Named after seven natural pools connected by a gushing river, Seven Wells Waterfall is one of Langkawi's most captivating natural performances. Located within the Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park, the falls are split into 2 sections, the upper pools and the lower pools, separated by a striking vertical waterfall cascading down a 91-meter-high cliff face.
Cooling down in a refreshing natural pool is the reward for hiking through the humid rainforest to reach the zen-laden waterfall, amidst leafy trees with cheeky monkeys swinging between their branches.
First up are the lower pools, reached after climbing around 200 steps. These are the most popular for their ease of access, view of the vertical waterfall, and large plunge pool at the bottom of a slippery rockface. Dedicated hikers continue the climb totaling 638 steps to reach the upper pools. Here you'll find the fall's namesake 7 pools of various depths, shapes, and sizes. The pools are connected by a river forming a smooth natural waterslide along the slick rock.
The most tempting yet potentially-treacherous pool is a natural infinity pool at the mouth of the waterfall. Foolhardy swimmers must be extremely careful to not get swept over the edge by the deceptively-strong river current.
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Look Around
Signage near entrance
Falls entrance near parking lot
Steps to lower falls
Lower falls area in dry season
Plunge pull at lower falls
Slippery rock surface
Lower falls
Jumping in from a rock
Splash!
Shallow pools
Lower falls from above
Viewing platform above rock pools
2 of the 7 "wells" (rock pools)
Who Will Like Seven Wells Waterfall
Nature Lover
Spend a day in the rainforest admiring natural pools and a flowing waterfall. The climb to the upper pools will reveal exquisite flora and fauna like canopy trees, monkeys, squirrels, hornbills, lizards, butterflies, and dragonflies.
Fun Expert
Visit the lower pools with your family for a picnic and let the kids paddle in the shallower, safer pools. Buckets, spades and other water toys can be purchased from stalls near the parking lot.
Photography Whiz
Visit the lower pools with your tripod for a silky long-exposure shot of the vertical waterfall. The waterfall is only worth photographing when water levels are high, typically from July to December.
Outdoor Trailblazer
Conquer the 638 steps to the upper pools and cool off in natural Jacuzzis. On the way down, stop at the lower pools to jump into the natural plunge pool.
Insider Tips For Seven Wells Waterfall
- Reaching the upper pools requires climbing 638 steps. There are markers along the way stating how many steps are left. The climb should take 45-60 minutes depending on your fitness level.
- The lower pools are marked by a signpost pointing left towards the waterfall base, reachable after around 200 steps. The climb should take 15-20 minutes.
- Rocks at both levels can be very slippery so wear slip-resistant shoes and watch your steps very carefully. Never stand on the edge of rocks at the upper level. The upper-level pools are most dangerous as the water current can push you into sharp rocks or even over the edge of the waterfall. Swim in the "infinity pool" at your own risk.
- Arrive early in the morning to beat tourist busses and tackle the hike while it's still cool(ish).
- The best time to visit is during monsoon season (September-October) when the pools are at their fullest and waterfall flow is heaviest, however, this is also the most dangerous time to visit as the rocks are extra slippery and current extra powerful. You're still likely to get some sunshine as rain typically falls in the afternoons and evenings, even during monsoon season. The fall and pools are quite underwhelming when dry.
- No toilets are located at the upper pools. The only toilets and changing rooms are near the lower pools and at the bottom of the steps, near the parking lot, so use them before starting your hike.
- A series of vendors are located at the bottom of the stairs near the parking lot selling clothing, hats, drinks, meals, and pool toys.
- Visitors who don't want to climb to the lower pools can hire 'transport'. A 700m drive to the lower pools entrance costs RM5 (USD$1.04) per person. From there, the walk to the waterfall base is only 100m.
- Seven Wells Waterfall is a 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk to Langkawi Oriental Village. Combine your visit with a trip to the SkyCab cable car and Sky Bridge for an unforgettable day out.
Transport to lower falls
Park map
Signage directing to waterfall
Steps to waterfallVideo
How To Get There
Car
RM2 (USD$0.42) • Large public parking lot located 700m from the entrance to the lower pools.
Motorbike
Plenty of scooter and motorbike parking in the main parking lot for RM1 (USD$0.21) per motorbike.
Rideshare
Drivers pick up and drop off in the main parking lot. Outside peak season, it may be difficult to find a driver, especially in the late afternoon.
What To Bring
- Loose, light clothing to stay cool.
- Comfortable shoes, preferably slip-resistant.
- Hat, sunscreen and other forms of sun protection.
- Large water bottle to stay hydrated during the climb.
- Swimsuit and towel.
- Insect repellant to keep mosquitos away.
- Flip-flops or shoes likely to cause slips.
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: Bring a tripod and use an ND filter for long exposure shots of the waterfall.
Drones
Drones allowed: Yes (subject to national/regional rules)
Tips: The falls are impressive from above. Position the drone south of the falls, facing north, to capture both the lower and upper falls. The surrounding tree canopy will cast a strong shadow in the early morning and later afternoon in the absence of cloud cover.
Bags
Backpacks allowed: Yes
Food & Drink
A handful of local stalls selling reasonably priced cold drinks, snacks like coconut ice-cream, and Malay meals like fried rice and laksa are located near the parking lot.
Food stall
Coconut ice-creamBackstory
The Seven Wells Waterfall was named after the 7 natural pools located at the peak of the 91-meter high vertical waterfall. According to local folklore, fairies live in the forest near the waterfall and bathe in the natural pools, giving the water healing powers.
Etiquette
- Be careful when walking on the rocks as they are very slippery.
- Stay within barricades at the upper level and obey all signage.
- Keep to the designated paths. Don't wander into the jungle.
- Watch children at all times and keep them close to you.
- Assess suitability for swimming in each pool by watching the current intensity and water levels.
- Dress modestly out of respect for local Muslim customs. Ladies should wear one-piece swimsuits or swim in a t-shirt and shorts.
- Stand on the edge of rocks at the upper level.
- Cliff jump into the lower plunge pool without checking the depth first.
- Feed monkeys as this encourages them to steal from hikers.
Scorecard
- Refreshing pools to dip your toes in after a long and humid climb.
- Natural beauty of the vertical waterfall.
- Ability to see wildlife like monkeys, squirrels, butterflies, and hornbills.
- Availability of cheap drinks, meals, and snacks near the parking lot.
- No entry fee and cheap parking.
- Slippery rocks at both upper and lower levels.
- Broken safety barriers at upper level make it very dangerous to walk too close to the edge or swim in the infinity pool.
- Long hike to upper falls in hot and muggy weather.
- Crowded during peak season. Several tourist busses arrive by 9am.
Oh, you're so close
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But that's ok! You're welcome to join the cool club for free.
Joining only takes a minute and it's... um... free! Plus you get other perks like badges, points, and unicorns.
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