Air Terjun Chemerong — One of Malaysia's Tallest Waterfalls and It's Worth Every Step
The Vibe
Chemerong is not your weekend picnic spot. This is deep Terengganu rainforest — Hutan Simpan Pasir Raja in Dungun — and the waterfall here is genuinely one of the tallest in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Long cascades, cold water, the kind of place that makes you stop mid-hike and just stare. If you've been looking for something that actually feels remote, this is it.
The campsite itself can hold more than 150 people, so it does get used for group trips, team-building camps, school outings, that sort of thing. But the nature around it is wild enough that it never feels like a theme park. You're in proper jungle here. The CBL trail — Chemerong, Gunung Berembun, Langsir — starts from this area too, so you'll see serious hikers rolling in alongside families setting up for a weekend stay.
One thing to check before you go — as of a recent review, the site was temporarily closed for facility upgrading and maintenance. Always call ahead: 09-848 1404. Frustrating to drive all the way to Dungun and find a locked gate. Verify first, then go.
Getting There
You're heading to Hutan Simpan Pasir Raja, Dungun, Terengganu — postcode 23000. From Kuala Terengganu, take the coastal road south towards Dungun, then head inland towards Pasir Raja. The Google Maps pin (search Air Terjun Chemerong or use the CID link) should get you close but signal gets patchy once you're deep in.
The road into the forest reserve is manageable but don't expect highway conditions. Reviews don't specifically flag 4WD as required, but a car with decent ground clearance won't hurt. Once you reach the campsite area, there's proper parking — more on that below. From camp, the hike to the waterfall is about 40 minutes. Not a leisurely stroll — reviewers describe it as a challenging track — but nothing that requires technical gear.
If you're attempting the full CBL trail (Chemerong-Berembun-Langsir), note that you need a permit AND a registered guide. Not optional. This is a proper mountain trail, not a jungle boardwalk.
What to Expect
The 40-minute hike to the waterfall goes through real rainforest — uneven ground, roots, humidity. The track has a reputation for being challenging but not extreme. One reviewer literally ran it in just over 3 hours for the full CBL summit push. So depending on your fitness level, this place can be a relaxed waterfall day trip or a full-on trail race. Both camps (pun intended) come here.
At the base campsite level, it's well-maintained — staff on site, guided hiking available, facilities that work. This isn't a wild camping situation where you're roughing it completely. There's structure here. That makes it accessible for families and beginners, while still being the launchpad for one of the more serious multi-peak hikes in Terengganu.
Fishing is strictly not allowed. The management is serious about protecting the native aquatic species in the river. Don't bring your rod expecting a quiet session — you'll be turned away or asked to pack it.
Facilities
Toilets
Clean and maintained according to multiple reviewers. Not the usual horror show you find at forest campsites. Credit to whoever's managing this place.
Surau
There's a surau on site. Good to know if you're planning a weekend stay with the family.
Parking
Plenty of it. Reviewers specifically mention ample parking space, so weekend arrivals shouldn't stress about this.
Guided Activities
Staff are on site and offer guided hikes. For the CBL summit trail, a guide is mandatory. For the waterfall hike, it's an option — and worth taking if you're unfamiliar with the terrain.
Chalets
At least one reviewer stayed in a chalet near the entrance area. So if tents aren't your thing, there might be accommodation options. Call ahead to confirm availability: 09-848 1404.
What Campers Are Saying
One camper who clearly knows his outdoor spots called Chemerong one of the most impressive waterfalls in Malaysia and Southeast Asia — and noted it's part of the famous CBL circuit alongside Mount Berembun and Lasir Waterfall. His one warning: at the time of his visit, the place was closed for upgrades. So the facilities might actually be better now than what older reviews describe.
A hiker who tackled the CBL trail said the view from the top was worth it — and he managed the climb in just over 3 hours. His advice: get a guide and sort out your permit before you show up. Don't assume you can just walk in and start climbing.
Another visitor raved about the cold, refreshing water and described the 40-minute hike as challenging but absolutely worth it. His take: you need a mountain guide, but the payoff is real. Beautiful waterfall, proper jungle, the full experience.
A group camper highlighted the scale of the site — over 150 people capacity, clean toilets, a surau, staff who actually help you. He said pricing was reasonable for everything included. Good for big groups who want nature without completely giving up on basic comforts.
TAHAN Tip
Always call the management at 09-848 1404 before making the drive. The site has been closed before for maintenance with little online notice. Dungun is not exactly a short detour for most Malaysians — confirm the place is open, confirm if your group needs permits for the trail you're planning, and ask about guide availability. One phone call saves a lot of frustration.
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
- Endau Rompin National Park — another serious rainforest destination with proper jungle trails and a wild, remote feel that matches Chemerong's energy.
- Sungai Lepoh Campsite — if you're already in the east coast mood, this Kelantan riverside camp is worth the detour for a more chilled forest experience.
