Malaysia Crowned Hiking Paradise in Southeast Asia, Beating Indonesia
Southeast Asia’s natural diversity has always attracted travelers from around the world. For outdoor enthusiasts and hiking lovers, the region offers plenty of scenic trails. Indonesia has long been known for its majestic mountains, but a recent study revealed that Malaysia is actually the top hiking destination in Southeast Asia.
Study: Malaysia Dominates the Best Hiking Trails in Southeast Asia
According to Travel+Leisure (August 22, 2025), a study by online tour operator Exoticca.com analyzed data from AllTrails across 11 Southeast Asian countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Timor Leste, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
The evaluation was based on:
- hikers’ ratings,
- trail popularity,
- and the number of positive reviews.
The results showed Malaysia’s dominance, with 9 out of the top 10 hiking trails in Southeast Asia located in the country.
An Exoticca spokesperson stated:
“Malaysia has proven to be extremely popular. The data shows that hikers value trails that combine accessibility with natural beauty.”
Bukit Gasing Circular: The Best Hiking Trail in Southeast Asia
Topping the list is Bukit Gasing Circular in Kuala Lumpur, named the best hiking trail in Southeast Asia. Located in Bukit Gasing Forest Park (between Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya), this trail stretches almost 4 km and can be completed in 1–1.5 hours.
Highlights of the trail include:
- Iconic and challenging stairways,
- A hidden suspension bridge,
- Elevated wooden platforms surrounded by lush greenery.
On AllTrails, Bukit Gasing Circular has an average rating of 4.6 stars from 2,225 reviews, a popularity rate of 99.6%, and an impressive 98.4/100 score.
Other Top Hiking Trails in Malaysia
Besides Bukit Gasing Circular, Malaysia offers many other highly-rated trails:
- Bukit Kiara via Changkat Abang Haji Openg – 4.5 km, score 96.7.
- Twin Peaks–Quill Killer–Rock Garden–Lower Carnival – 2.6 km forest trail, score 95.
- Ketumbar Hill (Cheras, Kuala Lumpur) – 2.25 km, popular morning hike, score 93.9.
- Sri Bintang Hill – 2.25 km, famous for sunrise views.
- Bukit Gasing Fence Trail Loop – an alternative loop in Bukit Gasing.
- Puncak Tiga Puteri via Merbuk (Selangor) – 5.95 km with stunning peak views.
- Gunung Datuk (Negeri Sembilan) – the most challenging trail, difficulty level 5/5.
- Taman Tugu Green–Yellow–White Trails (Kuala Lumpur) – 3.7 km inside a restored urban forest.
The only non-Malaysian trail in the top 10 is Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat in Chiang Mai, Thailand (ranked 5th).
Malaysia: The Ultimate Hiking Destination
Malaysia’s dominance proves it is now the hiking paradise of Southeast Asia. With accessible routes, well-maintained trails, and breathtaking natural scenery, Malaysia is increasingly becoming a global hotspot for travelers seeking unforgettable hiking adventures.
