Jungle Trekking In Malaysia For An Exhilarating Experience With Nature

Jungle trekking for a peace of mind
By: Cherelle Lim
October 15, 2023

Jungle trekking is an adventure for all ages. Whether you are a novice or professional, this is an activity everyone can enjoy. Not only will you get the chance to build up your stamina, you’ll also get to reconnect with nature. With plenty of jungle treks in Malaysia, explore all the different jungles and find the beauty in nature. Besides that, jungle trekking is also great for relieving stress and finding peace. Be engulfed by the sound of nature and check out these best places for jungle trekking by Glitz

Best Places for Jungle Trekking

1. Taman Eko Rimba KL

One recognisable spot for jungle trekking in Malaysia is Taman Eko Rimba KL. Moreover, it is also the only tropical rainforest in the city as well. Numerous species may be found in this forest reserve, including giant bamboo grasses, ferns, climbers and rare herbs. Large tropical tree species like keruing, pulai, chengal and meranti can also be found while jungle trekking here. The Long-tailed Macaque and the Silvered Langur are two native monkey species you may bump into while jungle trekking at Taman Eko Rimba KL. There are also squirrels, birds, and snakes in the area. Because parts of the slopes along the woodland pathways are rather steep, visitors are advised to be cautious. If you’re planning on jungle trekking here, it’s best to dress comfortably. Preferably in athletic attire like running or hiking shoes, to prepare for any challenges you may face. 

Address:Lot 240, Jalan Raja Chulan, Bukit Kewangan, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours:Daily: 8am – 3pm
Entry fee: Adult: RM12 | Children: RM4

2. Kota Damansara Community Forest Reserve

Established in 2011, the Kota Damansara Community Forest Reserve came about to speak to concerned residents and organisations fighting to preserve the forest. Today, it is one of the best spots for jungle trekking in Malaysia as well! The trails here are well-maintained and have clear signposts at every turn. Thus, you won’t get lost while trekking through this forest. Besides that, the woodland trails are also set up in a series of stacking loops. Therefore, you can also cater to your fitness level as well as your free time. Whether it’s jungle trekking, running, hiking or mountain biking. 

Address:Jalan Merbah 10/1, Seksyen 10 Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours:Mon-Fri: 7.30am –3pm | Sat-Sun: 7am – 3pm
Entry fee: Adult: RM2 | Children: RM1 (kids below 12)

3. Hutan Pendidikan Bukit Gasing

Hutan Pendidikan Bukit Gasing is yet another great location for jungle trekking in Malaysia. Situated right between Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur, this patch of 100-hectare land used to be a  rubber plantation. Today, the park is a gorgeous nature paradise blooming with wildflowers and towering trees. There are plenty of picnic and camping spots within the forest. Besides going for a jungle trek, you can also come across a Hindu temple, an abandoned bungalow, a suspension bridge, streams and the devil’s stairway. A promising adventure that everyone can enjoy! Weekend mornings are usually when hikers and locals swamp into Bukit Gasing for a recharge after an exhausting week. 

Address:Bukit Gasing, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours:24 hours daily
Entry fee: Free of Charge 

4. Gunung Datuk Recreational Forest

Don’t think that just because it’s called Gunung Datuk Recreational Forest, you can call it your grandfather’s mountain. Located out of KL, this jungle trekking spot is situated in the Rembau district of Negeri Sembilan. Sitting at 884 metres high, you’ll get a good workout getting to the top of this mountain. But, the view is definitely worth it as it offers a 360-degree view of the Straits of Malacca. For a fairly fit person, one-and-a-half hours is probably enough for you to reach the summit. Scattered with huge rocks, it definitely gets your adrenaline pumping. Some hikers even start as early as before dawn to avoid crowds and catch a gorgeous sunrise grace the lands. 

Address:71350 Kota, Negeri Sembilan
Operating hours:Mon-Sun: 8am – 4pm
Entry fee: Adult & Children: RM5

5. Ketumbar Hill

Ketumbar Hill is a popular hangout for locals, particularly in the morning. At the end of Jalan 6/95B is the road that leads to Bukit Ketumbar, which is home to the magnificent Ketumbar Hill KL viewpoint. Along this path, there are both monkeys and wild boars staking their territories. The route through Ketumbar Hill is the most straightforward one. It is difficult to get lost while jungle trekking because there is only one entrance to this loop route. Following that, there are pathways that split off and a set of stairs. The left path is about 20 minutes shorter, but it features a continuous uphill slope. This route remains the quickest route to the summit. The right path takes about 40 minutes to an hour. It features streams and a level terrain with ups and downs. Although it takes longer, it reveals a lookout with a spectacular view of the KL skyline at the end. 

Address:Jalan 6/95b, Taman Cheras Utama, 56100 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours:Daily 24 hours
Entry fee: Free of Charge 

6. Hutan Lipur Ulu Bendul

jungle trekking
Image credits – Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Selangor

Go jungle trekking in one of the oldest jungles on Earth at Hutan Lipur Ulu Bendul. The infamous Ulu Bendul forest is one of the most beloved places in Malaysia for jungle trekking. Moreover, it is situated close to Port Dickson and is a well-known weekend getaway spot for locals. The estimated 130 million-year-old Ulu Bendul Jungle offers visitors a range of experiences, including camping, swimming, and hiking through the jungle. Besides that, there are also two routes you may use to trek up Angsi Mountain, Ulu Bendul or Putus Hill. Although many people consider the Putus Hill track to be an easier alternative, A more challenging route would be Angsi Mountain. So if you’re up for a challenge, hike up Angsi Mountain and enjoy the lush forest, huge centipedes, and spiders crawling around.

Address:71500 Tanjung Ipoh, Negeri Sembilan
Operating hours:Mon-Sun: 7am – 7pm
Entry fee: Free of Charge

7. Hutan Simpan Ayer Hitam

jungle trekking

Another great location for jungle trekking is Hutan Simpan Ayer Hitam. With a variety of trails to choose from, hikers with varying degrees of skill can enjoy it. It is a beautiful place for nature enthusiasts to explore as it is home to a diversity of flora and fauna. The forest reserve’s waterfalls are a must-see for anybody passing through the region. To avoid fines, visitors are urged to keep to the approved routes. While certain areas of the reserve are off-limits and need permission, most routes are clearly signposted and easy to use. Be sure to wear proper footwear since you may pass by streams while on the paths. Hutan Simpan Ayer Hitam is a great place to go if you want to spend some time in nature and escape the bustle of the city.

Address:Taman Wawasan, 47100 Puchong, Selangor
Operating hours:Daily 24 hours
Entry fee: Free of Charge

8. Taman Rimba Templer

jungle trekking
Image credits – Visit Selangor

Taman Rimba Templer used to be one of the most popular locations for picnics in Selangor. Of course with Ulu Yam and Sungai Congkak popping up, it has since taken a back seat. But, this just means that there’ll be fewer people around if you ever plan to have a picnic here! Nevertheless, Taman Rimba Templer can still get quite packed during the weekends. People love the shaded surroundings. Besides that, the streams have clean and cool waters perfect for a nice swim. For those with an adventurous heart, jungle trekking is something you’ll love exploring. The million-year-old limestone hill Bukit Takun is also close to Taman Rimba Templer and offers a gorgeous view you don’t want to miss. 

Address:48200 Rawang, Selangor
Operating hours:Daily 24 hours
Entry fee: Free of Charge