Waterfalls in Malaysia

Jelawang, also called Stong Waterfall, is on Gunung Stong in Kelantan and at around 305 metres it is the tallest waterfall in Peninsular Malaysia, visible from kilometres away. It falls in seven tiers, and reaching them means a steep hike through forest. Most people camp on the mountain overnight rather than doing it as a day trip.

Chiling is the best known waterfall within reach of Kuala Lumpur, about an hour north in the Sungai Chiling fish sanctuary near Kuala Kubu Bharu. Getting to the falls means a jungle trek with several river crossings, which is the point as much as the waterfall, and the pool at the base is deep enough to swim. Check whether the sanctuary is open before setting out; it closes periodically.

Temurun is the tallest waterfall on Langkawi, in the Machincang forest above Datai on the northwest coast. It falls in three tiers off a dark rock face, and the lowest is a short walk from the car park into a shallow pool that suits children. The upper tiers need a scramble. It is strongly seasonal: after dry spells it can be down to a trickle.

Telaga Tujuh, or Seven Wells, is a chain of seven linked rock pools fed by a stream coming off Gunung Mat Cincang on Langkawi's west side, and it is the island's best known natural attraction. A climb of several hundred steps reaches the top pools, where you can sit in the water. The cable car station is at the same base, so most people do both.

Sungai Pandan, also called Panching Falls, is about 25 km west of Kuantan in Pahang, inside a forest reserve. It falls in stages down a hillside with pools between them, and a boardwalk and steps run up alongside. It is one of the more developed falls on the east coast, with a gate and set opening days, so check before going.

Kota Tinggi Waterfalls is in Johor, on the slopes of Gunung Muntahak about half an hour from Kota Tinggi town, and it is run as a recreation park with chalets and food stalls. There are two falls: a smaller one at the entrance and a larger one further along the trail. Both have pools, and the site is busy with local families at weekends.

Ulu Chepor is just outside Ipoh in Perak, a 20-metre fall on a river running through forested hills, and it is a long-standing local bathing spot rather than a wilderness one. A suspension bridge crosses the river to the far bank. The site has food stalls, chalets, campsites, a play area, a surau and shelters, which tells you how busy it gets at weekends.

Lasir is on Tasik Kenyir in Terengganu, reached by a short boat ride from the Pengkalan Gawi jetty, and it is the most visited picnic spot on the lake. Water steps down over tiers of boulders into pools at the base. A trail runs up past fruit orchards to the upper levels. The boat is part of the appeal, since Kenyir is Southeast Asia's largest man-made lake.

Sekayu is in the Sekayu Recreational Forest in Terengganu, and it is the gentlest walk on this list: a made path and steps lead up past several tiers with pools between them, under mature shade trees. It suits families and first-time hikers. There is a gate with set opening hours, so check the day before you go.

Durian Perangin runs in a long series of small tiers down the northern slope of Gunung Raya, Langkawi's highest mountain, in the northeast of the island. It is named for the durian trees around it. Pools at the lower tiers are deep enough to sit in, and canyoning is run on the upper section. Quieter than Temurun and Seven Wells.

Giam Klimau is in Miri division in Sarawak, near Niah National Park and its caves, so it is usually visited on the same trip. It is a low curtain fall of around 17 metres, reached on a short walk through oil palm, and the water runs shallow over sand and rock into a wading pool. Better as a stop on the way to Niah than a destination.