Kawthaung’s most touted attraction is Maliwan Waterfall, a pretty spot worth a visit outside of the dry season. Its name is Thai — Maliwan means jasmine — and it lies around 40 kilometres north of town along a good road. It’s a few kilometres from the main highway. While it is a bit of a haul to get here, you could include Palautonetone as part of a trip.
Unexpectedly, the stream flows from the west. It had plenty of water when we visited in January, and while rainy season must get dramatic by March/April it’s probably not worth the trip. The stream performs a series of drops with a pool and water park created close to the entrance. It’s hugely popular at weekends with locals. They (and you) can hire inner tubes or kayaks, use a water slide or simply splash around in the clean pool. Note that you are restricted to the one pool — downriver tubing is not permitted. By plastic boat it would take about a minute to circumnavigate the entire pool.
Fun and games for all the family. Photo: Mark Ord
A concrete path leads up the right side of the stream and further cascades, without water-slides. The highlight and end is a 10-metre fall some 500 metres from the entrance. A steep muddy trail does continue uphill if you’re feeling energetic. While loads of locals were picnicking when we visited, the place was kept spotless. We even saw a picnicking dad collecting cigarette butts before leaving. Quite how they’ve managed to keep Maliwan so clean while elsewhere litter is a major problem is quite remarkable.
The entrance has some small ornamental gardens plus a few chalets for rent by Victoria Cliff Resort. They go for $80 a night, although we’re not sure why you’d stay here unless you really couldn’t tear yourself away from the water slide. A cafe at the entrance serves up a selection of Asian food menu including specials from Thailand, Laos, India and Burma. Dishes average 3,000 kyat and the well-kept dining area has views over the ... please log in to read the rest of this story.
Don’t miss the boat!
Please subscribe to Travelfish.org to read the rest of this article, or log in here.
Subscribing to Travelfish costs A$35 per year and it gets you access to more than 200 downloadable guides to specific destinations, fabulous discount coupons and 50% off our personalised travel planning service. Sign up here.
By
Mark Ord.
Last updated on 24th June, 2016.
-
Ad Grab a low season deal at the Bawga Theiddhi
and base yourself in New Bagan.
Location map for Maliwan Waterfall
Start planning your holiday today
Sent every Monday, our newsletter is full of travel advice, news & special deals. Read past issues.
Popular attractions in Kawthaung
A selection of some of our favourite sights and activities around Kawthaung.
What next?
Browse our independent reviews of places to stay in and around Kawthaung.
Check prices, availability & reviews on Agoda or Booking
Read up on where to eat on Kawthaung.
Check out our listings of things to do in and around Kawthaung.
Read up on how to get to Kawthaung.
Do you have travel insurance yet? If not, find out why you need it.
Planning on riding a scooter in Kawthaung? Please read this.
Browse the web securely while travelling with TunnelBear. Try with a 7–day free trial.