Hiking in Malaysia is a popular leisure activity for a reason – breathtaking mountains, pristine national parks, tropical rainforests and picturesque landscapes will delight any outdoor adventurer.
We have been on several treks in Malaysia and have compiled a list of hiking routes in Malaysia's jungles. The list consists of both day trips and multi-day hikes. The duration of individual routes is meant to give a rough indication of what to expect, but can vary depending on travel time and fitness level.
What clothes you should wear on a tour through the tropical rainforest you can find out here: Tropical Clothing – Clothes for the tropical rainforest
Jungle trekking tours in Malaysia
Taman Negara National Park
Taman Negara National Park is located in the center of the Malay Peninsula and is the oldest forest area on earth, dating back more than 130 million years. It is home to numerous unique animals and plants. From Kuala Lumpur, the 4.343 sq. km park can be reached within 3-4 hours and attracts numerous hikers and nature lovers. In Taman Negara there are several day hikes and trekking tours of several days through the jungle offered.
Our report about our jungle trekking tour through Taman Negara National Park to Gunung Tahan can be found here: https://thehiketribe.com/en/gunung-tahan-trekking/
Cameron Highlands
The Cameron Highlands are an area of jungle-covered mountains and plateaus with tea plantations. Fourteen hiking trails, both easy and difficult, offer breathtaking views, including the lush green Mossy Forest, which includes a trail to a watchtower and, on a clear day, offers a picturesque view of Perak and Pahang. The flora and fauna in the Cameron Highlands is unique. However, most of the hiking trails are closed during the monsoon season. It is also a good idea to book a local guide, or at least take a map with you, as the hiking trails in the Cameron Highlands are not really signposted.
Penang Hill, Penang
For a hike to Penang Hill on the popular island of Penang, there are two routes: the road used by locals who drive up the hill, and the trail that starts from the botanical gardens. The hike to Penang Hill takes about two to three hours depending on your fitness level. With a little luck you can discover wild animals during the hike. The jungle hike is a circular hike of 11 kilometers. The road is often steep and not always well marked. However, the view from the top is worth the climb. For the more adventurous, there is a well-marked trail starting at Teluk Bahang Forest Eco Park.
Bukit Tabur, Taman Melawati
Bukit Tabur is a limestone ridge with five different peaks and is a more challenging hike near Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur. At the summits, the view is breathtaking, of the lush greenery of the jungle and the calm waters of Kluang Gate Reservoir, especially at sunset. Since the trek can be dangerous, a permit is now necessary to do the hike.
Gunung Raya, Langkawi
In the middle of the malay island Langkawi is the mountain Gunung Raya, to which there is a trek over 4000 steps through the jungle. The Gunung Raya Trek starts at the base of Gunung Raya and ends just a few minutes walk from the top of Gunung Raya. On the trek you can see various insects, but also monkeys and exotic bird species.