Running out of weekend plans? Tired of crowded shopping malls and café-hopping? We highly recommend going for a hike! Besides being a rewarding exercise, hiking is also a good way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. In this article, we’ve provided a list of hiking trails for beginners and experts alike, so keep on reading to find out where you can visit!
1. Beginner-friendly: Taman Tugu, Kuala Lumpur
Suitable for all age groups, Taman Tugu has not one but THREE beginner-friendly trails! Depending on the preferred fitness level, you can either complete one trail or multiple trails below until you achieved the desired workout intensity is reached:
- Nursery Trail (white): 1km
- Green Trail: 1.5km
- Yellow Trail: 1.6km
Planning a family day or a team-building event? Good news! The site also offers fun and meaningful activities, such as the Nature Education Programme for children and Corporate Tree Planting Programme!
Operating hours: 7am-6.30pm
Location: Taman Tugu, Persiaran Sultan Salahuddin, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.
2. Beginner-friendly: Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Kepong
Nature lovers, rejoice! FRIM does not only offer 30 to 60-minute trails that are beginner-friendly, the trails are also built along different areas of the natural forest, allowing visitors to observe a wide array of plants:
- Keruing Trail (30 mins): features enormous bamboo clumps along a fish pond
- Sebasah Trail (40 mins): showcases the unique wetland ecosystem
- Engkabang Trail (45 mins): a former wetland that features the biodegradation process in natural forests
- Salleh Nature Trail (60 mins): winds along natural forest towards a forest plantation
Operating hours: 7.30am–12pm, 4pm–7pm (Mon-Thurs) & 7am-7pm (Sat-Sun)
Location: Forest Research Institute Malaysia, 52109 Kepong, Selangor.
3. Intermediate level: Rawang Bypass Trail, Rawang
This 3.9km trail offers the best view of the highest highway in Malaysia, which is the Rawang Bypass! The trail can be quite steep for some, especially beginners, but don’t you worry! There are knotted ropes available to aid your climb. While you’re there, don’t forget to explore a wide array of flora and fauna, including birds and bats!
Operating hours: 24/7
Location: 20, Jalan RP 5, Taman Rawang Perdana, 48000 Rawang, Selangor
4. Intermediate level: Ketumbar Hill, Cheras
Tired of indoor gyms? Check out the ‘Jungle Gym‘ on Ketumbar Hill! Located just 20 minutes from the starting point, this ‘Jungle Gym’ offers rudimentary workout equipment for hikers to up their hiking game. After the workout session, complete the remaining trail which takes about 40 minutes—you’ll be greeted by gorgeous city views along the way!
Operating hours: 24/7
Location: Jalan 6/95b, Taman Cheras Utama, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, WPKL
5. Various difficulty levels: Kanching Eco Forest Park, Rawang
Kanching Eco Forest Park has 7 tiers of waterfalls, making it a popular picnic spot with the most waterfalls in Selangor! Besides picnicking, it also makes an ideal hiking spot for families, as the trail offers varying difficulty levels for visitors:
- Levels 1-4: concrete stairways and paths
- Level 5 & 6: well-worn footpath
- Level 7: steep and rocky trail
Operating hours: 8am-6pm
Location: Taman Eko Rimba Kanching Templer’s Park Jungle Waterfall, 1, Rawang, Selangor, Malaysia
Whether you’re hiking for the first time or going on a weekly basis, here’s a helpful checklist to go through before you depart:
- Check the weather: avoid climbing during or after a rainy day.
- Wear appropriate attire: sports bras, hiking shoes, trekking pants
- Bring hiking equipment, if necessary:
- Hiking stick, climbing gloves
- Water, sunscreen, mosquito repellent
Are you planning to hike at any of these locations this weekend? Let us know in the comments below!
