Tourism Malaysia has kicked off a new campaign, “Now is the time, cuti-cuti Malaysia”, and you know what that means… Time to hit the road and go on an adventure!
If one of your new year’s resolutions is to truly challenge yourself, how about crossing off these Malaysian hiking trails from your list?
We’ve done some research to see what some popular local hiking trails are, with some lesser-known gems thrown in too. All of them can be completed within a day.
Each hiking trail is categorised between easy, moderate, and hard, and is listed with other criteria like how long they take to be completed, their distance from the entrance to the peak, and what views await you along the way or at the end of your journey.
EASY
These trails are for first-timers, amateur hikers, families, older folks, or those who just want to get fresh air and enjoy gorgeous views at a more leisurely pace. They have a shorter distance and are less technical.
1. Taman Tugu, KL
Address: 94-1, Jalan Sultan Salahuddin, Kuala Lumpur, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Distance: 6km (across various trails)
Time taken to complete: Set aside at least 1 hour
Highlights: Paths with clear signage, an abundance of flora and fauna
Potential challenges: Lots of steps and rocky paths
Price: Free
Opening hours: 7AM – 6.30PM
2. Wawasan Hill*, Puchong
*Note: This hill is part of University Putra Malaysia’s (UPM) private property for research, and hikers are only allowed to go on Trail A and Trail B (follow the signs).
Address: Persiaran Bukit, Pusat Bandar Puchong, 47100 Puchong, Selangor
Distance: Approx. 3.2km
Time taken to complete: Set aside at least 2 hours
Highlights: Spot large mushrooms and monkeys
Potential challenges: Scorpions along the path, steep elevation
Price: Free
Opening hours: 8AM – 4.30PM
3. Broga Hill, Semenyih
Address: Jln Broga, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor
Distance: Approx. 3.54km
Time taken to complete: 30 mins – 1 hour
Highlights: Sunrise watching, panoramic view of the rainforest and city
Potential challenges: Potentially slippery tracks
Price: Permit from Selangor Forestry Department – RM5/Malaysian, RM15/non-Malaysian
Opening hours: 4AM – 5PM
4. Bishop Trail Loop, Pahang
Address: Jalan Lady Maxwell, Bukit Fraser, 49000 Bukit Fraser, Pahang
Distance: 5.1km
Time taken to complete: About 2 hours
Highlights: Knotted ropes to help with climbing, birdwatching opportunities, cooling environment
Potential challenges: Large roots and steps to climb, leeches (bring salt)
Price: N/A, but likely free
Opening hours: 24/7
5. Bukit Gasing, Selangor
Address: Bukit Gasing, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Distance: 4.7km
Time taken to complete: Set aside 1 hour
Highlights: Unique tropical ferns and interesting plants, platforms for picnicking, suspension bridges
Potential challenges: Steep trails, rocky paths
Price: Free
Opening hours: 6AM – 7PM
6. Bukit Besi, Cheras
Address: 1, Jalan Alam Damai, Alam Damai, 56000 Cheras, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Distance: 2.9km
Time taken to complete: 1.5 hours
Highlights: Scenic hike with multiple viewing points of the city
Potential challenges: Steep trails, rocky paths, lots of forks in the trails (use a GPS map)
Price: Free
Opening hours: 24/7
7. Bukit Serdang, Seri Kembangan
Address: Rizab Melayu Sungai Kuyoh, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor
Distance: 4.5km
Time taken to complete: 1.5 hours
Highlights: Scenic hike, fish pond, small farms
Potential challenges: Watch out for wild dogs and monkeys
Price: Free
Opening hours: 24/7
8. Shah Alam Community Forest Trail
Address: Setia Eco-park, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor
Distance: 6.6km
Time taken to complete: Set aside 3 hours
Highlights: Ample checkpoints and benches, wildflowers and mushrooms
Potential challenges: Lots of tree roots
Price: Free
Opening hours: 24/7
9. Bukit Sri Bintang, KL
Address: Jalan 11/36, Taman Sri Bintang, 52200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Distance: 2.3km
Time taken to complete: Set aside 1 hour
Highlights: Dog-friendly, view of Petronas Twin Towers, KL Tower, and Batu Caves, wasteland accessed with ropes, outdoor gym
Potential challenges: Wild monkeys, some steep areas
Price: Free
Opening hours: 24/7
10. Panorama Hill, Pahang
Address: Kampung Kuala Kenau, 26200 Sungai Lembing, Pahang
Distance: 1.9km
Time taken to complete: Set aside 1 hour
Highlights: Panoramic cityscape views, a sea of clouds
Potential challenges: Some steep areas, lots of staircases
Price: Free
Opening hours: 24/7
11. Bukit Batu Putih, Negeri Sembilan
Address: Puncak Bukit Batu Putih, Tanjung Tuan
Distance: 3.9km
Time taken to complete: 1.5 hours
Highlights: Historic Rumah Api Tanjung Tuan, Tanjung Tuan Beach
Potential challenges: Steep road path
Price: RM1
Opening hours: 8AM – 6PM (weekdays), 8AM – 8PM (weekends)
12. Mount Jerai, Kedah
Address: 08300 Yan, Kedah
Distance: 5.6km
Time taken to complete: 1.5 hours
Highlights: Cooling environment, scenic view of paddy fields, small strawberry farm
Potential challenges: Can be slippery
Price: Permit from Pejabat Hutan Daerah Kedah Tengah – RM5/Malaysia, RM10/non-Malaysian
Opening hours: N/A, but should be 24/7
MODERATE
These trails are for those who’ve been hiking before and want to take it up a notch with the terrain and challenges along the way. These are less suitable for family trips with kids, as they can be further in distance or a lot more technical.
13. Setia Alam Community Trail, Shah Alam
Address: Setia Eco-park, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor
Distance: 10.1km
Time taken to complete: Set aside 5 hours
Highlights: Mirror Lake
Potential challenges: Wild animals, leeches (bring salt)
Price: Free
Opening hours: N/A, likely 7AM – 5PM to be safe
14. Kiara Hill Peak, KL
Address: Changkat Abang Haji Openg, Bukit Kiara, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Distance: 5.6km
Time taken to complete: 2 hours
Highlights: Picnic areas, Bamboo Eye, Kiara Waterfall
Potential challenges: Could be slippery near the waterfall
Price: Free
Opening hours: 7AM – 7PM
15. Gunung Baling, Kedah
Address: Baling, 09100 Baling, Kedah
Distance: 3.2km
Time taken to complete: 2 hours
Highlights: 360° scenic view of surrounding hills and forests, knotted ropes to help with climbing
Potential challenges: Large tree roots, sharp rocks at the peak that require climbing (bring suitable gloves)
Price: Permit from Pejabat Pendakian Gunung Baling – RM5/Malaysian, RM15/non-Malaysian. Hiring a local guide is also mandatory, at the cost of RM70/guide for a group of 1-10 pax.
Opening hours: 8AM – 2PM
16. Kota Damansara Community Forest Reserve, Petaling Jaya
There are 17 total trails here, but two of the most popular ones are Unity Peak and Denai Tiga Puteri.
Address: Jalan Merbah 10/1, Seksyen 10 Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Distance:
| Unity Peak | 2km |
| Denai Tiga Puteri | 1.5km |
Time taken to complete: Set aside at least 3 hours for each trail
Highlights:
| Unity Peak | Small streams, wide variety of palms and herbaceous plants, view of Batu Caves (on a clear day) |
| Denai Tiga Puteri | Scenic view overlooking the NKVE highway |
Potential challenges: Gets steeper near the peak, possible congestion up and down the one-way path near the peak
Price: RM2
Opening hours: 7AM – 5PM
17. Kembara Hill, Selangor
Address: Ulu Kelang, 68000 Ampang Jaya, Selangor
Distance: 6.4km
Time taken to complete: Set aside 3 hours
Highlights: Mini waterfalls, streams, ropes to help with climbing, benches
Potential challenges: Can get steep, leeches (bring salt)
Price: Permit from Selangor Forestry Department – RM5/Malaysian, RM15/non-Malaysian
Opening hours: 24/7
18. Ketumbar Hill, KL
Address: Jalan 6/95b, Taman Cheras Utama, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Distance: 2.1km
Time taken to complete: 1 hour
Highlights: Dog-friendly, spot monkeys and wild boars, clear signage
Potential challenges: Some parts may be muddy and slippery
Price: Free
Opening hours: 24/7
19. Bukit Beruang, Melaka
Address: Jln TM Bukit Beruang, Taman Bunga Raya, 75450 Bukit Beruang, Malacca
Distance: 3.7km
Time taken to complete: 1 hour 40 mins
Highlights: Knotted ropes to help with climbing, Eye on Melaka lookout point
Potential challenges: Can get steep
Price: Free
Opening hours: 7AM – 6PM
20. Chilling Waterfalls, Selangor
Address: 44000 Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor
Distance: 4.7km
Time taken to complete: 1 hour 30 mins
Highlights: Beautiful Chilling Waterfalls, Chilling River with fish, picnic areas
Potential challenges: Stream crossings
Price: Permit from Jabatan Perikanan Negeri Selangor – RM5/person
Opening hours: 8AM – 6PM
21. Jugra Hill, Selangor
Address: Jalan Bukit Jugra, Jugra Lama, 42700 Banting, Selangor
Distance: 4.3km
Time taken to complete: 2 hours
Highlights: Jugra Hill Lighthouse, clear pathways with ropes, scenic view at Puncak Rajawali
Potential challenges: Can get muddy depending on weather conditions
Price: Permit from Pejabat Hutan Daerah Pantai Klang – RM5/person
Opening hours: 24/7
22. Mount Pintu Wang, Perlis
Address: Sungai Batu Pahat, 01000 Kangar, Perlis
Distance: 3.7km
Time taken to complete: 2 hours
Highlights: Gorgeous sunrise views, breezy, unique rock formations, view of the Thailand-Malaysia border
Potential challenges: Steep and rocky areas (bring suitable gloves)
Price: Permit from Pejabat Perhutanan Negeri Perlis, Kangar – RM5/person
Opening hours: 24/7
23. Bukit Keluang, Terengganu
Address: 22200 Kampung Raja, Terengganu
Distance: 2.3km
Time taken to complete: 1 hour
Highlights: Panoramic scenery of South China Sea
Potential challenges: Lots of stairs, steep climb
Price: Free
Opening hours: 8AM – 7PM
24. Bukit Arong, Johor
Address: Gunung Arong Recreational Forest, 86900, Johor
Distance: 6.4km
Time taken to complete: 2 hours
Highlights: Knotted ropes to help with climbing, a wide variety of flora and fauna
Potential challenges: Large tree roots
Price: Permit from Pejabat Hutan Daerah Johor Selatan OR Pejabat Renj Hutan Kulai – RM10/Malaysian, RM30/non-Malaysian
Opening hours: 24/7
25. Bukit Botak, Sabah
Address: 89200 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Distance: 2.9km
Time taken to complete: 1 hour
Highlights: Knotted ropes to help with climbing, beautiful sunrise and sunset views of Sepanggar Bay, clear and wide paths
Potential challenges: Can be steep
Price: Free
Opening hours: 7AM – 6PM
26. Lintang Loop, Sarawak
Address: Muara Tebas Peninsular, 93000, Kuching
Distance: 6.9km
Time taken to complete: 2 hours 20 mins
Highlights: Spot Proboscis monkeys and snakes, Bukit Tambi viewpoint (a bit of a detour)
Potential challenges: Can be muddy and slippery, large tree roots
Price: RM10/adult
Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM
HARD
These trails are for those who find flatter terrain easy-peasy, and want more of a challenge. Well, these throw in steep terrain, some boulder/rock climbing, river crossings, and more, into the mix, so expect highly technical trails despite their distances. Best for a fit group of experienced/advanced hikers.
27. Penang Hill Heritage Trail, Penang
Address: 11500 Bukit Bendera, Penang
Distance: 4.8km
Time taken to complete: 1 – 3 hours
Highlights: Clearly marked paths, scenic view of Penang bridge, cafe and food court at the top
Potential challenges: Steep steps (you can take the cable car back down)
Price: Free
Opening hours: N/A, likely 6AM – 8PM to be safe
28. Kledang Hill Loop, Perak
Address: Hala Rasi Jaya 1, Taman Rasi Jaya, 31450 Ipoh, Perak
Distance: 10.3km
Time taken to complete: 4 hours 45 mins
Highlights: Many species of flora and fauna, spot wild monkeys, Bukit Kledang scenic platform, monkey pots
Potential challenges: Can be steep, vehicular traffic on the tarred road path
Price: Free
Opening hours: 24/7
29. Bukit Saga, Selangor (Trek C)
Address: 43100 Hulu Langat, Selangor
Distance: 3.9km
Time taken to complete: 2 hours (4-6 hours if you’re heading for the waterfall)
Highlights: Chinese shrine, various amenities for exercise and rest (top of hill), knotted ropes to help with climbing, a stream, Saga Hill Station
Potential challenges: Can be steep
Price: Permit from Pejabat Hutan Daerah Selangor Tengah – RM5/person
Opening hours: 6AM – 6PM
30. Gunung Nuang, Selangor
Address: Hulu Langat, Selangor
Distance: 17.9km
Time taken to complete: 9 – 12 hours
Highlights: Bamboo groves, rivers, waterfall
Potential challenges: Boulder climbing
Price: Permit from Pejabat Hutan Daerah Selangor Tengah – RM5/person
Opening hours: 7AM – 7PM
31. Kutu Hill, Selangor
Address: 44000, Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor
Distance: 10.1km
Time taken to complete: 5 hours
Highlights: Spot monkeys, various species of flora and fauna, an amazing view of the water dam, old ruins of a house
Potential challenges: River crossings, large tree roots, can be muddy
Price: Permit from Pejabat Hutan Daerah Hulu Selangor – RM5/person
Opening hours: 24/7
32. Gunung Datuk, Negeri Sembilan
Address: 71350 Kota, Negeri Sembilan
Distance: 3.7km
Time taken to complete: Set aside at least 3 hours
Highlights: Rainbow stairways, 360° view of the Straits of Melaka, enormous tropical trees, ropes to help with climbing
Potential challenges: Two-storey high boulder (with metal ladders installed for assistance), slippery stairs after rain
Price: RM5
Opening hours: 8AM – 4PM
33. Maxwell Hill (Bukit Larut), Perak
Address: 34000 Taiping, Perak
Distance: 13.5km
Time taken to complete: 6 hours
Highlights: Spot Dusky leaf monkeys, breezy, birdwatching opportunities
Potential challenges: Can be steep and slippery
Price: Free
Opening hours: 7AM – 8PM
34. Batu Punggul, Sabah
Address: Batu Punggul, Sapulut, Sabah
Distance: Unrecorded
Time taken to complete: Set aside 1-2 hours
Highlights: Limestone outcrops, spot orangutans
Potential challenges: Quite a bit of rock climbing is involved (prepare your own gear)
Price: N/A, best to hire a local tour guide
Opening hours: N/A
35. Teluk Bahang, Penang
Address: Lorong Rimba, Teluk Bahang, 11050 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang
Distance: 10.3km
Time taken to complete: 4 hours 30 mins
Highlights: Scenic view of George Town, lots of flora and fauna
Potential challenges: Steep descent
Price: Permit from Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri Pulau Pinang – RM5/person
Opening hours: 8AM – 6PM
36. Youth Park, Penang
Address: Persiaran Kuari, Pulau Tikus, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Distance: 11.1km
Time taken to complete: 5 hours
Highlights: Rainbow Staircase, iconic Big Rock, several rest areas along the way, panoramic views of Penang Island
Potential challenges: Can be steep and slippery in areas
Price: Free
Opening hours: 24/7
37. Gunung Raya, Kedah
Address: 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
Distance: 7.9km
Time taken to complete: 4 hours 30 mins
Highlights: Scenic view of Langkawi Island
Potential challenges: Can be steep and slippery in areas, leeches (bring salt), stairs all the way up
Price: Free
Opening hours: 24/7
38. Gunung Pulai, Johor
Address: 81000 Kulai, Johor
Distance: 9.5km
Time taken to complete: 3 hours 50 mins
Highlights: Stunning views of surrounding forest, mini waterfalls, streams, multiple rest points
Potential challenges: Can be slippery near waterfalls, steep in some areas
Price: Free (tarred road route) / Permit from Pejabat Hutan Daerah Johor Selatan OR Pejabat Renj Hutan Kulai – RM10/Malaysian, RM30/non-Malaysian (trail route)
Opening hours: 24/7
39. Gunung Santubong, Sarawak
Address: Santubong, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak
Distance: 4.3km
Time taken to complete: Set aside 4 hours
Highlights: Iron and rope ladders to help with climbing, gorgeous summit view of Sarawak River
Potential challenges: Lots of tree roots, can be slippery and muddy, steep in some areas
Price: Permit from Sarawak Forestry – RM10/person
Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM
40. Mount Berembun, Negeri Sembilan
Address: Loji Rawatan Air Pantai, Mukim Pantai,, 71770 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
Distance: 11.9km
Time taken to complete: 5 hours 45 mins
Highlights: Spot super-sized insects, birdwatching
Potential challenges: Can be steep, slippery, and muddy
Price: RM5
Opening hours: 8AM – 8PM
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Malaysia is home to many more beautiful hiking trails, of course.
However, at the time of writing, quite a number of them have either been permanently closed, or are under maintenance or reconstruction, and won’t be reopening anytime soon.
If any of the above hiking trails have got you rearing to go, keep in mind to do more research on the location before heading out.
Go in a group for better safety, or hire a local guide if you want to understand the area better as you hike.
And while you’re hiking, let’s continue keeping Mother Nature pristine and beautiful, so future generations can follow in your footsteps on the same trails.
Now, go forth and conquer!
Featured Image Credit: Hafiz Haqimi
