The Ultimate Adventurer’s Guide to Sungai Tekala Waterfall
Sungai Tekala Waterfall is hands down one of the best quick getaway destinations from Kuala Lumpur. Nestled in the lush greenery of one of Selangor’s rainforests, this waterfall will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a different land—one that’s far from your problems.
If you feel like you need a breather from the hustle and bustle of city life, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog, we’ll help you plan for the perfect adventure in Sungai Tekala Waterfall, so consider us your personal travel guide!
From where to eat, stay and things to do, we’ll catch you up with everything you need to know. So without further ado, let’s get started!
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Sungai Tekala Waterfall depends on your preferences. For instance, if you don’t want to encounter crowds during your hike to the waterfall, it’s best to schedule your trip during the weekdays.
Weather-wise, if you don’t want the rain spoiling your plans during your hike, then the best time to visit would be during the dry season (March to September). This doesn’t just guarantee a safer and easier hiking experience, but it will also let you enjoy a more refreshing swim.
Meanwhile, if you’re sensitive to heat, you can start hiking early in the morning to enjoy cooler weather. This is essential if you’re planning on spending a lot of time at the waterfall.
As much as possible, we discourage anyone from visiting during the wet season (October to February), as it makes swimming and hiking far more difficult.
Things to Know
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit
(Check the current exchange rate)
Language: Malay, English
Calling Code: +60
Address: Tekala River Recreation Forest, Selangor, Malaysia
Entrance fee:
- Adults: RM1
- Children: RM0.50
Operating hours: Daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Essential Tips When Visiting Sungai Tekala Waterfall
- Wear non-slip shoes and be careful of slippery stones when swimming in the pool.
- Don’t hesitate to overpack! Being prepared is better than lacking essentials.
- Use the changing rooms near the waterfalls before and after swimming.
- Bring your own food if you want to save money.
- Apply and bring some mosquito repellent.
- Wear a hat and apply sunscreen for midday visits.
How to Get There
Car rental: Since the waterfall is located deep within Selangor’s rainforest, the best and only real way to get to it is by driving a rental car. Don’t worry though, as there are plentiful free parking spaces by the roadside so you won’t have to worry about paying.
Furthermore, renting a car is great because it leaves you in charge of the route you can take to go to the waterfall. Plus, it provides you and your family with the utmost comfort and privacy throughout the journey.
Where to Stay near Sungai Tekala Waterfall
Monkeys Canopy Resort
Address: Lot 683, Jalan Persiaran Bukit Enggang Sg Long Hill, Sungai Long, 43200 Cheras, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-2720 6688
Pricing: $$
If you want to add a touch of luxuriousness to your adventure in Sungai Tekala, then you should check out Monkeys Canopy Resort. Offering clean, cosy and spacious rooms, this place will make you feel like you’re staying in the city rather than in the middle of nowhere.
Its facilities are great as well, featuring a nice outdoor swimming pool, complete with huts on stilts for those times when you just want to chill outside without getting wet.
You can also engage in exciting activities if the hike towards the falls isn’t enough to satisfy your need for adrenaline. This is thanks to the resort’s indoor extreme park, which comes complete with complex obstacle courses.
Semenyih Eco Venture Resort & Recreation
Address: Lot PT, Lot No PT, 1351, Jalan Sungai Lalang, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 17-420 9358
Pricing: $$
Semenyih Eco Venture Resort & Recreation is only a short drive away from Sungai Tekala, making it one of the most accessible lodging options. Its convenient location isn’t the only thing it has going for it too, as it offers bang-for-your-buck rooms!
These rooms come in the form of those trendy freight containers that have been decked out to look like modern hotel rooms. From queen-sized beds to air-conditioners and even an en-suite bathroom, these containers feature just about every amenity you need for a comfy stay.
You can also turn your stay into something much more exciting thanks to their wide array of facilities. For instance, they offer a go-kart track where you and your loved ones can engage in a friendly race!
Uptown Imperial
Address: 41, Jalan Ria 1, Kawasan Perindustrian Ria, 43500 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-8724 2887
Pricing: $
If you’re planning to stay in the nearby town, Uptown Imperial is one of the most affordable options you can choose. It’s a 3-star hotel that ticks all the boxes of a comfortable and modern hotel room, which comes as a surprise given its cheap price point.
Moreover, it’s worth noting that these rooms are impressively well-maintained—one sign that we often look for in hotels.
As far as facilities go, it doesn’t have much to offer. If you’re planning on spending much of your time outside, however, this place is more than enough!
Prescott Ace Kuala Lumpur Cheras
Address: Jalan C180/1, Dataran C180, 43200 Cheras, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-9765 7489
Pricing: $$
If you’re planning on starting your hike to the waterfall from Sungai Long Hill, it would be best to stay at Prescott Hotel Ace. It’s only a couple of minutes away from the start of the trail and it’s a 4-star hotel, so win-win!
It features classy and modern rooms that feature some of the best views of the KL skyline as well as its surrounding areas.
We can also see it being a great spot to crash after a long day of hiking and swimming thanks to its comfy beds and complete set of amenities.
Orkid Inn Mahkota Cheras
Address: Jln Damansara, Bukit Kiara, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-7932 6582
Pricing: $$$
Orkid Inn Mahkota Cheras is another solid choice if you’re starting your hike at Sungai Long Hill thanks to its convenient location. It also offers amazing rooms for a fraction of the price of what you’d typically pay in other hotels in the area, which is a huge green flag in our books.
Aside from offering high-quality rooms for budget travellers, Orkid also serves some amazing coffee and non-coffee drinks in their famous cafe. So if you’re looking for a great place to fuel your body before hiking to the waterfall, consider staying here!
Where to Eat near Sungai Tekala Waterfall
Oscar Coffee & Food
Address: Mutiara Avenue, 15, Jln Mutiara 1, Mutiara Heights, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-8740 6873
Pricing: $-$$
Oscar Coffee & Food is a great place to get your Japanese food fix and enjoy a cup of coffee as well. It’s located near Sungai Long Hill so you can treat this as your last stop before embarking on your journey towards the waterfall.
Fortunately, this spot offers a wide array of delicious Japanese dishes that will leave you full and energised before or after your hike! Some of our favourites are the omu rice and sashimi, but you can’t go wrong with anything from their menu.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, you’re in luck because they also offer a wide array of cakes!
Restoran Pinggiran Danau
— Media credit: senayan.park
Address: Pinggiran Danau Recreation Park, Lot 10182, Jalan Sg Batangsi, Kg. Pasir Baru, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
Pricing: $
Restoran Pinggiran Danau is a hidden gem located not too far away from Sungai Tekala. It’s a no-frills eatery that serves delicious home-cooked meals without breaking the bank!
Their menu consists of dishes such as balado chicken, village fried rice, nasi lemak, and several other local delicacies.
The service here is quick as well so you won’t have to wait too long for your order to arrive at your table. But if you’re bored, you can start jamming to your favourite songs, as the restaurant also offers a karaoke machine!
Langat Forest Seafood and Beer Garden
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Address: Lot 100, Jalan Sungai Sop Batu 14, Pekan Batu 14 Hulu Langat, 43100 Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 19-294 2211
Pricing: $$
Langat Forest Seafood and Beer Garden combines great views with equally amazing dishes—seafood dishes, to be exact. This restaurant serves a plethora of delicious seafood, ranging from fried squid to tilapia, prawns and anything in between.
They also have a solid selection of vegetables, which are as fresh as they come. You can get them on their own, but if you want our advice, we recommend pairing them with their delicious seafood!
Then after a long day of hiking, you can crack up a cold one with your friends and celebrate your successful journey!
What to Do in Sungai Tekala Waterfall
Go for a swim
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One of the best things to do after reaching the waterfalls is to take a dip in one of its naturally formed pools. You can think of this activity as a reward for conquering the hiking trails leading up to this hidden paradise.
There’s just something about the water coming down from its natural stream that makes it all the more refreshing. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that you’ll be surrounded by some beautiful lush greenery while you’re soaking in these pools.
Flex your camping skills
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If you don’t want to stay in the lodging options we’ve stated above, good news! You can camp in Sungai Tekala and enjoy a one-of-a-kind overnight experience. Surrounded by rustling leaves, singing birds and crashing waters, the atmosphere will treat you to the best sleep of your life!
There’s a designated camping ground for those who wish to stay overnight in the recreational forest. All you have to do is pitch your tent and you’re golden!
Set up a beautiful picnic
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Sungai Tekala Waterfall is among the most amazing picnic spots in Malaysia. It features gazebos and tons of open spaces for guests to set up their picnics and enjoy their favourite home-cooked meals while enjoying the beautiful sceneries of the rainforest.
You can even take it up a notch and bring a portable stove with you and enjoy cooking in the wild! Just be sure to pick up after yourself, of course.
Apps to Download for a Trip to Sungai Tekala Waterfall
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