Berkelah Waterfall — 7 Tiers of Beauty (But Read This First)
The Vibe
Important heads-up before you pack your tent: as of 14 August 2025, Berkelah Waterfall is only open on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, from 9am to 5:30pm. And right now, due to ongoing construction, the main waterfalls and pools are off-limits. Only the shallow stream below the waterfall is accessible. So if you're planning an overnight camping trip expecting to wake up next to those legendary 7-tier falls — hold that thought. Things may change, but for now, day-trip only, limited access.
That said, Berkelah is genuinely one of Pahang's gems. When it's fully open, this place is something else. Seven tiers of waterfalls, deep crystal-clear pools, cold mountain water, and apparently a level 8 that not many people even know about. The kind of place where you show up and just stand there for a moment taking it all in. Campsites are positioned right next to the water — not a short walk from it, literally beside it. That alone makes it special.
The crowd here is a mix — families with small kids who stick to the lower stream, and more serious hikers who push up to the higher tiers. It's not a party spot. People come for the air terjun, the cold water, the jungle air. Bring your own everything though — this isn't a developed resort-style campsite.
Getting There
Berkelah Waterfall is located in Gambang, Pahang — postcode 26300. It's not far from Kuantan, so if you're coming from KL, you're looking at roughly 3 to 3.5 hours depending on traffic. Take the East Coast Expressway (LPT1) and exit toward Gambang. From there, follow signage or drop the Google Maps CID link into your navigation: click here for directions.
The road into the site — expect it to get progressively narrower the closer you get. Nothing's been confirmed in reviews about 4WD being required, but wear proper shoes from the car. The trail to the falls is rocky and can get slippery, especially after rain. Don't show up in flip-flops and act surprised.
What to Expect
The trail is rocky throughout. It follows the river, so you'll be hopping across stones and navigating uneven ground. Not a beginner-friendly nature walk — but also not a hardcore jungle trek. Somewhere in the middle. Kids can manage the lower sections, but the upper tiers require more effort and sure footing.
Each campsite is very close to the waterpoints, which is genuinely one of the best things about Berkelah. You don't have to lug your water jerry cans anywhere. The pools at the higher tiers are deep — beautiful but not for weak swimmers. The panoramic view from the starting point already sets the tone for what's ahead.
On weekends it gets crowded. And unfortunately, not everyone who shows up treats the place with respect — a few reviewers have flagged plastic waste and rubbish left near the trees. It's a real shame for a place this naturally beautiful. Camper atau pelancong, please lah — bawa balik sampah sendiri.
Facilities
Water Access
River water right next to the campsites. Every pitch is close to a waterpoint — one of Berkelah's strongest points.
Trail Condition
Rocky and can be slippery. Proper hiking shoes are a must. Not optional.
Crowd Control
No formal crowd management mentioned. Weekends get busy. Come early or be prepared to share your spot.
Waste Management
No dedicated waste collection apparent from reviews. Pack out everything you bring in — the place has a litter problem and it doesn't need to get worse.
What Campers Are Saying
One reviewer flagged something every potential visitor needs to know right now: from 14 August 2025, the site is weekend and public holiday only, 9am–5:30pm. And the upper waterfalls and pools? Off-limits due to construction. Only the shallow lower stream is accessible for now. If you're planning a trip purely for the main falls, wait until construction wraps up first.
That said, the people who've been there when it's fully operational? Consistently blown away. One camper called it their favourite place so far — specifically called out the level 7 waterfall as perfect for stargazing, and said don't miss level 8. That's the kind of thing you don't hear about at your average campsite.
A few people warned about the trail — rocky, slippery, not for casual sandal-wearers. But the payoff at the top is clear, cold water and views that make the hike worth it. One reviewer put it simply: "best place for camping." No elaboration needed, really.
The water quality consistently gets praised — clear and cold, the way mountain stream water should be. Multiple campers noted how each campsite is positioned right next to the river. That's not something you get at every jungle campsite in Malaysia.
One honest voice in the reviews pointed out the litter issue — rubbish near the trees, plastic left behind. It's not the majority, but enough that it's noticeable. If you're going, be part of the solution. Take your rubbish out. Simple.
TAHAN Tip
If you want the full Berkelah experience — all 7 tiers plus that elusive level 8 — aim for the dry season between March and September, when water levels are safer for exploring the upper pools. The higher tiers can get genuinely dangerous when water runs fast after heavy rain. And while you're at it, go on a weekday if you can swing it. Weekends turn this place from a hidden gem into a picnic ground.
About Mike
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.
You Might Also Like
- Chemerong Waterfall Campsite — another multi-tier waterfall experience on the East Coast, with camping right by the falls.
- Janda Baik Campsite — cool highland air, river access, and a similarly lush Pahang jungle setting.
