Hiking Spots Beyond KL

Broga Hill, Semenyih

Broga Hill, also known as ‘Bukit Lalang' by the locals, is named after the ‘lalang,' a native species of grass that grows abundantly here. This 400-meter-high hill is located in a lush tropical forest in Semenyih at the edge of the Titiwangsa Range, 40 minutes from Kuala Lumpur on the trunk road to Broga. Its spectacular panoramic views, particularly at dawn, are well known to both locals and tourists. Its prominence is also due to its ease of access by foot. For first-timers, the climb up the first peak may be intimidating. Fortunately, there are cords attached to the trees to assist newcomers. The view that awaits you at the top will undoubtedly reward your efforts.

Mount Pulai, Johor

Gunung Pulai is a 654-meter-tall mountain in Johor, Peninsular Malaysia. Due to its proximity and ease of entry, it is a popular hiking destination for Singaporeans and locals. The summit of Gunung Pulai is not open to the public as it is secured by the military and holds two communication towers. Mount Pulai is a 14.3-kilometer moderately trafficked loop trail near Kulai, Johor, Malaysia, with a waterfall and a difficulty rating. The trail is also used for camping, cycling, running, and taking nature walks.

Panorama Hill, Sungai Lembing

Bukit Panorama is a hill in Sungai Lembing, 45 kilometres northwest of Kuantan. Standing at 271 metres tall, there is just one path up the slope. Start at the bottom of the stairwell and work your way up. The trail's key feature is a stairwell with railings; only a few short stretches are without the stairwell. When you hit the top of the hill, you will be able to see a panoramic view of the surrounding city. The visitor will usually take 30 to 45 minutes to walk up Bukit Panorama.

Mossy Forest, Cameron Highlands

The mossy forest is a natural ecosystem that only grows at the higher elevations of the Cameron Highlands and other Malaysian mountain ranges. Low-level clouds in the sky, driven by winds, blanket the trees in persistent mist and moisture, providing a perfect biotope for moss, ferns, lichen, and orchids. This moist tropical evergreen forest also acts as a refuge for a diverse variety of montane species, including butterflies, rodents, frogs, birds, and mammals that are only present in this cold climate.

Penang National Park, Penang

This is Malaysia's smallest national park, at 23 square kilometres, but its beach-fringed forests are home to silvered leaf monkeys, flying lemurs, leopard cats, and a plethora of lizard, amphibian, and reptile animals. Activities such as jungle walks and boat rides to serene golden-sand beaches will comfortably fill a day. There are two major trekking trails in the park: one that takes you down the coast, over headlands, to Monkey Beach, and another that takes you over the hills, through the jungle, to some of the more isolated beaches, where the Turtle Sanctuary is located.