From the primordial rainforest of Taman Negara to the wildlife sanctuaries at Danum Valley and the Kinabatangan floodplains, some of Asia's best-preserved environments offer nature lovers a wealth of experience. While amateurs may try Malaysia's many recreational forests near urban centers, seasoned explorers can go to challenging treks up mountains such as Gunung Tahan, the tallest peak in Peninsula Malaysia. For the uninitiated, having a trained local guide is necessary to ensure safety and to learn about the amazing and precious diversity of flora and fauna in the ecosystem. Tropical jungles and rainforests are dense, and the thick vegetation provides camouflage for the jungle denizens. it takes patience and a trained eye to see them.
Swampy mangroves and rainforests are plentiful in Malaysia. There are mangrove belts along most of Peninsula Malaysia's west coast as well as in Sabah and Sarawak. In Kuala Selangor Nature Park, there are boardwalks for safety and convenience of visitors. The most common type of rainforest in Malaysia is dipterocarp rainforest. It's one of nature's most complex ecosystems, a habitat for thousands of plant species, ferns, vines, huge trees, and exotic palms.
Jungle trekking can take an hour or more, with camping, as many days as desired. Amomng the best periods to go trekking in Peninsular Malaysia is in the dry season from March to September when the rainfall is less. In Sabah and Sarawak, the wet season is from July to October.
Sites for Jungle Trekking and Jungle Adventures
• Kuala Selangor Nature Park, Selangor - mangrove forest
• Temple Park, Selangor - mountain forest
• Ulu Bendol, Negeri Sembilan - mountain forest
• Endau Rompin, Johor - lowland rainforest
• Gunung Ledang, Johor - highland rainforest
• Cameron Highlands, Pahang - highland and mountain rainforest
• Taman Negara, Pahang - lowland and hill rainforest
• Tasik Chini, Pahang - freshwater swamp forest
• Tasik Bera, Pahang - freshwater swamp forest
• Genting Highlands, Pahang - highland rainforest
• Fraser's Hill, Pahang - highland rainforest
• Tasik Kenyir, Terengganu - freshwater swamp forest
• Danum Valley, Sabah, highland and mountain forest
• Kinabalu National Park, Sabah - highland and mountain forest
• Kinabatangan Floodplain, Sabah - highland and mountain forest
• Gunung Emas, Sabah - highland rainforest
• Bako National Park, Sarawak - mangrove and mixed forest
• Lambir National Park, Sarawak - lowland rainforest
• Mulu National Park, Sarawak - hill rainforest and limestone pinnacles
• Niah National Park, Sarawak - lowland rainforest
• Find out the trail and surroundings, be sure that you have enough time to complete the entie route before darkness falls. Do not stray off the path to chase after animals.
• Use good judgment regarding the fitness level required for the trek, and know your physical limits.
• Always inform the park officials or let someone know of your plans and destination for the day, especially if going alone.
• Take plenty of water and pack a few easy to eat snacks to keep energy level up. Unless trekking with a local guide, it's not advisable to eat jungle fruit or drink from any water source.
• In the highlands, try to trek on the ridge tops to save energy traversing the steep slopes and to catch a cool breeze.
• Be as quiet as possible to avoid scaring any wildlife. Getting started during dawn provides the best chance to sight animals seeking food.
• Wear thin, loose, and preferably cotton clothing to remain comfortable.
• Cover arms and legs with long trousers and long-sleeved shirts to ward off mosquitoes and to provide protection against thorny plants.
• Wear leech socks or long socks to prevent leeches from finding an entry way.
• Choose sturdy footwear with proper ankle support and good traction.
• Be prepared for sudden rain showers by carrying a poncho that wraps over both body and your carrying pack to keep everything dry.
• A wide brimmed hat helps to shade a trekker the heat of the tropical sun.