Experiencing Sungai Kanching: A Definitive Guide
Malaysia is home to tons of majestic waterfalls and one perfect example of this is Sungai Kanching. Why does it stand out, you say?
What makes Sungai Kanching special is its prime location, being located in the middle of both Kuala Lumpur and Selangor at the same time. Furthermore, it features a unique multi-tiered appearance that makes it a sight to behold.
Being this close to the capital makes it a no-brainer to stop by when you can! To make sure that you don’t miss a thing, here’s a definitive guide on everything you need to know before visiting Sungai Kanching:
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Sungai Kanching is during the shoulder season, which typically runs from September to November and December to January. During these months, the weather isn’t too hot and there will be fewer people trekking towards the waterfalls,
You can also visit during the dry season (February to August) but keep in mind that you’re more likely to encounter crowds during this time. Plus, it’s the hottest time of the year so you may want to visit early in the morning if you want to visit during this season for a more pleasant trek.
Things to Know
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit
(Check the current exchange rate)
Language: Malay, English
Calling Code: +60
Entrance fee: RM2
How to Get There
Trains: Sungai Kanching is located inside a forest reserve so there’s no real way to get to it via train. The best thing you can do is hop on a train from Kuala Lumpur to Rawang, which will take around 41 minutes.
From there, you can ride a taxi or book a Grab to drop off directly at Kanching Waterfalls.
Taxi/Grab: Riding a taxi is also a private and comfortable way to get to the waterfalls but it costs significantly more than taking a bus. Alternatively, you can also book a ride through Grab so that you can conveniently pin the Sungai Kunching and be presented with a fixed rate.
Car rental: Renting a car is good if you’re travelling with your family, as it treats you to a more scenic, private and comfortable ride. A drive to Sungai Kanching from Kuala Lumpur will only take around 45 minutes depending on traffic situations.
Plus, there’s ample parking space on the forest reserve so you won’t have to worry about finding a spot to leave your car. At the time of writing parking here costs RM4.
Where to Stay
Templer Park Rainforest Retreat
Address: 22, Jalan 3/2, Templer Height, Templer Park, 48000 Rawang, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 16-203 8562
Pricing: $$
Templer Park Rainforest Retreat is one of the most amazing retreat spots in Malaysia because of its charming rooms and beautiful surroundings. Here, you’ll get to stay in a nice spacious villa that’s fitted with all the necessities that you need for a comfortable stay.
It only gets better when you head outside of your room, as you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking view of the lush greenery and natural landscapes around you. Plus, it’s also worth noting that there’s a swimming
Hotel Richbaliz
Address: 13, Jalan SP1, Selayang Point, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 12-645 4955
Pricing: $
Hotel Richbaliz is a great 4-star hotel that features justifiable rates, considering the quality of the rooms and facilities that you’ll get to enjoy during your stay. For starters, the rooms here are spacious, neat and fitted with modern amenities like hot water, AC, flat-screen TV and more.
As for its facilities, they have your usual ones like ample parking spaces, elevators, 24-hour desk support and more. The main highlight here, however, is the in-house cafe where you can treat yourself to your favourite cup of joe while basking in cool interior decor.
Mercure Selangor Selayang
Address: No B G 12, Dataran Emerald, Jalan Ps 11, Prima Selayang, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-6128 9999
Pricing: $$
Mercure Selangor Selayang is one of the most gorgeous places to stay near Kanching Waterfalls. This is great if you want to treat yourself to lavish rooms, premium amenities and facilities after a tiring hike towards the waterfall and back.
If swimming in the waterfall’s natural pool wasn’t enough for you, don’t worry! This hotel also features a massive infinity pool located on its highest floor—swimming AND sightseeing?
Where to Eat
Chai’s Cuisine By Joyous Creation
— Media credit: bobbygrapher
Address: 3, Jalan Templer Suasana 8b, Templer Suasana, 48000 Rawang, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 12-980 6515
Pricing: $$
Chai’s Cuisine By Joyous Creation is a great spot if you’re feeling fancy and want to treat yourself to uniquely prepared dishes. The dishes that are mainly served here are local staples like nanyang, but they’re made with a fine-dining twist, which we think was pretty amazing.
The dishes aren’t the only highlight here, however, as you’ll also be treated to majestic panoramic views while you’re eating. This is thanks to the restaurant’s location being so close to flowing water, lush greenery and a beautiful garden.
Madam Daun Pisang
Address: No.5, Jalan Set 3/1, The Grove, Setia Eco Templer, Templer Park, 48000 Rawang, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 17-384 7371
Pricing: $=$$
If you’re looking for the best Indian food in town, look no further than Madam Daun Pisang! It’s here where you’ll find the finest and most authentic Indian delicacies like mee goreng, chicken briyani, mutton and more.
Aside from that, they also serve a wide variety of famous Indian drinks like chai masala, mango lassi and more.
What’s more impressive is that these drinks and dishes are justifiably priced so you know you’re getting the best value for your money.
ECO Templer KOPITIAM 邓普勒咖啡店
— Media credit: 3840_christina
Address: 33-G, Jln Set 3/1, Templer Park, 48200, Selangor, Malaysia
Pricing: $
ECO Templer KOPITIAM is a place we highly recommend if you’re on a somewhat tight budget but still want to taste amazing dishes. This restaurant mainly serves local and Indian delicacies and not much can be said about them other than they’re nailed to a tee!
Some of the dishes you’ll get to feast on here include clay pot curry, pan mee, thosai and chapati. It’s a no-frills eatery that doesn’t offer fancy chairs and interior decor but it’s made up for by the quality of these simple yet tasty classics.
What to Do in Sungai Kanching
Take beautiful photos
— Media credit: discoverselangor
A trip to this waterfall wouldn’t be complete without taking some beautiful photos. With the multi-tiered nature of Sungai Kanching, it’s a no-brainer to take stunning images of it as your main subject or as the background for your self-portraits.
The sight of the water flowing down through different twists and turns makes for a great subject so take advantage of it while you can!
Wind down by the naturally-formed pool
— Media credit: allanlove1904
One of the most rewarding things you can do once you reach the waterfalls after a somewhat challenging hike is cool down in its pool. The pool is shallow enough so that anyone can enjoy it and the water is nice and cold—perfect for cooling down after a nice hike.
There are also restrooms around this part of the waterfall where you can change into your swimming clothes. However, keep in mind that these restrooms aren’t well-maintained.
Go sightseeing while trekking
— Media credit: mrayin
Before you can reach the different levels of Sungai Kanching, you must first conquer a somewhat challenging trek. The first three levels are easy because they’re located along a cemented walkway but once you get to the higher ones, you must bring your A-game on.
Fortunately, the hike isn’t too bad, as you’ll be treated to beautiful views of the waterfall, towering trees and different species of flora and fauna. Plus, the relaxing sound of flowing water gives a sense of serenity while hiking so you won’t feel the fatigue too much.
Enjoy a lovely picnic with your loved ones
— Media credit: shafiranorazlin
Around the first to third levels of the waterfalls, you’ll find some gazebos where you can set up your own picnics. The great thing about doing this is that you’ll be treated to unmatched magnificent views while you’re eating.
This is also a great option if you’re on a budget, as it saves you from dining in one of the restaurants in the city.
Apps to Download for a Trip to Sungai Kanching
Travel Malaysia: A pocket travel guide to Malaysia
Maps.me: Offline map of the world
XE Currency App: Real-time currency exchange rate app
Grab: Ride-hailing app of Southeast Asia
Google Translate: word translation with offline capabilities
CatchThatBus: Bus ticket booking app