Taman Eko Rimba Kanching Waterfalls — Day Trip Worth Making, But Don't Expect to Camp

The Vibe

Kanching is designed as a day trip destination, and that's exactly what makes it work so well. You can pitch a tent at the base area, though most visitors come and go in a single day — it keeps the experience relaxed and the site manageable.

That said, Kanching is genuinely one of the better waterfall day trips you can do from KL. It's inside Templer Park, about 30–40 minutes north of the city, and the place has this cool, shaded rainforest feel the moment you step in. Multi-tiered waterfall, good trail, lush green all around — it's the kind of spot where you forget for a moment that you were stuck in Rawang traffic 45 minutes ago.

Weekdays offer a more peaceful vibe, while weekends bring the family energy — kids, BBQ groups at the gazebo, and that classic Malaysian outing feel. Macaques are part of the landscape here; keep snacks secured and you'll coexist just fine.

Getting There

Head to Templer Park, 48000 Rawang, Selangor. From KL, take the PLUS North-South Highway and exit at Rawang. From there, follow signs to Templer Park — it's well-signposted. Google Maps works fine here, just search Taman Eko Rimba Kanching or plug in the address directly.

The road in is paved and manageable for normal cars — no 4WD needed. Parking is right at the entrance. Pay RM5 per car. Entry is RM5 per person on top of that. Bring cash just in case.

What to Expect

The trail goes up through multiple tiers of waterfalls. Most people stop at the lower tiers, take their photos, and call it a day. Don't do that. Keep climbing. The upper tiers are quieter, more rewarding, and honestly way more worth the sweat. One reviewer described it as a mini Lata Kijang Kenaboi — that's high praise, and I get why they said it.

The trail is well-marked and manageable for most people. Not a hardcore hike, but you do need decent footwear — flip flops will get you into trouble on the wet rocks. Families with older kids should be fine. Small kids and elderly might struggle past the lower tiers.

Water is clear and cool — good for a dip at the base. Just be aware the crowd situation at the lower pools on weekends can feel more like a public swimming complex than a jungle waterfall. Midweek visits are a different experience entirely.

Facilities

Toilets

Basic facilities on site. Bring your own toilet paper for peace of mind.

Gazebos

There are gazebos at the base area. Good for families who want to sit, makan, and chill while the kids play near the water. Some groups even do BBQ here.

Parking

Parking fills up fast on weekends and public holidays — arrive early to snag a spot near the entrance. RM5 per car.

Food

No food vendors on site, so pack your own meals and drinks. Bring a small bag for rubbish so the site stays pristine for the next visitors.

Camping

Tent camping is possible at the base area, though most visitors treat this as a day trip — it's perfectly suited for that. If you do stay overnight, arrive early to secure your spot.

What Campers Are Saying

A few reviewers called it a hidden gem, which is funny because it's really not that hidden anymore — but the sentiment is right. Farahin came with family and appreciated the gazebo setup and the chill base area. She mentioned people doing BBQ, which gives it that classic Malaysian family outing feel.

T Tan compared it to Lata Kijang Kenaboi and specifically told people not to stop at the lower tiers. That's good advice. The upper levels are where the magic is — just keep going even when the path looks like it ends.

Feroz gave it full marks and described the water as cool and clear, worth a quick dip. His one advice — go on a weekday if you want some peace. Weekends the crowd kills the mood a bit.

Moe brought the family and had a great time overall — good signage, clear water, and solid facilities. Visit on a weekday for the most peaceful experience.

TAHAN Tip

Don't stop at the first or second tier. Seriously. Most of the crowd piles up at the bottom, so the higher you climb, the quieter it gets. If you push all the way to the top tier, you'll often find yourself almost alone up there — which is a completely different experience from the chaos at the base. Budget at least 2–3 hours if you want to do the full trail properly.

About Mike

Nearby: our Sungai Pisang campsite review, another Gombak-side waterfall spot.

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

• Sungai Chilling Campsite — another Selangor waterfall favourite with crystal clear water, but this one actually lets you camp overnight.
• Sungai Congkak Recreational Forest — a classic Selangor recreational forest with river access and proper camping facilities if you want to make a full weekend of it.
• Ecotree Camp @ Semungkis — a solid Selangor alternative if this one's full on your dates.
• Templer Park Rainforest Retreat — a solid Selangor alternative if this one's full on your dates.
• Tadom Hill Resorts Review — a solid Selangor alternative if this one's full on your dates.
• Hulu Tamu Eco Resort — a solid Selangor alternative if this one's full on your dates.
• Hammocks By The River, Hulu Langat — a solid Selangor alternative if this one's full on your dates.
• Kota Damansara Community Forest: A Hiker's Guide (2026) — worth adding a trail day to your Selangor trip — full guide here.
• Our cooler box buyer's guide — keep the drinks cold all weekend.

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