Hiking is a great outdoor activity if you are one who likes nature and fitness. As a tropical country, Malaysia is one of the best places to enjoy this sport because you get to enjoy the weather, the views and stay healthy at the same time. Below are some very important tips.
Safety – This is the most important factor to consider. Always tell someone where you are going before heading out to the hiking trails. Bring safety equipment like a pen-knife or a GPS located with you.
Clothing – Appropriate clothing is very crucial. Bring extra clothing and always travel light. A rain-coat will be useful especially if you are hiking around the year-end when rainfall is most likely.
First-Aid – Unlike other sports, cuts and bruises are very common in hiking. Basic first-aid equipment would be very useful.
Where to Hike in Malaysia
There are a lot of designated hiking areas around Malaysia. Cameron Highlands have some of the most scenic and beautiful trails while you can find several trails in Fraser’s Hill and Penang as well. in The Klang Valley, hikers like to go to the hills in Cheras, Amapng, Sri Hartamas, Taman Tun Dr Ismal, Bukit Gasing and Puchong to enjoy this activity.
Top 10 Hiking Trails in Malaysia
Cameron Highlands – There are several hiking trails in Cameron Highlands. Nothing beats enjoying the cool weather and perhaps spotting the Rafflesia here while making your way up the mountains. There are trails for both beginners and experts that lead to the waterfalls.
Penang Hill – This might be a bit more challenging as it takes about 5 hours to finish. The trail is known to be quite steep which makes it more ideal for seasoned hikers.
Bukit Tabur – This is one of the very popular trails in the Klang Valley. Known to some as Bukit Hangus, it can be seen from the Middle Ring Road 2 in Kuala Lumpur. It is part of the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge that houses the Klang Gates Dam and the Gombak Nature Reserve.
Gunung Ledang – Known to be one of the hardest trails in Malaysia. If you are experienced and very fit, getting to the top takes about 6 to 7 hours. Some come here with camping gears as it might take a few days if you take your time.
Gunung Kinabalu – Perhaps one of the most popular hiking trails in Malaysia. The 2015 earthquake has changed the hiking trail tremendously but the way up to the peak still provides the thrill and adventure nonetheless.
Bukit Saga – This is a very popular hiking trail in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. Basically, there are a few trails available here which can get you to the waterfalls and takes about 3 hours to complete.
Monkey Beach – Located in Penang National Park, it is one of the most beautiful locations in Malaysia. One way will take about 3 hours while there is a campsite nearby the hiking trail.
Gunung Angsi – In all of Malaysia, Gunung Angsi is perhaps the easiest. Located in Negeri Semilan, it takes slightly less than 2 hours to reach the top.
Bukit Chenuang – Located around the Ampang and Hulu Kelang area, it is not far from the Kuala Lumpur city centre. It can take about 3 to 4 hours to reach the top.
Pine Tree Trail – Located in Fraser’s Hill, this is one of the most scenic places to hike. Some routes have stairways while you will come across a rope-equipped route as well. It takes about 2 to 3 hours to hike up the hill but the experience is simply breath-taking.