Not only does
Malaysia have tropical beaches, it also has many national parks that preserve the rainforests’ flora and fauna. Visiting these parks is an ideal way to enjoy day or weekend trips amidst luscious nature. Check out the most beautiful national parks in the country.
KL Forest Eco Park
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.
8, Jalan Raja Chulan, Bukit Kewangan, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, +60 3 2020 5448
Walkways at the Kuala Lumper Eco Forest Park | © Zuhairi Ahmad/Shutterstock | © Zuhairi Ahmad/Shutterstock
Taman Negara
Taman Negara is a wonderful place for you to enjoy the rainforest’s natural wonders and outdoor activities. Take jungle strolls along the canopy walkway and in the rainforest, learn aboriginal culture at the village, ride along the rapids of Tembeling River, and hop on the boat cruise to admire the riverside’s flora and fauna towards Lata Berkoh and feed the fishes.
Observe the animals from hides and try bird watching. Craving adventure? Explore the caves at Gua Telinaga and Gua Kepayang Besar, climb the mountains at Gunung Tahan, go fishing at Sungai Tembeling and Sungai Keniam, and hike through the trails to explore four waterfalls in Taman Negara.
Pahang, 27000 Kuala Tahan, Pahang, Malaysia, +60 3 2149 9235
Canopy Walkway in Taman Negara | © Wong Yiu Liang/Shutterstock | © Wong Yiu Liang / Shutterstock
Penang National Park
Park
Penang National Park
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.
Pejabat Taman Negara P. Pinang, Jalan Hassan Abbas, Balik Pulau, Pulau Pinang, 11050 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, +60 4 881 3530
One of the many beaches that hug the coast of Penang | © Ilya Sviridenko/Shutterstock
Mulu Caves National Park
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.
Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia, +60 85 792 300
Bat Cave in Borneo | © Christian Reinwald/Shutterstock
Bako National Park
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.
Bako National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia
Rock coastline of Bako National Park | © zaferkizilkaya/Shutterstock | © zaferkizilkaya/Shutterstock
Lambir Hills National Park
Lambir Hills National Park has a compound and diverse rainforest ecosystem, home to 237 different species including birds, deers, insects, wild pigs, flying squirrels, and gibbons. The jungle trails take you to various waterfalls and bathing pools that are located across the rainforest.
Latak Waterfall Trail and Pantu Waterfall Trail take you to the scenic waterfalls. For now, the suspension bridge is closed due to fallen trees caused by heavy winds but visitors can take alternative routes to these. You will discover wild orchids along the challenging Summit Trail and relax at Dinding Waterfall on your way back after a long walk.
Lambir Hills National Park, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia, +60 85 471 609
Multicoloured natural pool of Lambir Hills | © Fabio Lamanna/Shutterstock | © Fabio Lamanna / Shutterstock
Kinabalu Park
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.
Kinabalu Park, Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia
Clouds circling the base of Mount Kinabalu | © Phil MacD Photography/Shutterstock | © Phil MacD Photography / Shutterstock
Kubah National Park
Kubah National Park has a wide range of palm trees and wild orchid species. Consisting of waterfalls, streams, and bathing pools, the rainforest has six trails to walk including the path to Gunung Serapi. Discover various species of palm tree at Palmetum Trail and waterfalls at Waterfall Trail. See breathtaking views of Matang and Santubong peninsula by taking the Selang Trail to the viewpoint.
Learn about wildlife at Matang Wildlife Centre by walking through the Rayu Trail from the main office. Discover huge trees including Bintagor trees, currently analysed for AIDS research, along the way. The Belian Trail takes you to various plants including Borneo’s Belian trees, forest birds, and squirrels.
Kubah National Park, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, +60 82 845 033
Rock pools and waterfalls amidst the dense jungle in Kubah National Park | © Fabio Lamanna/Shutterstock
