7 Peaks in Malaysia for the Most Elite Mountain Climbing Experience
Some of the toughest hiking trails in Malaysia are those that lead up to massive mountains, where your skills will be put to the test. Conquering these trails isn’t for nothing, though, as you’ll be granted some of the most spectacular views in the country (and lifetime bragging rights).
I’m still adding notches to my belt, but I’ve researched Malaysia’s best mountain climbing spots for my future journeys—and I’m here to share what I’ve found with you! So, if you’re looking for a sign of where to head next to satisfy your love for the outdoors, this is it!
Continue reading to discover the peak mountains that will challenge your hiking skills and everything you need to know about them. We’ve also included some tips to help you get a head start before booking that ticket!
Mount Kinabalu – Sabah
– Media credit: mtkinabalu
Elevation: 4,095 m
Estimated time to complete: Two days, one night
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Mount Kinabalu has the highest peak in Malaysia, so it’s a no-brainer to have this on your list. It typically requires two days and one night to complete, starting at 2:00 AM sharp, so you can reach the summit checkpoint by 5:00 AM.
One thing you should know about Mount Kinabalu to get rid of your jitters is that even though it’s the tallest mountain in the country, it doesn’t require advanced climbing techniques. It’s more of an endurance challenge because of the number of steps, so the only requirement is to be fit!
If you’re looking for a bit more challenge, you can take the Ferrata Route, which features a normal climb but adds an extra three to four hours on the descent. Regardless of whether you take this or the usual route, you can expect beautiful views throughout.
Pro tip:
Book your trip via Mount Kinabalu’s official website. They list all the available climbing dates throughout the year as well as closures—plus, they’ll sometimes offer packages that feature an overnight stay at Poring Hot Springs along with the guided climb.
Gunung Tahan – Pahang
– Media credit: dib.dam and gunungpeople
Elevation: 2,187 m
Estimated time to complete: 31 hours to seven days
Difficulty: Intermediate
Gunung Tahan is the ultimate test of endurance, and it’s the highest peak in Peninsular Malaysia, standing at 2,187 metres. However, don’t let this deter you from trying it, as it’s one of the most memorable trails, featuring steep ascents, muddy trails, river crossings and a lush rainforest.
One of the most famous trails for conquering this mountain is Kuala Tahan, which is an out-and-back that takes approximately 31 hours and 45 minutes. It offers a moderately challenging pathway filled with slopes, but it’s worth every step because of the summit vista.
There’s also the Merapoh trail, which avid climbers usually opt for, as it poses a bit more challenge, requiring four to seven days to complete. This allows you to experience camping amidst the lush rainforest and maybe even spot wildlife on the way, like the Malayan Tiger!
Pro tip:
Wear leech-proof socks! Most of the trail goes through numerous terrains that are inhabited by these nasty pests, so it would be great to protect yourself from being drained of your blood.
Gunung Ledang – Johor
– Media credit: fahmiesmail
Elevation: 1,276 m
Estimated time to complete: One day
Difficulty: Moderate
Gunung Ledang is a great, moderately challenging trail that we think both beginners and advanced mountain climbers will appreciate. We say it’s challenging because of the terrain variety and the steep paths that can be accessed through ladders and ropes, but it’s doable!
It can be completed in a day or less, depending on the trail and how much time you spend resting, but we recommend taking your time. Gunung Ledang is one of the most mystical mountains to explore, which is perfectly showcased in its majestic waterfalls.
We recommend taking the Lagenda Trail, as it’s the easiest and most famous out of the bunch, giving you everything you need to see and experience the mountain. If you want to test your will, however, we recommend taking the Asahan Trail, which starts at 300 metres up the mountain.
Pro tip:
We recommend climbing this mountain during the dry season. Aside from being easier to climb at this time of the year, it will also give you clear visibility of as far as Malacca Town when you’re at the summit.
Gunung Nuang – Selangor
– Media credit: dendang
Elevation: 1,493 m
Estimated time to complete: One day
Difficulty: Advanced
Gunung Nuang should be on your radar if you want to test your manoeuvring skills on rough terrain. Even though it doesn’t feature the longest trail, its steep paths, drop-offs, and narrow trails will make even the most experienced hikers break a sweat.
The variety of natural landscapes throughout the trail is no joke, as you’ll go through five river crossings, a lush jungle with towering trees, a dirt track, and even a bamboo forest! You’ll also come across a beautiful waterfall where you can rest and cool down before proceeding.
Don’t worry, though, as the trail is entirely doable without using specific types of equipment. There are also signs throughout the trail that will tell you where to go and signify that you’re still going on the right path.
Pro tip:
Make sure to fortify your mentality before taking on this trail up Gunung Nuang! There’s a part called the never-ending road, which is a dirt trail that twists and turns throughout a jungle that can easily disorient the unprepared.
Bukit Tabur – Kuala Lumpur
– Media credit: bernardbeh
Elevation: 391 m
Estimated time to complete: Three to six hours
Difficulty: Moderate
If you’re looking for hiking trails in Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Tabur should be on your itinerary, as it’s one of the few hike-worthy mountains in the capital. It features five different peaks, and although it only takes three to six hours to complete, it’s not that easy to conquer!
The famous trail you’ll most likely go through to reach the summit is Tabur West, and it doesn’t fall short of steep drop-offs, so prepare your knees! The rocky terrain is also an ankle sprain trap, but that’s part of the challenge.
Alternatively, you can take the Tabur East trail, also known as the Dragon’s Back. It gained its nickname because the trail quite literally looks like a dragon’s back, with its pointed quartz ridges.
Pro tip:
If you’re looking for a place to stay near Bukit Tabur, we recommend checking out Smile Hotel Wangsa Maju. It offers affordable rates and spacious rooms, and it’s located near other attractions like the National Zoo of Malaysia.
Mount Serapi – Sarawak
– Media credit: mysticsoul2809
Elevation: 724 m
Estimated time to complete: Four hours
Difficulty: Beginner
If it’s your first time mountain climbing, Mount Serapi is one of the best beginner-friendly options you can conquer. It only takes four hours to complete this out-and-back trail, but you won’t be left feeling unsatisfied with how packed this trail is with stunning views.
Throughout your hike, you’ll also come across beautiful wildlife, including mousedeer and bearded pigs. Furthermore, make sure to look up from time to time to spot some majestic birds and even some giant squirrels moving from branch to branch.
As for its physical challenge, you’ll mostly have to worry about elevation changes and steep inclines. Other than that, you only have to be physically fit for the two-and-a-half-hour climb and the one-and-a-half-hour descent.
Pro tip:
Consider spending your day in Kuching after or before conquering this mountain! The city offers numerous natural landscapes that will leave you in awe, as well as a cute cat-focused museum.
Mount Berembun – Negeri Sembilan
– Media credit: ajim0n
Elevation: 877 m
Estimated time to complete: Four hours and 48 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
Conquering Mount Berembun requires a slightly moderate hike, but the pot at the end of the rainbow is more than rewarding. Even though it only takes approximately less than five hours to complete, the trail poses challenging paths consisting of drops and harsh inclines.
Upon finishing the trail, however, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Negeri Sembilan’s lush rainforest. The journey towards the summit is just as rewarding as well, as you’ll get to pass by waterfalls, peaceful creeks, and resident animals living their best lives.
There are multiple checkpoints across the trail, so you won’t have to worry about climbing the mountain in one go. One of the checkpoints even has shelters where you can catch your breath and maybe get an afternoon tea in.
Pro tip:
Consider staying at The Dusun on your hike day at Mount Berembun. It’s located right at the mountain’s trailhead, and it offers everything you need for a comfy stay!