While KL is a haven for culture vultures and shopaholics, it is also a nature lover’s paradise. There are green lungs all over the city and even a rainforest right in its heart – head to KL Eco City (formerly Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve) for an urban jungle adventure.
Just a short drive away from central KL lie stunning waterfalls that offer a refreshing retreat from the sometimes stifling city. There’s nothing quite like cooling down underneath a cascading river amid lush foliage – check out these three waterfall hot spots!
Chiling Waterfall, Selangor Arguably one of the most impressive waterfalls in the Klang Valley, Chiling offers the perfect blend of adventure and aesthetics. You’ll have to cross a river six times before reaching it (make sure to wear appropriate footgear) but the reward is well worth it. You’ll be greeted with three separate vertical waterfalls and a large plunge pool where you can dive in. It’s only open to the public on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and can sometimes get a bit busy, but Chiling is a must-see!
Sungai Gabai, Hulu Langat If trekking isn’t your thing and you’d rather have the falls ‘on your doorstep’ then Sungai Gabai might be more your cup of tea. You’ll see the first set of falls just beyond the carpark where you can immediately take a dip in clear pools. Head up the 300-odd steps to reach the second and third set of falls where there are smooth sections of rock you can slide down on. There are more inviting pools here and plenty of gorgeous picnic spots all around where you can simply kick back, enjoy nature and the rush of the falls if that’s what you want.
Sungai Tua, between Selayang and Ulu Yam Located within Sungai Tua Recreational Forest, these falls make for the perfect family destination as they are surrounded by a bona fide camping site, gazebos and pavilions where you can go all out with elaborate picnics and BBQs. Children will love the gentle nature of the falls where they can enjoy a swim, while adults can relax in the lush environs of the area or explore the river and numerous trails crisscrossing the area.

Chiling Waterfall, Selangor Arguably one of the most impressive waterfalls in the Klang Valley, Chiling offers the perfect blend of adventure and aesthetics. You’ll have to cross a river six times before reaching it (make sure to wear appropriate footgear) but the reward is well worth it. You’ll be greeted with three separate vertical waterfalls and a large plunge pool where you can dive in. It’s only open to the public on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and can sometimes get a bit busy, but Chiling is a must-see!
Sungai Gabai, Hulu Langat If trekking isn’t your thing and you’d rather have the falls ‘on your doorstep’ then Sungai Gabai might be more your cup of tea. You’ll see the first set of falls just beyond the carpark where you can immediately take a dip in clear pools. Head up the 300-odd steps to reach the second and third set of falls where there are smooth sections of rock you can slide down on. There are more inviting pools here and plenty of gorgeous picnic spots all around where you can simply kick back, enjoy nature and the rush of the falls if that’s what you want.

Sungai Tua, between Selayang and Ulu Yam Located within Sungai Tua Recreational Forest, these falls make for the perfect family destination as they are surrounded by a bona fide camping site, gazebos and pavilions where you can go all out with elaborate picnics and BBQs. Children will love the gentle nature of the falls where they can enjoy a swim, while adults can relax in the lush environs of the area or explore the river and numerous trails crisscrossing the area.
