The Sungai Pandan Waterfall is touted as the largest multi-tiered waterfall in Peninsular Malaysia. Located in the Sungai Pandan Forest Reserve, about 13 km from Kuantan, the capital city of the state of Pahang, it is also known as Panching Waterfall by the locals due to its close proximity to Panching village.
Surrounded by verdant tropical rainforest, the Sungai Pandan Waterfall cascades from 250 m above to three levels of cliffs and finally splashes into an enormous, emerald-hued pool. It is a popular spot for local tourists especially during weekends and public holidays. It provides ample facilities for a picnic by the river or a barbeque at the gazebos.
One of the landmarks at the Sungai Pandan Waterfall is a suspended bridge, which is an iconic link that offers a majestic view of the Sungai Pandan Waterfall from high above the ground.
The Sungai Pandan Forest Reserve also boasts several trails for jungle trekkers to explore the forest. It is a well-known venue for various nature-based recreational activities. For instance, a programme called the Fun Run Sungai Pandan Waterfall was organised by the management in 2019 to give participants a chance to explore the flora and fauna in the pristine forest.
The management has also provided ample campgrounds for camping, a spacious parking lot, and a prayer room for Muslim visitors. Local food vendors are also available around the park area. From the park entrance, the Sungai Pandan Waterfall is only a few minutes’ walk away.
The park is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from Monday to Thursday, and from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekends and public holidays. It is close every Friday for maintenance. Visitors with MyKad need to pay an entrance fee of RM2 (adult) and RM1 (child), while foreign visitors need to pay RM5 (adult) and RM3 (child). Parking fee is RM3 per car.
Drive to Kuantan and proceed to Felda Panching Selatan, which is where the waterfall is located. If you are coming from Sungai Lembing, it’ll take about 40 minutes, while the drive from Kuala Lumpur will take about three hours. There’s no public transport to get to the waterfall.