Bram ReusenMalaysia’s landscape is a captivating blend of modern innovation and time-honoured traditions, from bustling cities to serene jungles and of course, majestic mountains! Among the hundreds of climbable mountains, we’ve curated ten mountains in Malaysia that stand out, offering not only spectacular scenery but also opportunities for immersive cultural exchanges with local communities. Trust us, hikers, the views are worth every step!
Also read: Top 10 Hiking Getaways From Singapore
Best mountains to climb in Malaysia
1. Gunung Kinabalu
Image credits: Eric BC Lim
Let’s start with the tallest mountain in Malaysia. Mount Kinabalu’s horn-shaped peak rises majestically above the surrounding rainforest of Mount Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sabah, Borneo. It’s an enormously popular mountain among hikers—more than 40,000 of them try to make it the summit every year, not all of them succeed. Everyone can attempt it, though, for the mountain doesn’t require any equipment or mountaineering training.
2. Gunung Nuang
Image credits: Zhan Hui Teh
Although Gunung Nuang, located in Selangor, is by no means a tall mountain by Malaysian standards, it still makes for a rather tough climb. Some superfit hikers hike to the summit and back down in just one day, but most people will have to make it a two-day trip. There are shelters and campsites on the way.
3. Gunung Gayong
Image credits: gabry@
The ninth tallest mountain in the country, Gunung Gayong is accessed on a multiday hike that also takes in Gunung Korbu (see below). This is a mountain that requires a decent fitness level and some previous hiking experience. It’s also important to hire a local hike because the trail is rather poorly signposted and sometimes not even signposted at all.
4. Gunung Gagau
Image credits: Marco Abis
Hiking up Gunung Gagau is a real adventure. Although the mountain itself can be climbed in a day, the base can only be reached after a two-day journey on a river. This is a fun and adventurous wilderness trek, offering the variety that comes with river travel, camping and hiking.
5. Gunung Jerai
Image credits: Yeoh Thean Kheng
Gunung Jerai is not the tallest of mountains, but because it is surrounded by flat rice fields, it definitely appears to be. Known as ‘Kedah Peak’, popular Mount Jerai is a huge forest-covered piece of limestone that once was an important navigational landmark for spice traders. From the summit, the views of the surrounding flatlands are amazing.
6. Gunung Tahan
Image credits: tian yake
The highest mountain in peninsular Malaysia, Gunung Tahan is a most challenging mountain. It’s generally considered to be the most difficult mountain to ascend in the entire country because it can only be reached after long trek through the jungle. The trek is more than 100 kilometres long and traverses other mountains, crosses rivers and runs through rainforests. This is a mountain that should only be tackled by experienced trekkers and with a guide.
7. Gunung Angsi
Image credits: Ravenblack7575
From extremely difficult to easy, Gunung Angsi is suitable for almost all people. Located in Negeri Sembilan, this mountain is not tall and the roundtrip to the summit doesn’t take longer than a few hours. Because it’s relatively close to Kuala Lumpur, you can expect many people on the mountain.
8. Gunung Ledang
Image credits: Mynikfoto
Located in its own national park, legendary Gunung Ledang is the highest mountain in the state of Johor and is located only a couple of hours by car from both Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Its accessibility and spectacular natural scenery makes this a very popular mountain. The hike to the summit is a 5-hour challenge, suitable for people with a decent level of fitness.
9. Gunung Berembun
Image credits: Honza Soukup
Gunung Beremdun is situated in the gorgeous Cameron Highlands and its summit offers marvelous views of the surrounding tea and vegetable plantations. These highlands have more comfortable temperatures than other region in Southeast Asia that are usually humid and hot, providing a welcome retreat to many adventurous travellers. The region is, however, still fairly wild and there’s a dense network of hiking trails.
10. Gunung Korbu
Image credits: Fadzly Mubin
The second highest mountain in peninsular Malaysia, Gunung Korbu’s summit is reached after a two-to-three-day trek. Scaling the mountain will involve carrying a backpack and camping along the way. The views are incredibly rewarding though!
Also read: 10 Mountains in Southeast Asia with the Most Incredible Views
So there you have it, ten best mountains in Malaysia for hikers! From challenging climbs to breathtaking panoramas, these peaks offer a diverse range of experiences for adventurers of all levels. We hope this guide has inspired you to lace up your boots, pack your bags, and embark on your own Malaysian mountain adventure!
