MalaysiaLangkawi $$$$$ All Year Outdoor
Waterfall

Durian Perangin Waterfall (Sona Waterfall)

This lush, jungle-clad picnic grounds centers around a series of cascading waterfalls and natural rock pools. Durian Perangin waterfall consists of 14 shallow tiers, accessible via a series of footpaths and bridges.

Those adventurous enough to climb the 200-meter long steep staircase to the highest level are met with a gushing vertical stream and a large flat rock surface to sit on and bask in the sun. Take a dip in the cooling pool and make your way over to stand underneath the falls' thundering current to feel the revitalizing water wash over your body.

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Price

RM2 (USD$0.45)

Time Spent

1-3hours

Fitness level: Some effort

Hours

24 hours7 days

Look Around

The main waterfall
Entrance gateEntrance gate
Suspension footbridge over riverSuspension footbridge over river
Paved footpath around lower gazebo areaPaved footpath around lower gazebo area
Entrance and footbridges
River flowing between gazebos - view from suspension bridgeRiver flowing between gazebos - view from suspension bridge
Family-friendly rock pool with suspension bridge in backgroundFamily-friendly rock pool with suspension bridge in background
Gazebos and rock pools
Rocky steps with faux-wood concrete handrailRocky steps with faux-wood concrete handrail
Meandering path surrounded by natureMeandering path surrounded by nature
Secondary waterfall on the way to the big oneSecondary waterfall on the way to the big one
The final gazebo overlooking the main waterfallThe final gazebo overlooking the main waterfall
Walking towards the main falls

Who Will Like Durian Perangin Waterfall

Nature Lover

Walk among the granite rock pools bordered by towering trees and verdant green creepers. Keep an eye out for cheeky monkeys, colorful butterflies, and songful bird species among the foliage.

Fun Expert

Spend a day exploring the many different levels of rock pools with your youngsters. Bring a picnic or your favorite snacks to enjoy in a shady gazebo.

Photography Whiz

Set up your tripod on the large flat rock surface to capture the flowing vertical stream framed by leafy emerald foliage.

Wellness Pursuer

Feel the energy of the gushing water restore your soul and listen to it softly trickle through the different levels of rock pools. Bliss!

Outdoor Trailblazer

Reach the highest level of the waterfall for a quick dip in the natural rock pool, then follow the upward steps to reach the peak of Gunung Raya, Langkawi's tallest mountain.

Thrill Seeker

Book a canyoning tour to complete challenging obstacles around the waterfall.

Insider Tips For Durian Perangin Waterfall

  • The best time to visit is during wet season (June - November) as the waterfalls and pools dry up during dry season. Visit in the morning to avoid being caught in the afternoon rain.
  • Entrance costs RM2 (USD$0.45) per person, but the gate is often unmanned. Leave your payment in the bucket if one is provided, otherwise, you can enter for free.
Fee sign at entrance
  • A series of gazebos are spread throughout the grounds for picnickers and shade-seekers. Some simple charcoal-powered barbecues are also available (but you have to bring your own fuel).
  • Many hotels in Langkawi are able to pack a picnic lunch for guests to take on day trips if given a day's notice. Ask the front desk to arrange this for you.
  • Keep your food well covered to protect it from monkeys who like to raid visitors' belongings as well as rubbish bins.
  • The area can be crowded with picnicking locals on weekends (Friday - Saturday) so visit on weekdays for a little privacy.
  • When standing under the vertical stream, hold on to the rope provided so the water's pressure doesn't knock you over.
  • Small stalls are located in the main parking lot. Some sell hats and souvenirs while others offer snacks, cold drinks, and ice-creams.
  • 2 separate toilet blocks are available, one in the parking lot and another at the center of the picnic area.
Shops near parking lot and entranceShops near parking lot and entrance
Monkey looking for food in rubbish binMonkey looking for food in rubbish bin
Charcoal BBQ facilitiesCharcoal BBQ facilities

Video

Where Is It

Jalan Durian Perangin, 162, Langkawi 07000, Kedah, Malaysia

Open map...

How To Get There

Car

Free • Mid-sized parking lot available at main entrance.

Driving directions...

Motorbike

Free parking for scooters and motorbikes in main parking lot.

Rideshare

Drivers pick up and drop off at main entrance.

What To Bring

Do:
  • Bathing suit and towel.
  • Sun protection - hat, sunscreen & sunglasses.
  • Mosquito repellant.
  • Picnic basket full of yummy snacks.
  • Waterproof rubber shoes to protect your feet from sharp rocks on the pool floors.
  • Spare bag for rubbish.
  • Water-friendly toys for children like buckets and spades.
  • Camera.
Don't:
  • Food for monkeys.
  • Inflatable water toys as they may get ripped on the rocks.

Tech & Photography

Wifi

Public wifi access: None

Photography

Photography allowed: Yesflash is ok

Tripod allowed: Yes

Selfie sticks allowed: Yes

Best time to shoot: Early Morning

Tips: Set up your tripod at the base of the waterfall on the large flat rock. Use a 3 or 6-stop ND filter to capture a long exposure (1 second or more) for silky smooth water. Use a wide-angle lens to capture as much of the scene as possible.

Drones

Drones allowed: Yes (subject to national/regional rules)

Bags

Backpacks allowed: Yes

Secured bag lockers available: No

Using a VEO2 carbon fiber tripod and 10-stop ND filterUsing a VEO2 carbon fiber tripod and 10-stop ND filter
Long exposure for silky smooth waterLong exposure for silky smooth water
Shooting long exposure at waterfall

Food & Drink

Small stands selling light snacks like chips, ice-creams, and cold drinks are located in the parking lot. The closest cluster of restaurants and food stands is located near Ayer Hangat Village, a 3-5-minute drive away.

Backstory

Durian Perangin waterfall flows down the northern slope of Langkawi's tallest mountain, Gunung Raya. It was named after the tall Durian trees that natively grow in the region.

Durian is a favorite fruit in Malaysia, known as the "king of fruit" and famous for its strong smell which is often considered repugnant by travelers smelling it for the first time.

Etiquette

Do:
  • Watch your step when walking along the rocks as some areas can be slippery.
  • Place rubbish in the designated bins, don't litter.
  • Cover up when not swimming out of respect to Muslim customs.
Don't:
  • Feed monkeys as it encourages aggression.
  • Venture off the designated paths.

Scorecard

Best Parts:
  • Multiple sections of rock pools and waterfalls to explore.
  • Striking vertical waterfall to swim under or simply admire.
  • Jungle landscape with lots of lush green plant species.
  • Several gazebos provided for shade.
Could Be Better:
  • Confusing entrance fee. Signage states RM2 (USD$0.45) but it is rarely manned.
My itinerary Save View

Oh, you're so close

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