Both the Cameron Highlands and the area around Mount Kinabalu are premier destinations for hiking, offering a vast network of trails for all fitness levels, from leisurely nature walks to strenuous mountain treks.
In the Cameron Highlands, a popular hill station in Peninsular Malaysia, you will find more than a dozen numbered trails that wind through lush jungles and iconic tea plantations. The trails vary greatly in difficulty. For instance, Trail 10 takes you to the summit of Gunung Jasar for impressive views, while the scenic Trail 6 is a diverse route that passes through forests, indigenous villages, and rolling tea slopes. Some paths can be slippery and are not always well-signposted, so it is wise to use a reliable map or hire a local guide. These hikes offer a refreshing escape into nature, away from the more developed areas of the highlands.
In Sabah, Borneo, Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for the challenging climb to the summit of Mount Kinabalu. However, the park itself contains numerous other accessible trails at the mountain's base that allow you to explore its incredible biodiversity without the multi-day climb.
These trails provide a fantastic opportunity to experience the rich ecosystems of one of the most important biological sites in the world.