Mountains in Malaysia - Asia
Malaysia is a country abundant in mountains and rainforests to hike and trek through. Apart from Kinabalu, the jewel of Southeast Asia's peaks, there are great jungle treks and hill climbs throughout that rivals its more volcanic neighbours.
Explore mountains in Malaysia
Mount Tambuyukon
Mount Tambuyukon is the fourth-highest mountain in Malaysia after Mount Kinabalu, Mount Trusmadi and Mount Sinsing. With a height of 2,579 metres (8,461 ft) and challenging terrain, climbing the peak takes longer and is more difficult than summiting Kinabalu.
Bukit Batu Lawi
Bukit Batu Lawi is one of the highest mountains in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. It can be found in Pulong Tau National Park in the Kelabit Highlands, neighbouring Mount Murud.
Bukit Batu Lawi consists of twin sandstone peaks; the taller peak, known as the male peak, with an elevation of 2,046 m (6,713 ft) and the female peak with an elevation of 1,850 (6,070 ft).
Local legend tells the story of a married couple (represented by the two peaks) who were the gods that protected the Kelabit Highlands. They protected it from the fiery Batu Apoi who tried to incinerate everything in existence. They succeeded, however, to this day the male peak bursts into flames spontaneously. Many postulate that this is due to the magnification of the sun by the stark white limestone causing dry vegetation to catch fire on the peak.
Mount Benom (Gunung Benum)
Mount Benom, also spelt Benum, is the tenth-highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia, according to some sources. The trek up this peak takes at least 2 days and one night but is usually done in 3 or 4 days, depending on the route.
Bombalai Hill (Bukit Bombalai)
Bukit Bombalai, or Bombalai Hill is a dormant volcano that can be found on the northeastern side of Borneo Island, Malaysia. The hill is located within Tawau Hills Park (Taman Bukit Tawau) which is teeming with biodiversity. Eight species of primate, six out of the eight species of hornbills found in the Sabah region, and a variety of other birds all find their home in the park. This makes it a great tourist spot for those interested in bird watching and wildlife.
Mount Irau (Gunung Irau)
Mount Irau, also known as Gunung Irau is best known for its fantastical mossy forest. The mountain can be found in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia, on the border between the states of Pahang and Perak. It takes about 3 hours to reach the peak and the return journey takes about 4 hours.
Mount Jerai (Gunung Jerai / Kedah peak)
Found within Gunung Jerai Forest Reserve, Malaysia, Mount Jerai holds a prominent place in the legends and myths of the region. It is believed to be the mythical abode of the spirits and guardian deities, making it a revered site for spiritual pilgrimage and rituals among the local communities.
Mount Jerai’s rich cultural heritage intertwines with its natural beauty, making it not only a destination for outdoor enthusiasts but also a place of deep cultural importance in Malaysian history.
Mount Mulu (Gunung Mulu)
Mount Mulu is the second-highest point in Sarawak, Malaysia, after Mount Murud, the highest point in Sarawak province.
The sandstone mountain is found within Gunung Mulu National Park UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is also home to the Mulu Pinnacles, Deer Cave, the world’s largest cave passage, and Sarawak Chamber, the world’s largest underground chamber.
Mulu Pinnacles (Gunung Mulu National Park)
The Mulu Pinnacles are found in Gunung Mulu National Park World Heritage Site, in northern Borneo, Malaysia. In the park, you’ll find several peaks including Gunung Mulu, Gunung Api, and Gunung Benarat.
These 50 m (164 ft) tall limestone pinnacles resemble alien technology as they jut out of slopes of Gunung Api in jagged points for all to marvel at.
Mount Murud (Gunung Murud)
Mount Murud is a remote sandstone mountain located on the Island of Borneo, Malaysia. A climb to its summit will take you 2 days and to complete the entire hike it will take 3 days. A trek up this mountain allows you to experience some of the last virgin tropical forest in Sarawak and see multiple species of the endangered pitcher plant.
Mount Nuang (Gunung Nuang)
Mount Nuang is a great side quest challenge for hikers visiting Malaysia who want to do a trek close to Kuala Lumpur. The climb up to the summit is difficult and not for beginners. If you want to feel like a real jungle adventurer, but not too far out of your comfort zone (or civilisation), Gunung Nuang is a good option.
Mount Trusmadi (Mount Trus Madi)
Mount Trusmadi is the second-highest mountain in Malaysia and is well known for being home to the critically endangered pitcher plant, which can only be found on its slopes.
A climb up Trusmadi is surprisingly more difficult than a climb up its taller neighbour Mount Kinabalu, due to its steep and less developed trail through the jungle. The different trails up to the summit vary in length but all treat hikers with beautiful scenery.
Mount Tahan
This 100 million-year-old mountain is a part of the Tahan Range in the Tenasserim Hills of Peninsular Malaysia. Mount Tahan is located within the Taman Negara National Park, in the midst of the world’s oldest rainforests. The mountain has much to offer in terms of nature with its exotic wildlife, bountiful rivers, beautiful orchids, and even the world’s largest flower, rafflesias.
Mount Santubong
Mount Santubong is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sarawak, Malaysia. Climbing the mountain is a daytime activity with a moderate level of difficulty. Lying just 35 km (22 miles) from the capital of Sarawak, Kuching City, it is accessible and has additional attractions around it like the Damai Beach and the Sarawak Cultural Village.
Mount Ophir (Gunung Ledang)
Also known as Gunung Ledang in Malaysia, Mount Ophir is a 1,150m (3,770 ft) climb with 4 trail options available. This is one of Malaysia’s most popular hikes. It can be a challenging experience but is still doable within a day.
Mount Lambak (Gunung Lambak)
Mount Lambak is an easy, breezy, beautiful hike in Malaysia. It is unlikely to be a challenge to the seasoned mountaineer, and its natural surroundings are pristine and accessible – a welcome retreat from the big cities nearby.
Bukit Tabur (Bukit Hangus)
Easy to reach, but dangerous to summit. Tread carefully on Bukit Tabur.
Bukit Tabur (Bukit Hangus, as the locals say) is a prominent feature of the city landscape of Kuala Lumpur. Its proximity to Kuala Lumpur makes it a popular destination, but it can be dangerous. It is not a climb for beginners or the unsteady.
Mount Kinabalu
Malaysia’s Mount Kinabalu would be a highlight for anyone’s holiday
There’s no better climb in Southeast Asia for amateur climbers than Mount Kinabalu. It combines a physical challenge with incredible natural beauty and surreal alpine landscapes. It also offers accessibility, safety, and a (relatively) comfortable base camp. The only caution you need to take is to avoid slips and falls on the way down!