Chemerong Waterfall: Hiking to Terengganu’s Tallest Falls

A rainforest trail, a long staircase, a swaying suspension bridge and one of the tallest waterfalls in Malaysia: how to plan a day at Chemerong.

Inland from the fishing town of Dungun, the coastal plain of Terengganu gives way to forested hills. Hidden among them is Chemerong (also spelt Cemerong), a recreational forest built around a river that falls in a long series of drops from the mountains. The Dungun Municipal Council calls its waterfall the tallest in Malaysia, at 305 metres; Tourism Malaysia gives an even greater height of 370 metres. For walkers it is one of the most rewarding nature days on the east coast, and a world away from the beaches.

What You Will Find

The site is officially the Hutan Lipur Sungai Chemerong (Chemerong River Recreational Forest), managed by the Terengganu Forestry Department. It lies next to the Pasir Raja Forest Reserve, a lowland and hill forest of tall meranti and keruing trees, the dipterocarps that dominate Malaysia’s rainforests. At the entrance are shelters (wakaf), toilets, a prayer room and food stalls. From there, a trail leads upriver past rocky pools to the base of the falls.

The waterfall is not a single plunge but a long series of cascades down a steep granite face. What you see from the lower pools is only the bottom section. The full height is best seen from a distance or from the upper trail.

The Walk to the Falls

From the entrance area, the trail climbs through the forest on a long staircase and crosses the river on a hanging bridge. Tourism Malaysia describes the hike to the waterfall, the first checkpoint on the longer trail, as taking about two hours. Take it slowly, with time to rest at the pools. Wear proper shoes with grip, as the rocks are slippery when wet, and carry plenty of water.

For the more adventurous, the forest is also the start of the CBL trail, a multi-day mountain trek over Gunung Chemerong, Gunung Berembun and Gunung Langsir. The Terengganu Tengah Development Authority (KETENGAH) lists highlights including a “bonsai garden” of stunted summit trees, a giant seraya tree, hollow trees and wild orchids. Tourism Malaysia adds the Jeram Lesung pool and some of the largest chengal trees in the area. Most hikers take three days and two nights, and porters can be hired. This is a serious hike, for fit and experienced walkers only; Tourism Malaysia says it is not for beginners and names May to July as the best months.

Guides, Permits and Safety

• Guides: Tourism Malaysia says the management requires hikers to go with a guide, whatever their experience. KETENGAH lists a mountain guide contact alongside the Dungun District Forestry Office (09-844 1404).
• Permits: camping and the CBL trek need a permit from the Forestry Department, which should be arranged well in advance. Tourism Malaysia advises applying at least three weeks ahead, during office hours (8am to 5pm).
• Fees: Tourism Malaysia lists entry at RM2 (about US$0.50) per person and camping at RM5 (about US$1.20) per person. Other listings show higher rates for international visitors, so bring cash.
• Weather: flash floods are a real risk in any Malaysian river. Leave the water immediately if it turns muddy or starts to rise, and do not visit after heavy rain.

When to Go

KETENGAH gives opening hours of 7am to 6pm daily, but the site is closed during the north-east monsoon, from November to February. Tourism Malaysia notes that the long CBL trek is not permitted from late October to mid-March. As we write in October 2026, the season is about to close, so plan for March to October. Go early in the day: the morning is cooler, the light is soft, and afternoon storms are common. Weekends and Malaysian school holidays are busy.

At Chemerong, the waterfall is the destination, but the forest is the reward.

Getting There

Chemerong is near Kampung Jongok Batu in the Dungun district. The Dungun Municipal Council puts it about 30 km, or 15 to 20 minutes, from the town of Bandar Al-Muktafi Billah Shah. KETENGAH gives the drive from Kuala Terengganu as about 90 km, or around 1 hour 30 minutes. From Kuala Lumpur, Tourism Malaysia puts the journey at about 378 km, or around four hours by car, via the East Coast Expressway (LPT2) towards Dungun. There is no public transport to the gate, so hire a car or arrange a taxi or tour.

From Kemaman, Chemerong makes a good day trip up the coast; see our Getting to Kemaman guide for the region’s airports. For gentler forest walks elsewhere in Malaysia, see our guide to forest bathing in Malaysia.

Have you made it to the top of Chemerong? Share your tips in the comments below.

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