Quick FactsOverview
About Ulu Legong Hot Spring
Ulu Legong Hot Spring, Malaysia is a natural geothermal spring managed by Majlis Daerah Baling (Baling District Council) in Kampung Keda Ulu Legong, Kedah, approximately 22 kilometres north of Baling town. Open 24 hours daily, it is one of the most popular natural attractions in Kedah, drawing large crowds on weekend nights and public holidays.
Multiple tiled pools set in a landscaped garden range from approximately 30 to 70 degrees Celsius. The hottest pools near the spring source are visibly steaming; some are too hot for soaking and are best used for brief immersion only. A dedicated women-only pool is provided. The spring water is sulphurous and mineral-rich, said to benefit skin conditions, joint pain, and muscle tension.
The site is developed for extended stays with Standard, Deluxe, Pool View, and VIP chalets (air conditioning, refrigerator, TV, kettle, balcony), a camping ground, hawker centre, and food courts open into the early morning hours. It is a well-established destination for family hot springs near Alor Setar and the wider northern Peninsular region.
Location & Access
Getting to Ulu Legong Hot Spring
Ulu Legong Hot Spring is located approximately 22 kilometres north of Baling town in Kedah. From Baling, follow Route 67 north until the branch left onto state route K10, then continue to Kampung Lalang where the T-junction leads right onto state route K702. Follow K702 through rubber plantations to the end, where the spring is located. The GPS coordinates are approximately 5.818, 100.935. Free 24-hour parking is available on site.
From Alor Setar, the state capital of Kedah, the drive covers approximately 116 kilometres and takes about two hours. From Penang or Butterworth, the journey takes approximately 90 minutes. For those using the East-West Highway from Kelantan or Gerik, the route through Baling provides a natural approach. The road through rubber plantations on the final stretch to the spring is sealed and well signed, though narrow in places.
Public transport to Ulu Legong is limited; the site is most practical with a private vehicle. Baling town has basic bus connections from Kuala Lumpur, Alor Setar, and Penang; from Baling town a taxi or Grab can complete the 22-kilometre journey. Ulu Legong is near the Thai border region and visitors combining it with a trip to Betong, Thailand, will find it a practical first stop heading north from Baling.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Ulu Legong Hot Spring Suits
Ulu Legong Hot Spring suits families, groups, and overnight visitors looking for a comprehensive geothermal retreat in a rural Kedah setting. The 24-hour operation means it suits both day visitors and those arriving in the evening after a long drive. Weekday mornings and afternoons are the quietest; weekend evenings from 10pm to 2am can be very crowded, particularly with large family groups and younger visitors. The range of accommodation from camping to VIP chalets with pool views makes it suitable for budget and comfort travellers alike.
Families with children are well provided for, with a dedicated children's pool at a safer temperature, a playground, and picnic and barbecue areas. The women-only pool provides a private option for female visitors who prefer a segregated environment. Food is available on site from 6pm to 6am at hawker stalls and food courts, and visitors are permitted to bring their own food and picnic equipment. Pool cleaning takes place on Sunday and Monday mornings, which may affect some pool availability at those times.
Wheelchair accessibility is not documented. The site is a landscaped park with tiled paths but no confirmed accessible infrastructure. Those with mobility requirements should contact Majlis Daerah Baling before visiting. Multiple visitor reports note that toilet cleanliness has been variable; bringing basic toiletries is advisable. Entry is RM12 for adults, RM6 for children aged 3 to 12. Last ticket at 11:45pm. The site caters well for family hot springs near Alor Setar.
Safety & Etiquette
Ulu Legong Hot Spring Safety Tips
Ulu Legong Hot Spring is a district council facility with pools at temperatures ranging from 30 to 70 degrees Celsius. The hottest pools near the source reach temperatures that can cause scalding; always test the water before stepping in and never jump directly into an unfamiliar pool. The steaming pools at the upper end of the temperature range are not safe for prolonged soaking and are best used for brief foot immersion only. Children must not enter the hotter pools unsupervised.
Those with cardiovascular conditions, high or low blood pressure, skin sensitivity to sulphur, or any ongoing medical condition should seek medical advice before using the pools. Do not soak for extended periods in the hotter pools; exit immediately if you feel dizzy, nauseous, or short of breath. The spring water is sulphurous; the smell is normal and expected. Do not drink the pool water. Shower with clean water after bathing.
The site is open 24 hours but reaches peak density on weekend nights; the combination of large crowds, limited lighting in some pool areas, and wet surfaces requires extra care when moving around the site after dark. The last ticket is sold at 11:45pm. Pools are cleaned on Sunday and Monday mornings and some areas may be closed during those times. Swimwear is required in all pool areas. The site is in a rural area near the Thai border; mobile reception may be poor and downloading offline navigation maps before travel is advisable. Bring small change for toilets and any on-site purchases.
