Air Terjun Berkelah: The Complete Waterfall Guide (2026)

Air Terjun Berkelah isn't your average waterfall picnic spot. This is a proper 7-tier cascade tucked deep in the forests of Maran District, Pahang — with pools that drop to 10 metres, a multi-hour trek over boulders and river banks, and campsites so close to the water you can hear it from your tent. It's the kind of place serious hikers and campers talk about in hushed tones, and for good reason.

That said, Berkelah isn't for everyone. The lower tiers are accessible enough for fit beginners, but getting to Tier 7 — the 50-metre showstopper — is a proper workout involving technical scrambles along steep river banks more than five storeys above the water. If you're bringing young kids or expecting a relaxed family outing, go in with realistic expectations. And critically — before you make any plans, confirm the current status of the falls. Berkelah was closed in September 2022 due to littering issues, and as of 2026, the reopening situation is not fully clear. More on that below.

For those who do make it out here: monkeys in the canopy, butterflies along the trail, deep jade pools, and if you push to the top, reportedly some of the best stargazing in Pahang. Worth the effort? Most people who've done it say yes — emphatically.

Quick Facts

• Location: Maran District, Pahang — approximately 30–45 km from Kuantan (sources vary)
• Entrance Fee: No formal entry fee to the falls. A small parking fee may apply at the Taman Negeri Park entrance — amount unconfirmed, check locally.
• Opening Hours: Unconfirmed for full access. Recent visitor reports (August 2025) suggest limited weekend and public holiday access, 9:00am–5:30pm, with ongoing construction restricting access to upper tiers. Verify before you go.
• Walk-in Time: 20–30 minutes to twin falls (first tier). 35 minutes to second checkpoint. 1–3.5 hours to Tier 7 depending on pace and experience. 3–4 hours to designated campsite.
• Tiers: 7 main tiers (some reports suggest more — one visitor mentions a Tier 8)
• Swimming: Yes — main plunge pool and many smaller pools are swimmable. Depths reach up to 10 metres. Lifejackets strongly recommended for weak swimmers and children.
• Camping: Allowed at multiple riverside sites. Bring all your own gear, food, and water.
• Parking: Free parking for approximately 50 vehicles at main entrance car park (designated for campers). Possible small fee at park entrance — unconfirmed.
• Best Time to Visit: Weekdays (weekends are very crowded). Clear weather only — trail becomes extremely slippery and dangerous in rain.
• Current Status (2026): UNCERTAIN. Confirm with Jabatan Perhutanan Pahang or local authorities before visiting.

Getting There & Parking

From Kuala Lumpur, take the Karak Highway then hop onto the East Coast Expressway (LPT1). Exit at 827 Sri Jaya, then turn onto Federal Route 2 heading toward Kuantan. From Kuantan itself, take Route 2 west toward Maran for approximately 32 km. Watch for the signboard reading 'Hutan Lipur Berkelah' at GPS coordinates 3.698124, 102.982621 — turn right there.

From the turn-off, it's about 5 km on a mix of tarmac and gravel road to reach the car park. The road is narrow but reportedly passable by regular sedan — a previously damaged bridge has been repaired. That said, road conditions in Malaysia can change fast especially after heavy rain, so if you're driving a low-clearance car, go slowly and check recent reports from other visitors before you head out.

The car park holds around 50 vehicles and is free for campers. There may be a small parking fee at the Taman Negeri Park entrance, but the exact amount isn't confirmed — just bring some small change to be safe. On weekends, the main entrance is reportedly packed, so if you can, visit on a weekday.

Fees & Opening Hours

Officially, there are no formal entrance fees to visit Air Terjun Berkelah. A small parking fee may apply at the park entrance, but the amount isn't specified anywhere reliable, and the collecting authority hasn't been confirmed. Best advice: bring RM5–10 in small notes just in case.

Opening hours are genuinely unclear right now. The falls were closed from September 2022 due to litter issues. One visitor reported in August 2025 that access was open on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from 9:00am–5:30pm — but only the shallow stream below the waterfalls was accessible, with the falls themselves off-limits due to ongoing construction. Whether this situation has changed by the time you read this, I genuinely can't say. Call Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri Pahang or check with local guides at the entrance before making the drive.

The Falls & Swimming

Berkelah's main draw is its 7-tier (possibly more) cascade system. The first tier — twin waterfalls — is reachable in 20–30 minutes on an initially easy trail. This is where most casual visitors hang out, and it's a solid spot on its own. The main plunge pool here is large and popular for swimming.

Keep going and the trail changes character quickly. By the time you're pushing toward Tier 7, you're scrambling over boulders, navigating river banks, and working for every metre of elevation. Tier 7 stands approximately 50 metres high — that's a proper waterfall by any standard. Along the way, seven very deep pools punctuate the route, some of them reaching depths of up to 10 metres. The water is cold and the colour, in good conditions, is that deep clear jade you only get in clean forest rivers.

If you're camping at the top, one visitor described Tier 7 as perfect for stargazing — apparently the sky up there on a clear night is something else. Some sources also mention a Tier 8, though this isn't in the official count, so treat it as a bonus if you find it.

Swimming is possible at the main plunge pool and many of the smaller pools along the river. Just be clear-eyed about what you're swimming in: 10-metre depth, cold water, strong currents. These are not resort pools. Lifejackets are recommended for children and anyone not a confident swimmer — and guides are available at the entrance if you want local expertise on the trail and water conditions.

Wildlife-wise, expect monkeys, birds, and butterflies along the trail. This is also elephant territory, so stay aware — especially on the approach trail. There's also reportedly a stinger insect colony at one point along the route, so long sleeves are worth considering even in the heat.

Safety First

I'm going to be straight with you here because Berkelah has a real safety record that can't be glossed over. Two 22-year-olds drowned here in February 2018. Two 20-year-olds drowned here in February 2017. These aren't freak incidents — they're a pattern. The pools are 10 metres deep. The currents are strong. The rocks are extremely slippery when wet. JBPM (Fire and Rescue) has deployed rescue equipment including REWARD and LiSA systems at the location, which tells you how seriously the authorities take the risk here.

The hiking hazards are serious too, not just the swimming. Some sections of trail run along steep river banks more than five storeys above the water. One slip in the wrong place is life-threatening, not just embarrassing. Wear proper hiking shoes — not sandals, not selipar jepun. The trail becomes significantly more technical and dangerous when wet, so if rain hits while you're on the upper tiers, turn around. It's not worth it.

Also be aware of: elephant activity in the area (give them space and make noise so you don't surprise them), stinger insects at certain trail points (long sleeves help), mosquitoes, and the general reality that once you're deep in the upper tiers, you are far from help. Tell someone your plan. Don't hike alone to the upper sections.

Water levels can rise fast even when it's sunny where you stand — watch the weather upstream, and get out of the water the moment it turns murky or debris starts flowing.

What to Bring

• Proper hiking footwear — mandatory, non-negotiable. Grip is everything on these rocks.
• Dry bags or waterproof pouches — for your phone and anything you can't afford to get wet
• Sufficient water — don't rely on river water without treatment. For camping, a TAHAN 10L Water Container (RM79) is practical for setting up at camp so you're not making constant trips to the river.
• Food and snacks — no stalls at the waterfall itself. Berkelah Restoran is mentioned near the area, but pack your own for the trail.
• Insect repellent — mosquitoes and the stinger insect colony on trail are real concerns
• Long sleeves or a light layer — useful against insects and for cooler air at higher tiers
• First aid kit — basic cuts and scrapes are common on rocky trails
• Rain gear — weather changes fast in Pahang forest. A lightweight poncho at minimum.
• Lifejacket — if you're bringing children or weaker swimmers, seriously consider this
• Torch or headlamp — especially for campers; if you're staying overnight, a TAHAN Luminate Multifunction Lantern (RM89) handles both campsite lighting and doubles as a torch on the trail
• Full camping kit if staying overnight — this is unmanaged camping; bring everything. Check our camping checklist to make sure you're not leaving anything critical behind.
• Cash in small denominations — for any parking fee or guide hire at entrance

FAQ

Is Air Terjun Berkelah open in 2026?

Honestly, this is the question you need to answer before anything else. The falls were officially closed in September 2022 due to litter problems. As of a visit report from August 2025, access was permitted on weekends and public holidays (9:00am–5:30pm), but only to the stream below the falls — the falls themselves were restricted due to construction. Whether full access has resumed by the time you read this is unknown. Contact Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri Pahang or ask local guides at the entrance before making the trip.

Berapa entrance fee Air Terjun Berkelah? (How much is the entrance fee?)

Good question — and the answer is, officially, no formal entrance fee to the falls. However, a small parking fee may be collected at the Taman Negeri Park entrance. The exact amount isn't confirmed in any reliable source, so just bring some small change. There's no confirmed ticket booth or collecting authority at this point.

Can you swim at Berkelah Falls?

Yes, the main plunge pool and many smaller pools are used for swimming. But please understand what that means here: pools up to 10 metres deep, cold water, strong currents, and a documented history of drowning incidents. Swim only in calm, clear conditions. Lifejackets are recommended for children and weak swimmers. Don't jump from heights into unknown pools. And if the water turns murky or the current picks up, get out immediately.

Is Berkelah Falls suitable for kids?

The lower section — the stream below the twin falls — can be appropriate for young children, particularly if access to the upper tiers remains restricted (as reported in 2025). The main trail to upper tiers involves boulders, steep river banks, and significant hazards that are not suitable for small children. If you're bringing young kids, stick to the lower area, keep them in lifejackets near the water, and don't attempt the upper trail with them unless they're older, fit, and experienced hikers. On the positive side, one visitor noted the shallow stream below is actually a nice spot to cool down with small children.

Camp Nearby?

If the drive to Berkelah doesn't work out this time — or you want to ease into the Pahang outdoors before committing to a 3–4 hour jungle trek to a campsite — there are some solid options within range. Check out our reviews of Woodstock Camp Janda Baik, Glamping Valley @ Janda Baik, and Camp Mantap, Bentong for well-reviewed spots with easier access that are worth a weekend trip.

Mike has been camping across Malaysia for over 10 years — from jungle treks in Taman Negara to beach camps in Perhentian. He writes about it so you don't have to find out the hard way. Follow along on TAHAN Outdoor's blog for honest campsite reviews, every week.