Air Terjun Seri Perigi: The Complete Waterfall Guide (2026)

Tucked into the slopes of Gunung Jerai in Yan, Kedah, Air Terjun Seri Perigi is quietly becoming one of the north's best-kept waterfall secrets. At 100 metres tall across two tiers, this is no ordinary splash-and-go spot — it comes with a shallow rock pool at the peak that genuinely looks like an infinity pool floating above lush paddy fields. That view alone is worth the hike.

This place suits families, casual hikers, and anyone who needs a proper reset from city life. The environment is generally clean and serene — one visitor described it as "therapeutic and peaceful," and honestly, that tracks. It's not the kind of waterfall where you come to cannon-ball into deep pools; it's more of a sit-and-breathe situation. But if you're chasing that Kedah countryside magic with a waterfall backdrop, Seri Perigi delivers.

A note before you go: official information about this place is still thin. No published opening hours, no clear entrance fee structure, and permit requirements are uncertain. I'll be straight with you throughout this guide about what we know and what you'll need to verify locally before making the trip.

Quick Facts

• Location: Kampung Perigi, Yan, Kedah (GPS: 5.80982, 100.40693)
• Access: Via Yan Kecil; look for signs to Rekreasi Sri Perigi or Seri Perigi Recreation Park
• Height: 100 metres, two-tier waterfall
• Walk-in time: 15–40 minutes depending on your pace; trail is steep with roots and can be muddy
• Swimmable: Yes — two pools (one at top of first tier, one shallow rock pool at the peak)
• Camping: Not confirmed — check with the local forestry office before planning an overnight
• Entrance fee: Not confirmed; permit via iforest.kedah.gov.my may be required — verify before visiting
• Opening hours: Not published — check with Kedah Forestry Department or locally before you go
• Facilities: Toilets, prayer room, gazebos/shelters (condition may be poor); no food stalls or changing rooms confirmed
• Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon; avoid rainy season if possible

Getting There & Parking

Air Terjun Seri Perigi sits on the northwestern slopes of Gunung Jerai, accessed through Yan Kecil. Plug the GPS coordinates (5.80982, 100.40693) into Waze or Google Maps and look for signboards pointing to Rekreasi Sri Perigi or Seri Perigi Recreation Park. The road condition has been described as newly paved and in good shape, so getting to the trailhead shouldn't be a drama in a normal car.

Parking is limited — there are designated car parks available but the exact capacity isn't documented. One visitor noted plenty of parking space on a weekday morning, so going early on weekdays is your best bet. Parking fee information is not available; bring some cash just in case there's a local attendant collecting on the day. Don't assume it's free.

Fees & Opening Hours

This is where things get a bit murky, jujur cakap. No official entrance fee has been published for Air Terjun Seri Perigi. There's mention that a permit application may be required through the Kedah Forestry Department's portal at iforest.kedah.gov.my, but the fee structure — if any — isn't clear from any source I've found.

Opening hours are similarly unpublished. Before you drive all the way from Alor Setar or further, call the Kedah Forestry Department or ask locally in Yan Kecil. Don't just show up and hope for the best, especially if you're travelling with a big group or on a public holiday.

The Falls & Swimming

Two tiers, 100 metres total — that's significant by Malaysian standards and makes Seri Perigi one of the tallest waterfalls in Kedah. The structure gives you two distinct swimming spots, which is a bonus.

At the top of the first tier, there's a pool formed by the upper cascade dropping into it. The water here is reportedly crystal clear and cold — the kind of cold that hits you immediately and makes you forget you just hiked up in the Kedah heat. This is where most visitors cool off and hang around.

Then there's the highlight: the shallow rock pool at the very peak. It has that infinity pool quality — flat rock edges, the waterfall behind you, and a sweeping view of green paddy fields stretching out below. It genuinely looks surreal, especially in the early morning light or late afternoon when the paddy colours are deepest.

Both pools are described as swimmable. That said, the rock pool at the peak is noted as shallow — exact depth isn't on record, so treat it as a wade-and-sit situation rather than a diving spot. The pools are better for soaking and chilling than for serious swimming; one visitor pointed out it's not ideal if you want to properly play in deep water. Manage expectations accordingly.

The overall vibe is calm and clean. Littering has been mentioned by some visitors, but the general consensus is that it's still relatively well-kept. Do your part — bawa balik sampah you, simple as that.

Safety First

The trail to Seri Perigi is steep with plenty of exposed tree roots and can get seriously muddy and slippery, especially during the rainy season (musim hujan). Wear proper shoes — not selipar jepun, not bata kasut putih. Trail shoes or at minimum grippy closed-toe footwear. Going barefoot on these rocks is how people twist ankles and split open knees.

The rocks around and inside the pools are slippery. Step carefully, always. Current and undercurrent data specific to this site isn't available, but any moving water on a slope can surprise you. The shallow rock pool at the peak is relatively low-risk, but the pool at the first tier base deserves more caution — you're dealing with water that's just dropped from height.

Flash flood risk here is real. Seri Perigi sits on the slopes of Gunung Jerai, which means the catchment above you is significant. During or after rain — even rain you can't see from where you're standing — water levels in these channels can rise quickly and without much warning. The Kedah rainy season roughly runs from September through November, but unseasonal downpours happen year-round in the north. If the sky darkens upstream or you hear the volume of the falls suddenly increase, get out. Don't wait to confirm.

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 trail shoes or water shoes with grip
• Change of clothes and a dry bag for your phone and valuables
• Enough drinking water for the hike up and back — there are no food stalls confirmed at the site
• Sunscreen and a hat for the hike in
• Trash bag — pack out what you pack in
• Small first aid kit (plasters, antiseptic)
• Cash for parking or any entrance fees that may apply on the day
• Light snacks; there's nothing to buy up there

If you're planning to spend a few hours relaxing by the pools — and with a view like that, you probably will — the TAHAN Flexlite Highback Chair With Headrest is genuinely worth throwing in the car. It folds light, and sitting properly on a chair beats perching on a wet rock for two hours. For group trips where you want to set up a water station at the base, the TAHAN 10L Water Container keeps everyone hydrated without endless plastic bottle waste.

For a full packing rundown before any outdoor day trip, check out our camping checklist — it covers the basics most people forget until they're already on the trail.

FAQ

Is Air Terjun Seri Perigi open to the public?

Based on available information, yes — it's a recreation park and visitors have been going. But official opening hours are not published anywhere reliable. A permit through the Kedah Forestry Department (iforest.kedah.gov.my) may be required. Confirm with the department or locally in Yan Kecil before making the trip, especially on public holidays or during school holidays when sites sometimes restrict access.

Berapa entrance fee Air Terjun Seri Perigi? (What's the entrance fee?)

Good question — and honestly, we don't have a confirmed answer. No official entrance fee has been published. There may be a permit requirement via the Kedah Forestry Department portal, but the cost structure is unclear. Bring some cash just in case there's a collection point at the site, and check locally before you go.

Can you swim at Air Terjun Seri Perigi?

Yes, both pools are described as swimmable. The pool at the top of the first tier and the shallow rock pool at the peak are both accessible. The rock pool at the peak is shallow — think wading and soaking rather than swimming laps. The water is reportedly cold and clear. Exercise caution on slippery rocks, and never enter the water during or after heavy rain.

Is Air Terjun Seri Perigi suitable for kids?

It can be, with the right preparation and caution. The environment is described as family-friendly and serene. The trail is steep with roots and can be muddy, so younger children will need proper footwear and supervision on the way up. The shallow rock pool is arguably safer for kids than deep river pools. That said, always supervise children near moving water, full stop. Avoid bringing young children during or after rain when flash flood risk is elevated.

Camp Nearby?

If you want to make a proper weekend of the Kedah and northern region, there are a few campsites worth checking out nearby. Nadi Glamping Suites, Penang is a comfortable option if you prefer your comforts after a day on the trail. Over in Kedah proper, Sedim Signature Campsite is a solid base for exploring the region's natural spots. And if you're heading further inland, KIF Campsite Baling is worth a look for a more rugged overnight experience.

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.