Titi Kerawang Waterfall, Penang

Penang is a relatively small island and is not particularly noted for its waterfalls. The largest waterfall on the island itself lies within the Botanical Gardens but which unfortunately has been off limits to the general public since the Sixties.

Therefore, the next best alternative if a waterfall is on your bucket list on your visit to Penang, is the Titi Kerawang falls. Located on the western side of the island on the scenic road between Balik Pulau and Teluk Bahang, the falls are nothing spectacular but can be taken as a useful stop on say, a round-the-island trip, or as part of a visit to the durian plantations located in the area.

Coming from Balik Pulau, a small winding road meanders up the hills and the views towards the western coast of Pantai Acheh get more and more spectacular. Eventually you will come to this bridge:

Slow down as you cross over the bridge, which actually crosses over the lower part of the falls. You will see this sign, confirming that you have arrived at the waterfall.

Titi Kerawang means “decorated bridge” in Malay; so perhaps the name of the waterfall comes from this old bridge.

Immediately after the bridge, the road bends sharply to the left, where you will see this row of fruit and souvenir stalls.

Park your car along the roadside, this may be difficult to do during the weekend, as space is limited.

Walk along the trail beside the bridge and follow the water supply pipe upwards. Eventually you will come across this foot bridge over the lower falls.

Look downstream from the footbridge at the lower part of the falls. 

From the footbridge you will hear the roar of the upper falls and see it in the distance. You will have to get off the footbridge and clamber over the rocks to get further upwards.

The falls were evidently bigger in the past before the Water Authority began using it as a source of piped water - hence the water pipes to the right of the falls.

At the base of the upper falls is a small pool, where you can go for a quick dip in the cool water.

The Titi Kerawang falls are easy to get to, about a 5 minute trek from the road. 

After visiting the falls, you can visit the Bao Sheng durian farm which is located at the other end of the fruit stalls along the road. From here there is also a spectacular view to the western coast of the island.