10 Beautiful Mountains to Climb in Malaysia

Malaysia is littered with rich beautiful outdoor natures, surrounded by mountains that are eager to be climbed by hiker enthusiasts. The special feeling of satisfaction that cannot be beaten after you’ve conquered the mountain you’re climbing paired with the beautiful scenenary that it as to offer is certaintly something that hikers always seek for. Here are ten mountains in Malaysia that are worth climbing!

Gunung Kinabalu

Location: Ranau District, West Coast Division of Sabah, Malaysia. Beginning with Malaysia’s highest mountain, Mount Kinabalu boasts a horn-shaped summit that gracefully ascends above the lush rainforest of Mount Kinabalu National Park in Sabah, Borneo, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This mountain is widely favored by hikers, with over 40,000 attempting to reach its summit annually, although not all succeed. The notable aspect is that anyone can undertake this adventure, as Mount Kinabalu doesn’t demand specialized equipment or mountaineering training.

Gunung Nuang

Location: Bentong District, Pahang While Gunung Nuang in Selangor may not be considered tall according to Malaysian standards, it presents a challenging ascent. A few exceptionally fit hikers manage to reach the summit and descend in a single day, but for the majority, a two-day excursion is more realistic. Along the route, there are shelters and campsites available to facilitate the journey.

Gunung Gayong

Location: Kinta District, Perak, Malaysia Ranked as the nation’s ninth tallest mountain, Gunung Gayong is reached through a multi day trek. Conquering this mountain demands a reasonable level of fitness and prior hiking experience. It is crucial to engage a local guide, as the trail is inadequately marked, sometimes lacking signposts altogether.

Gunung Gagau

Location: Taman Negara Embarking on a hike up Gunung Gagau promises a genuine adventure. While scaling the mountain itself can be accomplished within a day, the journey to its base requires a two-day expedition along a river. This wilderness trek is not only enjoyable but also adventurous, providing a diverse experience that includes river travel, camping, and hiking.

Gunung Jerai

Location: Kuala Muda and Yan Districts, Kedah Although Gunung Jerai may not stand as the tallest among mountains, its prominence is accentuated by the flat rice fields that envelop it. Referred to as ‘Kedah Peak,’ this well-liked mountain, Mount Jerai, is a substantial expanse of forest covered limestone that once served as a significant navigational landmark for spice traders. The summit offers breathtaking views of the sprawling flatlands that surround it.

Gunung Tahan

Location: Taman Negara As the tallest mountain in peninsular Malaysia, Gunung Tahan stands out as an exceptionally challenging ascent. Widely regarded as the most difficult mountain to climb in the entire country, reaching its summit necessitates an extensive trek through the jungle. Spanning over 100 kilometers, the trek cuts across other mountains, traverses rivers, and winds through rainforests. Given its level of difficulty, Gunung Tahan is a mountain best tackled by experienced trekkers and under the guidance of a knowledgeable guide.

Gunung Angsi

Location: Seremban, Negeri Sembilan Ranging from challenging to straightforward, Gunung Angsi caters to a wide range of individuals. Situated in Negeri Sembilan, this mountain is not particularly high, and the roundtrip to the summit can be completed in just a few hours. Due to its proximity to Kuala Lumpur, the mountain attracts a significant number of visitors.

Gunung Ledang

Location: Tangkak District, Johor Situated in its dedicated national park, the renowned Gunung Ledang stands as the highest mountain in Johor, merely a few hours away by car from both Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Its convenient accessibility and stunning natural beauty contribute to its widespread popularity. The trek to the summit presents a 5-hour challenge, ideal for individuals with a reasonable level of fitness.

Gunung Berembun

Location: Dungun District, Terengganu Nestled in the picturesque Cameron Highlands, Gunung Beremdun provides breathtaking views of the nearby tea and vegetable plantations from its summit. The highlands boast more temperate temperatures compared to the typically hot and humid regions of Southeast Asia, making it a desirable destination for adventurous travelers seeking a refreshing retreat. Despite its scenic appeal, the area remains relatively wild, featuring an extensive network of hiking trails.

Gunung Korbu

Location: Kinta District, Perak, Malaysia. As the second highest mountain in peninsular Malaysia, Gunung Korbu’s summit requires a two-to-three-day trek for reach. The ascent involves carrying a backpack and camping at various points along the way. The effort is rewarded with incredibly scenic views from the summit.