Malaysia offers numerous national parks with wildlife reserves waiting for nature lovers and trekkers to explore. Discover the undisturbed and fascinating rare flora and fauna in the lush greenery dense rainforests. A visit to Malaysia is not complete without trekking in one of Asia’s finest conservation areas, rainforests in Taman Negara.

Trekking in Peninsular Malaysia is in fact a rewarding and fruitful experience for light trekkers but those who brace themselves for challenging jungle trekking, head down to Kinabatangan’s forests. Not only you’ll experience steep and rocky paths along the trail but also snap the pictures of Proboscis monkeys on treetops minding their own business.

As suggested by the name, Gunung Tahan in Taman Negara (Tahan means resilient in Malay Language) is catered for seasoned trekkers who are fit enough to tackle the jungle trails as it’ll take seven-days to reach the summit. Meanwhile, light trekkers can begin your adventure at Forest Reserve Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) in Kepong or Air Keroh Recreational Forest in Malacca.

Moving on to Sabah and Sarawak, remember to include the famous trekking trails Kinabalu National Park, Mulu National Park, Niah National Park and Danum Valley in your trip itinerary.

When you begin trekking in Malaysia, do not be surprised to see cascading rivers, steep slopes, swampy trails and greenery vegetation along the journey. The best time to travel to Peninsular Malaysia solely for trekking purposes is from March to October when the rainfall is the lightest. Wet season in Sabah and Sarawak is from July to October. Hence, if possible, avoid the rainy season as it’ll delay your exploration.

There are several types of rainforests to explore in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. Each rainforest has their own uniqueness and rare wildlife ready for trekkers to explore. From freshwater swamp forest in Tasik Chini and Tasik Bera to highland forests in Genting Highlands and Fraser’s Hill, it offers scenic and picturesque view along the path.

Mangrove forest in Kuala Selangor Nature Park is the feeding and breeding grounds for fisheries in which trekkers will get an opportunity to witness crabs fiddling in muddy-cum-swampy holes to avoid from starving monkeys.

Plan your trip ahead to Mulu National Park, one of the most notable hill rainforest and limestone pinnacles where trekkers have to pass through variety of plant species along the way. Bear in mind that in certain situations, jungle trekking may take up to days to complete the route.

Here are some reminders for light and seasoned trekkers for those who are ready to take on jungle trekking for days. Wear a hat with wide brim to shade from the tropical sun and choose lightweight jungle boots to ease your journey up the summit. Of course, you’ll have to wear comfortable long-sleeved shirt and pants but it is advisable to bring along extra clothing. Fill up your water tumbler and select several healthy snacks to keep your energy level up all the time. Besides, it is advisable for you to inform the park officials on your plans and destinations even if the trail is only a short journey.

Lastly, you need to ensure that you have sufficient time to complete the route that you have chosen as it is advisable not to stray off the path before the dark. Say if the darkness falls but yet you are still trekking in the dense rainforests; pick a camp site to endure the night. If you plan to camp in the parks, bring along camping equipments.

The best camping sites in Peninsular Malaysia are Endau Rompin in Johore and Taman Negara, Kenong Rimba Park in Pahang while Mulu and Lambir National Parks in Sarawak are the best spots to build a tent. Discover the amazing animals and plants in Endau-Rompin as it is the home to largest population of endangered animals such as Sumatran rhinoceros, tigers and elephants.

On the other hand, Mat Kilau trail in Taman Negara is also an ideal trail for trekkers to find out rare and protected flora and fauna such as Tapir, Fishing Eagles, gibbons, pheasants.