforest.

KANCHING WATERFALLS – Level 4 and above 

The physical challenge begins for visitors who live a sedentary lifestyle. It is covered by tall trees that seclude you from the rest of the world. No house, no buildings, no roads, only the endless winding trail with plenty of natural obstacles.

A pair of hiking shoes is recommended, or at least wear your best walking shoes. Bring your hiking pole is recommended,

The last bridge 

Most casual visitors, especially kids, will not venture beyond level 3, where the concrete path ends. 

After hiking along the trails with several steep climbs, you will arrive at a knee-depth pool with a bridge. This bridge is the last man-made structure before exploring farther into the jungle. 

Not many people here. I only met with a young couple reclining in the pool’s shallow water, enjoying the sound of nature – the water flow orchestrates a relaxing melody. 

KANCHING WATERFALLS – Level 5

There aren’t signboards at each cascade, so I assume this is level five based on my counting.

It took me ten minutes to hike up from the last bridge at level 4. The trails at the upper levels are steep and unclear at several turns. I highly recommend climbing up to this level as this is the best place among all the levels. You can listen to the sound of the water cascading down and enjoy the hypnotic music of nature.

Youngsters were swimming and wallowing in the clear water pool.

Some boys let the curtain of white water tumble down over their bodies as if it were being poured from a giant bucket filled with an endless supply of water.

KANCHING WATERFALLS – levels 6 and 7

If you want to explore further upstream, the trail becomes increasingly slippery and has uneven rocky steps. I need to use my hands where the steep path and roots are criss-cross and gnarled. It also becomes unclear as it snakes around in the depths of the forest.

I stopped at level 6 because the trail was a bit dangerous to trudge in the muddy path and slippery rocks to continue the waterfall hike. The highest waterfall is at level seven.

September is the dry season in Malaysia, so there is no roaring water tumbling down. Still, it is the best of all levels for relaxing and enjoying the tranquility and serenity bought by the silky cascade.

You may also want to visit other major attractions in Kuala Lumpur. Read this recent article about the highlights of Kuala Lumpur Tower, the iconic communicational tower and the tallest in South-East Asia.

Useful Information

Address: Kilometer 17, Jalan, Jalan Rawang, Templer Baiduri, 48000 Rawang, Selangor
GPS: 3.1530442, 101.7038086
Opening hours: 6.00am to 8.00pm
Entrance: free
Bus from KL Sentral: Take bus No. 150 to SL389 Hutan Lipur Kanching, Templer Park. But you still need to walk about 15 minutes to reach Kanching Waterfalls.
Parking fee: RM4 per vehicle
Things to bring: Insect repellent (there are leeches during the rainy season)

The location of Kanching Waterfalls