Natural pools
Cool water below the falls for swimming.
Nicolas Lannuzel — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Fahmi Rosli — CC BY-SA 4.0
Waterfalls tumbling down the rocks of Gunung Muntahak at Lombong near the town of Kota Tinggi, about an hour's drive north-east of Johor Bahru, and one of the best-known picnic spots in southern Malaysia. The water drops in stages over the rocks, forming cool natural pools below where visitors swim. The site is a tidy park around the falls, with paths and stairs to the upper levels, spaces for sitting and family picnics, and chalets for anyone who wants to stay. The water is cool and refreshing in the middle of the forest, a change from the city heat, and at weekends it fills with local families. Entry for non-Malaysians is about fifteen ringgit per adult and ten per child, and it opens daily from eight in the morning to seven in the evening. The Kota Tinggi area is also known for night-time firefly trips on its river. Come on a weekday morning to find the pools quiet, and bring a change of clothes and shoes that grip on slippery rocks. After heavy rain swimming may be banned because of the force of the water, so follow the park's instructions.
Cool water below the falls for swimming.
Paths and seating round the falls.
Evening river trips in Kota Tinggi.
Lombong, at the foot of Gunung Muntahak, about 60 km north-east of Johor Bahru
In the calm pools in good weather, yes, with care, as the rocks are slippery. After heavy rain the water surges and swimming may be banned, so follow the park's rules and watch children.