The Most Thrilling Adventure Activities in Kuala Lumpur

This one is for the ultimate thrill seekers. From the top of the Kuala Lumpur Tower’s dome at 335m (1,100ft), you can feel the rush of urban air far more than at ground level. The only catch is that you need to have BASE jumping experience already in order to qualify. If you have the notches in your belt, see the city in a way not many have, and plunge from its tallest tower via parachute. For those who don’t make the cut, there’s also the chance to indulge in a lavish meal at the restaurant at the top instead.

At first, hiking this hill may not seem challenging enough, but it is a great place to watch the sunrise. Located in the developing town of Semenyih, an hour’s drive away from Kuala Lumpur, this humble hill has a terrain quite different from most. Where the majority has trees, this large knoll has grass at 400m (1,300ft) above sea level, giving it the advantage of having one of the most beautiful views a hill has to offer. The height of this climb is generally accessible to most, however, should you need a challenge, its fourth peak is the starting point for a more challenging trek up Gunung Tok Wan.

Unlike the previously mentioned hike, these trails are definitely for the more experienced, and the more daring. These mountain ranges are a 20-minute drive away from Kuala Lumpur and part of the natural Klang Gate, overlooking the dam and KL’s scenic skyline. The hikes could take anywhere between an average of five hours to two and a half hours for a fit person. These ridges that rise 1,000m (3,300ft) above sea level are also a world-class geological site due to its quartz deposits, and are definitely not to be missed. Because of its rather intense nature, the entire ridge is interestingly dubbed Dragon’s Back. A permit is needed to access these mountains, so book in advance. The west ridge is a longer hike, but easier, while the east is less travelled, requiring some stamina and nerve to trek through.

Contact Aquaria KLCC for a very special activity involving arguably the best – and certainly the scariest – creatures of the ocean. A scuba dip in their 2,500,000-litre (660,000-gallon) oceanarium tank is sure to be an experience completely different from normal diving, as this underwater experience plunges you right into a curated reef, providing access to all the usually elusive wildlife in the ocean. As this activity is only for certified divers, it might narrow the window of opportunity, but fear not! A separate package called Cage Rage is available for those who have yet to get a proper diving licence.

Not all adventures have to be action-packed. Spend a gloriously tranquil morning above the beautiful architecture of Putrajaya and its lake with the friendly crew of My Balloon Adventure, led by the only two female balloon pilots of Malaysia, Izzati and Atiqah Khairudin. Complete with a fun breakfast and a sunrise goal, starting your day leisurely floating off into the sky.

If rushing waters and getting barrelled around in a raft is your idea of a fantastic time, then head out to the old mining town of Kuala Kubu Bharu. A seven-kilometre (4mi) stretch of river and rapids in the beautiful jungle reserves of Selangor await you after the one-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. Fortunately, unlike most other outdoor activities, you won’t need to worry about rain as you are definitely going to get wet anyway. This itinerary will take up an entire day, camping at Kutu Hill and hiking to Chiling Waterfalls, which is near the river. You’ll get a chance to interact with the indigenous Temiar people, who guide the nature-based activities of the area, or head to the town should you want a touch of familiar comforts.

Apart from trekking up 272 steep divine steps towards the temple caves, the mountain that houses the sacred Hindu place of worship also offers other fun activities. Besides amateur spelunking in the Dark Caves to the left of the staircase, the back of this limestone monolith is also popular with rock climbers of all ages. Spend half a day doing some fun basic climbing, or head higher for those with more experience.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.