The Most Beautiful National Parks to Visit in Malaysia

Formerly known as the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, it is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, where it welcomes you to the wonderful natural habitat in the concrete city. You can see the KL Tower from afar as you walk the park. The oldest protected jungle (covering 9.37 hectares) allows you to walk along the short trails from either Jalan Ampang or Jalan Raja Chulan. Explore the canopy walk within the lush greeneries as you view the KL Tower. Visitors are required to purchase tickets at the head office near Raja Chulan or KL Tower.

Penang National Park is the smallest and newest national park in Malaysia, where visitors can admire the majestic trees and wildlife in the rainforest. The hiking trails in Penang National Park are connected to various beaches including Monkey Beach, Teluk Kampi, and Kerachut Beach, so you can relax and enjoy scenic views after some long walks. Take the right trail and it will lead to Teluk Aling, Monkey Beach and Muka Head Lighthouse Trail. Take the left trail that leads you to Pantai Kerachut and Meromictic Lake Trail.

Surrounded by Borneo’s rainforest, Mulu Caves National Park consists of broad range of caves for visitors to explore. Led by World Heritage guides, venture through the caves including Deer Cave and Clearwater Cave to gain a better understanding about their ecological formation. Although it is physically challenging to explore through trekking and climbing in the caves, you will feel relieved a fter being amazed by the caves’ natural beauty. To cool down, have a swim at the Paku Waterfall or take a Long Imam Ba’Desai Waterfall tour that goes from Melinau River to Long Imam. Follow this by learning the Penan community’s daily life at their settlement.

Bako National Park is the oldest national park in Sarawak (established in 1957) that introduces its forests and wildlife. To get there, take a 30-minute boat ride from the Bako Village. There are many jungle trails and treks to explore and discover Borneo’s species and vegetation of ecosystems. The national park is a home to various species including long-tailed macaques, silvered leaf-monkeys, plantain squirrels, wild boar, mouse deer, lizards, Borneon bearded pig, otters, and many more. After walking through some trails, you will see some rocky pools and small beaches that connect to the rainforest.

At Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site, Kinabalu Park, climbing Mount Kinabalu is not the only activity to do. There are plenty of ways for you to explore Borneo’s natural rainforest habitat. There are over 5,000 species of plants and more than 400 species of birds and mammals in the national park. Admire the rainforest’s scenic views and have the opportunity to take a photo with the Mount Kinabalu located in the distance. Discover diverse species and vegetation including Rafflesia, the world’s biggest and smelliest flower. Stop by the villages to learn Dusun people’s rich culture and history.