Jungle Trekking
A land of spectacular vistas, undulating terrain and ancient rain forest, Malaysia offers unlimited enjoyment for a trekker. The wilds of the country's extensive national parks and wildlife reserves present an opportunity to rediscover the allure of nature.

Jungle trekking can be classified according to the obstacles and terrain a person needs to manouver and the density of the forest, which are: flat terrain, undulating to semi-cultivated terrain, cultivated terrain and also, primary and secondary forests.

This activity offers a rewarding experience as one can personally discover the marvels of nature's diverse ecosystem. If you are lucky, you may happen to cross paths with the inhabitants of the jungle including endangered species, like the Sumatran rhinoceros, Malayan tiger, tapirs and elephants. Various insects and plant species are also found widely in Malaysia's rich ecology. For those new to jungle trekking, the Forest Reserve Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, The Malaysia Agriculture Park at Taman Bukit Cahaya in Shah Alam, Selangor and the Air Keroh Recreational Forest in Malacca are good places to learn the basics of jungle trekking.

Seasoned trekkers can choose more rigorous trekking trails at the national parks and forest reserves. They include Taman Negara in Pahang (one of Asia's finest preserved wild lands), Niah, Mulu and Lambir National Parks in Sarawak, Danum Valley in Sabah and Endau-Rompin in Johor.

The best time to trek in Peninsular Malaysia is during dry season in March to October when rainfall is sparse and does not hinder exploration. The wet season in Sabah and Sarawak is from July to October. Some parks and forest reserves may require permits before allowing trekkers in. Your travel agent is able to advise you on this.
 
 
Sites for Jungle Trekking
Name Location Type  
Kuala Selangor Nature Park Selangor Mangrove forest  
  Templer's Park Selangor Montane forest  
  Ulu Bendol Negeri Sembilan Montane forest  
  Endau Rompin Johor Lowland forest  
  Gunung Ledang Johor Highland forest  
  Cameron Highlands Pahang Highland and montane rainforest  
  Taman Negara Pahang Lowland and hill rainforest  
  Tasik Chini Pahang Freshwater swamp forest  
  Tasek 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 montane forest  
  Kinabalu National Park Sabah Highland and montane forest  
  Kinabatangan Floodplain Sabah Freshwater swamp forest  
  Gunung Emas Sabah Highland rainforest  
  Bako National Park Sarawak Mangrove forest  
  Lambir National Park Sarawak Lowland forest  
  Mulu National Park Sarawak Hill rainforest and limestone pinnacles  
  Niah National Park Sarawak Lowland rainforest  
 
Practical Jungle Trekking Tips
‧ When choosing a trail, be sure that you have enough time to complete the entire route before darkness falls. Do not stray off the path to chase after animals.
‧ Use good judgment on your 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 is not advisable to eat jungle fruits or drink from rivers and streams.
‧ In the highlands try to trek on the ridgetops to save energy traversing the steep slopes and catch a cool breeze.
‧ Be as quiet as possible to avoid scaring any wildlife. Getting an early start during the dawn for the best chance to sight animals seeking food and the warmth of the early morning sun.
‧ Wear thin. Loose 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 rainshowers 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 form the heat of the tropical sun.
 
Contacts
Wildlife and National Parks Department
Address: Km. 10, jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (603) 9075 2872
Fax: (603) 9075 2873
Website: http://www.wildlife.gov.my
Email: pakp@wildlife.gov.my

Malaysia Nature Society
Address: 641, JKR, Jalan Kelantan, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (603) 2287 9422
Fax: (603) 2287 8773
Website: http://www.mns.org.my
Email: natsoc@po.jaring.my

Utan Bara Adventure Team
Address: The Heritage, Unit 284-14-03, Jalan Pahang, 53000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (603) 4022 5124
Fax: (603) 4022 6125

Rimba Trek Sdn. Bhd.
Address: 215, block 14, Jalan 18/3, Section 18, 40000 Shah Alam
Tel: (603) 4515 789
H/p: (6019) 3530 688
Fax: (603) 4515 729
Email: nazizi@pc.jaring.my / rimbatrek@hotmail.com

Asia Overland Services
Address: 39C & 40C, Jalan Mamanda 9, Ampang Point, 68000 Ampang, Selangor
Tel: (603) 452 9100
Fax: (603) 452 9800
Email: aos@aostt.po.my

Sabah Parks
Address: First Floor Lot 1-3, Block K, Sinsuran Complex, P.O Box 10626, 88806, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Tel: (6088) 211881/212508/212719
Fax: (6088) 221001/211585
Website: http://www.sabahparks.org.my

Sarawak Visitor Information Centre
Address: Jalan Masjid, 93400 Kuching
Tel: (6082) 248 088/410 942
Fax: (6082) 256 301

Sarawak Forestry Department
Address: Regional Office, 97000 Bintulu
Tel: 086-331 117
Fax: 086-331 923