One of the main activities you can do in Malaysia is mountain climbing. In fact, climbing to the peak of a mountain is a brilliant way to discover the rare and uniqueness of natural landscape, flora and fauna in the rainforests. Step-by-step up the mountain from the lowlands to upper elevations leave you an enjoyable and memorable experience in Malaysia. Regardless of staying in Peninsular Malaysia or Sabah and Sarawak, tourists can climb less adventurous mountains in Peninsular while more challenging ones await you in Sabah and Sarawak.

Here are some basic tips for beginners and reminder for experience climbers – bring along comfortable long sleeved shirts and pants for protection against leech bites especially in the rainforests along the climb. Even though hat with wide brim looks horrendous (especially for women), it is advisable to bring along one. Since most mountains are cool, you should wear a pair of gloves to protect from the cold summit winds.

Bear in mind that compass is extremely important to navigate and assist you along jungle trails. Of course, never forget to pick and select the best rucksack with padded shoulder straps for your comfort. Keep a basic first aid kit in the rucksack. Lastly, if possible, wear only lightweight jungle boots to ease your journey along the trails and wear at least two pairs of socks to avoid from blisters especially on a hard climb.

Peninsular Malaysia

Beginners can start off your adventure in Peninsular Malaysia in several popular sites such as Gunung Angsi in Negeri Sembilan or Gunung Jerai in Kedah. Even though it’ll only take few hours to complete, it is a wonderful way to start your adventure and journey in Malaysia. Since the routes up the mountains are easy, feel free to climb the mountains on your own without guidance from the experts.

Perhaps, you’ll ask, where is the best mountain to enjoy cool climate all year-round with scenic view in Peninsular Malaysia? Gunung Berembun and Gunung Brinchang in the Cameron Highlands is the answer. The scenic and picturesque tea and vegetable plantations are located along the path up the mountains. In fact, it is suitable for light trekkers and beginners.

Those who prefer to brave themselves for challenging mountain climbing, try Gunung Gagau in Taman Negara as it offers climbers to pass through wilderness first before reaching the peak. However, in order to get to the base of mountain to begin your adventure, one must travel by river for about two days. Other challenging mountains in Peninsular are Gunung Tahan (highest point in Peninsular with 2187 metres). But an experienced guide is needed for challenging climb at Gunung Tahan.

Sabah and Sarawak

Be prepared to climb the highest mountains in Southeast Asia, Gunung Kinabalu. Standing at 4093 metres in Kinabalu Park, Sabah, trekkers can get to the base of mountain easily. The trail to low peak is equipped with clear and smooth paths as well as ropes for climbers to hike the steep rocky sections. What makes the journey up Gunung Kinabalu different other mountain is the scenic view along the trail. You’ll see exotic and rare plant life such as Necklace Orchid while trying to get to the peak.

Gunung Trusmadi with 2643 metres is a rather difficult climb as one needs to pass through steep hill. But you’ll not be disappointed with the views once you reach the summit. Gunung Trusmadi is a must-climb for nature lovers as only in Trusmadi has rare and unique pitcher plants. Another popular mountain in Sarawak is Gunung Santubong.

Other scenic mountains in Sabah and Sarawak are Gunung Penrissen, Gunung Lotong, Gunung Silam, Bukit Batu Lawi, Gunung Mulu, Gunung Api and plenty more. As long as you are fit and adventurous enough to reach the summit and pass through the steep rocky sections in each mountain, you may end up spending days to complete your mission to climb all the mountains in Sabah and Sarawak.