Air Terjun Chemerong: The Complete Waterfall Guide (2026)

Air Terjun Chemerong isn't just another waterfall. At somewhere between 305 and 370-plus metres tall — sources argue about the exact number but everyone agrees it's Malaysia's highest — this thing is genuinely humbling. It sits deep in Hutan Simpan Pasir Raja in Dungun, Terengganu, a proper jungle waterfall that earns its reputation.

This place suits fit hikers who don't mind a steep, muddy trail and want something beyond the roadside splash pools. Day-trippers can do it, but campers get the best of it — waking up inside one of Malaysia's most dramatic forest reserves is worth the permit paperwork alone.

Quick Facts

• Height: 305 m (officially cited); some sources say up to 370–400 m
• Entrance fee: RM2 per adult, RM1 per child (aged 5–12)
• Camping fee: RM5 per person per night
• Opening hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm daily, including weekends and public holidays
• Walk-in time: 40 minutes to 1.5–3 hours depending on route and fitness
• Swimming: Yes — lower pools are swimmable; best during dry season (March–September)
• Camping: Allowed; permit required minimum 3 weeks in advance
• Guide: Mandatory for all hikers regardless of skill level
• Phone: 09-848 1404

Getting There & Parking

Chemerong is about 100 km west of Kuala Terengganu and 30 km from Bandar Al-Muktafi Billah Shah. From KT, take Route 3 towards Dungun (roughly 90 km), then follow signs for Hutan Simpan Pasir Raja — total driving time is around 2 hours. The road gets narrower as you approach. A car with decent ground clearance helps but 4WD isn't required. Parking near the entrance is ample and free.

No car? Bus from KT to Dungun runs 1.5–2 hours, then grab a taxi or ride-share for the final 30 minutes to the reserve.

Fees & Opening Hours

Day visitors pay RM2 per adult and RM1 per child (ages 5–12) at the Chemerong Forest Reserve management office. Campers add RM5 per person per night. The site opens 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. That said, the reserve has had temporary closures for maintenance — call 09-848 1404 before you drive two hours out here. Seriously, just call.

The Falls & Swimming

Chemerong cascades down a rocky cliff face in multiple tiers, each with its own viewpoint. The lower section is where most visitors end up — and it's legitimately beautiful. The pools are clear and cold, with a spacious, fairly deep section suitable for cliff-jumping and shallower areas that work for families.

Swimming is best from March to September during the dry season when the water is calm and visibility is good. During the monsoon (October–February), flow becomes strong enough that swimming isn't safe — full stop.

One recent visitor put it well: the water is refreshing, cold, and the hike in — around 40 minutes on the shorter route — is absolutely worth it.

Safety First

The trail is steep, muddy, and slippery. Proper hiking footwear is non-negotiable — sandals will get you hurt. The deep pools are suitable for swimming and cliff-jumping but require parental supervision for children at all times. Cold water plus exertion can fatigue swimmers faster than expected.

• Avoid swimming during monsoon season (October–February) — currents become dangerous
• Slippery rocks on trail and around pools — move carefully
• Deep water sections — know your limits before jumping
• Not recommended for small children or elderly without proper support
• Guide is mandatory — don't try to skip this requirement

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. Or ask the TAHAN Hiking Community on WhatsApp — someone's usually been there that week.

What to Bring

• Hiking shoes with grip — trail is genuinely slippery
• Change of clothes and dry bag for your electronics
• Enough water for the hike — at least 2 litres per person
• Snacks and lunch (no food stalls on site)
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Waterproof poncho or rain jacket
• First aid kit basics
• If camping: TAHAN Luminate Multifunction Lantern — jungle nights get properly dark
• If camping: TAHAN Flexlite Highback Chair With Headrest for the campsite downtime

Check our full camping checklist before you pack — easy to forget something when you're excited about Malaysia's tallest waterfall.

FAQ

Is Air Terjun Chemerong open in 2026?

It operates 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, including weekends and public holidays. However, the site has had temporary closures for maintenance upgrades. Always call 09-848 1404 to confirm before making the trip.

Berapa entrance fee Air Terjun Chemerong?

Good question — the entrance fee (yuran masuk) is RM2 per adult and RM1 per child aged 5–12. Camping adds RM5 per person per night.

Can you swim at Chemerong Waterfall?

Yes — the lower pools are swimmable with clear, cold water and even a cliff-jumping spot. Stick to the dry season (March–September) for safe swimming. During the monsoon (October–February), currents are too strong.

Is Air Terjun Chemerong suitable for kids?

The campsite is family-friendly and the shallower pool sections suit small children with close supervision. However, the hiking trail is steep and muddy and is not recommended for young children or elderly visitors without proper support. Be realistic about your group's fitness level.

Camp Nearby?

If you want to extend your Terengganu adventure, there are some solid options worth knowing about. For an island escape after the jungle, check out SEM Campsite Lang Tengah Island. Back near Kuala Terengganu town, TWCampstay Kuala Terengganu is a convenient base. And if you're staying in the Dungun area, read our review of Shukor Campsite, Dungun — right in the same district as Chemerong.

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.

⛺ Featured in: Air Terjun Terengganu: 6 Waterfalls Worth the East Coast Drive (2026)