I Hiked A few of Malaysia’s Most Spectacular Waterfalls — Right here’s How You Can, Too

The verdant forests that encompass Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, really feel uncared for, and in a way, they’re. Early one morning final June, I walked alongside a path inside Templer Park with Kovin Siva, the founding father of Mowgli Enterprise, an adventure-travel firm. “We’ve lovely waterfalls, however they’re not visited actually because the paths have grow to be overgrown,” Siva advised me.

Malaysia is among the world’s most biodiverse international locations, however preserving its nature websites has not been a nationwide precedence, leaving many climbing trails in disrepair. Siva, who organizes day journeys and in a single day excursions all through the nation, in addition to in Indonesia, believes tourism will help: “Inviting the general public helps us shield our forests.” 

Whereas there are well-known falls a number of hours exterior town (like Lata Iskandar, a multitiered cascade within the verdant Cameron Highlands), for a style of Kuala Lumpur’s wild aspect, select from these trails, all a brief drive from the capital.

Lata Medang

This 6.6-mile hike begins close to a village that’s residence to the Orang Asli, Malaysia’s Indigenous neighborhood (Orang Asli means “first folks” in Malay). Take the suspension bridge throughout the Pertak River, then observe the banks of the Sungai Luit as you make your means towards the tiered Higher Medang Falls.

Templer Park 

Wildlife-spotting alternatives abound on this forest reserve. Early-morning hikers are greeted by the sounds of gibbons and hornbills; for those who’re fortunate, you may spot the tracks of a black leopard. The shortest stroll, which takes lower than an hour, goes to the swimming pools on the foot of the falls, whereas an extended, extra strenuous route ends on the prime, overlooking the jungle. 

Ulu Yam

This 2.7-mile route passes 4 falls, that means there are many locations for a refreshing dip, and is near the well-known Batu Caves — an necessary pilgrimage web site for Hindus. 

Extra Journey Concepts: 15 Finest Waterfall Hikes within the World

A model of this story first appeared within the April 2024 subject of Journey + Leisure underneath the headline “Into the Mist.”