Waterfalls of Langkawi
Langkawi Index
Temurun Waterfall
Temurun waterfall cuts through the fault-weakened sandstone of the Machinchang formation before dropping 200 metres (cumulatively) or so down its three tiers, making it the tallest waterfall in Langkawi. The water volume here is very dependent on the season, however, and is reduced to just a trickle during successive dry days. The best time to go to witness the true power of this waterfall would be towards the end of the year, around September and October.
Before we proceed any further however, I have to take a moment to make a disclaimer and to urge you to use common sense and caution when doing anything in the vicinity of the waterfall, and especially so when preceded by a bout of rain. Please also jot down the numbers that are listed below. If you do see any suspicious behaviour when out hiking, encounter things like traps and snares, or even see protected animals or their parts that are sold as either collectibles, pets, or for (so-called) medicine, then please do not hesitate to contact the wildlife crime hotline. Be sure to try and document it as best you can with photos or video without putting yourself in danger, and take note of the details: descriptions of those who are involved, as well as when and where it took place.
"The Wildlife Crime Hotline, managed by the Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (MYCAT), provides YOU an avenue to report offences involving endangered wildlife in Malaysia. We protect the identity of all informants, only key info of the reports are forwarded to the authorities."
Emergency Numbers
Wildlife Crime Hotline 019-356 4194 Wildlife Department 1800 885 151 Langkawi Forestry Department 04–9666 835 Langkawi Hospital 04-966 3333 Langkawi Bomba 04-969 3004 Langkawi Rescue Department 04-966 3434 Langkawi Police Station 04-966 6222Langkawi does not have any public transport, so the only way to get around is to take a taxi or to rent a motorbike or car. The rental rates are fairly reasonable, and can range from around MYR30 per day for a motorbike and MYR50 for a car on the low end, to well over MYR100. The prices are completely dependent on what vehicle you rent, whether the gearing is automatic or manual, the duration of the rental, and where you rent it from. Roads in Langkawi are also in fairly good condition, although some sections of the roads in the more far-flung reaches of the island may be inadequately lit at night.
Getting There
To get to Temurun waterfall from Chenang Beach, follow the road northwards towards the airport. The road swings around the southern end of the runway, before continuing its way north, running parallel to the south-western coastline in the process. Once you reach Kuala Teriang, which lies just under 10 kilometres from Cenang Beach, you need to take a right turn at the first T-junction that you reach. Approximately 200 metres down the road, you will then need to turn left. Follow this road for 5 kilometres or so until you see the Perdana Quay on your left. The quay is very hard to miss as there will be numerous sailboats docked there. There is also a Petronas station there where you can purchase petrol.
Just after Perdana Quay lies a fairly large T-junction. Turn right there and follow the road for 3.5 km until you reach the turnoff to Jalan Datai. Turn left to head north along Jalan Datai, and follow this long road for 8.5 km. The road swings around the north coastline of the island and passes Crocodile Adventureland and Pantai Tengkorak Beach later on. The turnoff to Temurun waterfall lies on the left side of the road approximately a kilometre from Pantai Tengkorak Beach. A green sign that states 'Hutan Lipur Air Terjun Temurun' can be seen from the road.
A cemented walkway that is fringed with picnic tables and gazebos runs parallel to the river. This walkway allows access to both the lower tier of the waterfall, which is located just a couple of minutes away from the carpark, as well as the base of the main waterfall. The base is easily accessible and is located just a few hundred metres away from the carpark. This is where the charm of the waterfall truly lies. The water plunges from the heights into a relatively small turquoise pool that is surrounded by a bowl of sheer, plant-lined rocks--an idyllic place for a wade.
