Have the urge to go for a hike? Malaysia is a place with many tourist spots for you to explore. It is also full of beautiful landscapes, rainforests, and beaches. Hiking in Malaysia is an option for you if you are an outdoor lover and want to challenge yourself.
Hiking is a good way to connect with nature and have a good sweat at the same time. What makes hiking interesting for those who love it is they go through all the challenges during the journey and reach the peak. You get to see the beautiful scenery below your feet when you reach the peak.
The results can be rewarding as you reach the final destination. You won’t feel disappointed when hiking in Malaysia. There are many spots to go, and each destination has a different level. In this article, we will list some of the best spots to hike in Malaysia. If you think you are up for the challenge, get ready to hike up the peak and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Hiking In Malaysia #1 – Mount Kinabalu
Being the tallest mountain in Malaysia, Mount Kinabalu is definitely one of the mountains where many hikers want to reach the top. It is also the third-highest peak in Southeast Asia. Hiking up Mount Kinabalu can be an awesome jungle trekking experience and is also one of the most challenging hiking trails in Malaysia.
Mount Kinabalu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you see many flora and fauna as you go up. It can take two full days to complete the trip. But it is definitely worth the trip as the views at the peak will blow you away.
You will need to book a local tour but remember to book in advance. They only allow a certain number of people to climb up daily, and they are usually packed. You will also need a permit to go up. The best time to climb up is around February to April. Do plan your time properly if you intend to hike up Mount Kinabalu.
Hiking In Malaysia #2 – Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)
Image Credit: Selangor Travel
If you are new to hiking and want to have a bit of the thrill of hiking in Malaysia, you may consider trying hiking at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM). FRIM is active in research, conservation, and preservation of the forest in Malaysia.
The Forest Research Institute Malaysia is a short distance from KL city center. You can easily travel there if you are in KL. There is not much difficulty in the hiking trail here, so don’t worry if you are a beginner. Roven Track and Salleh Trail are quite popular. You can start from here if you are visiting FRIM for the first time. There will be Tongkat Ali along the trail as you trek along the trail.
Image Credit: Expedia Malaysia
The trails will also lead you to waterfalls and small streams. You will find small fish, frogs, freshwater crabs, and more in the stream. It is a nice place to get personal with nature, especially if you just want to hike with ease.
Hiking In Malaysia #3 – Bukit Tabur
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Compared to others, Bukit Tabur is not a very popular spot for many hikers. Because there are fewer people, you get to see the unspoiled beauty of nature. It is one of the most beautiful trails. The two distinct trails of Bukit Tabur are Bukit Tabur East and Bukit Tabur West. Both trails have beautiful scenery to catch.
Image Credit: Peakery
One of the challenging parts at Bukit Tabur is the rock-climbing part. If you want to build up your rock-climbing skill, this is a good place to get proficient as there are many sizes of rock. The trails here are quite difficult because of the rocky slopes, and also, the trails are laden with quarts and slippery. It is more for hikers that have experience.
The entire trek takes up to around 3 hours. It is recommended that you use a professional guide if you are new to the place. Also, you will need a permit before hiking up to the top. The best time to visit this place is from September to February.
Hiking In Malaysia #4 – Penang National Park
Image Credit: Global Alliance Of National Park
Located on Penang Island, Penang National Park is a place for those looking for an island adventure. You will find different species of faunas and floras here. It is a protected area under Malaysia’s National Park Act of 1980.
You can do plenty of things at Penang National Park, including jungle trekking, camping, Monkey Beach, and more. There are two hiking trails for you to choose from. The first trail will lead you to the Monkey Beach and a lighthouse. You will need to walk over a 250-meter-long canopy walkway, which you need to pay a fee at the entrance.
Image Credit: Hpapar
The other trail will be more challenging as you hike through the jungle. It will lead to Kerachut Beach, where you can find a turtle sanctuary. You are allowed to camp here, but you are required to register at the entrance.
Hiking In Malaysia #5 – Panorama Hill
Image Credit: Afiq Halid
If you are looking for a spot for family activities, Panorama Hill is a great spot. It definitely suits those who are new to hiking, even for children. This spot is a popular spot to catch the sunrise. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the summit.
If you want to catch the sunrise, the best time to start is 5.30 am. You will be amazed by the view of the sunrise as the sunlight breaks through the sky. You will also see fog enveloping the villages nearby. There won’t be many difficulties as you hike up as the stairs are well-maintained and have support railing. There are resting huts along the way if you need a break.
It is ideal to visit the place on weekdays. The place will be crowded on holidays and weekends, but you can still visit on weekends and holidays if you don’t mind the crowds.
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