According to studies, hiking outside in nature improves your mood. While walking burns about 100 calories per mile, hiking easily doubles that figure. Hiking is a great activity with friends, family, children, partners, or strangers. Most people often receive a friendly invitation to go on a walk because it is something that so many people can do.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital, is well-known for several landmarks, including the Petronas Twin Towers (twin skyscrapers with a sky bridge and observation deck), the Petaling Street flea market, and the 400 million-year-old Batu Caves. But did you know that Kuala Lumpur is also known for its natural beauty? Do you still not believe it? Visit these top 10 best hiking spots in Kuala Lumpur 2024 to see them yourself.
Why Is Hiking Good for Introverts?
Hiking allows introverts to partake in a low-pressure, somewhat social activity without feeling bad about avoiding conversation. They can walk alone or with a group. You are alone with nature.
Is Hiking Beneficial To Both Physical And Mental Health?
Some immediate benefits include lower blood pressure and stress levels, increased focus, and improved immune function. In contrast, others may develop over time, such as weight loss and depression reduction.
10 Best Places For Hiking in Kuala Lumpur 2024
1. Ketumbar Hill
Ketumbar Hill (Bukit Ketumbar) is a small hill in the Cheras district of Kuala Lumpur that rises around 300 metres above sea level. The hill is part of the Bukit Apek and Bukit Saga forest reserves. Because of its location, breezes are captured, making the walk more enjoyable. This local hiking trail is widespread, particularly in the early mornings, late afternoons, and weekends. Hikers with a sense of community have set up a ‘Jungle Gym,’ complete with improvised exercise equipment, in a clearing near the top of the hill.
The trail begins at the far end of Jalan 6/95b, a short distance from Ketumbar Heights Condominium. The path begins to climb with steps and then over the usual rough terrain. Although the path is not marked, it is easy to follow. To facilitate the ascent, ropes have been left in place. You’ll arrive at the hilltop in less than 30 minutes, where a sizable shelter has been erected to give hikers a place to rest and refuel.
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Address: Jalan 6/95b, Taman Cheras Utama, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
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Google Review: Here
2. Sri Bintang Hill Trail
Residents of the Sri Bintang Hill area frequently go hiking along the Sri Bintang Hill Trail. The trails are mostly simple and are in a small area. Although there are apparent main routes to the peaks, the area’s numerous split paths also allow you to explore a variety of alternate routes and loops.
Even though the split paths initially seem perplexing, they are mostly connected to the same peaks. A quick study of the area and a compass would be helpful, and you can easily find your desired paths by following their general direction. One can practise orientation and navigation here without losing those skills. There will be visibility of Sri Bintang Hill Peaks 1 and 2.
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Address: Jalan 11/36, Taman Sri Bintang, 52200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
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Google Review: Here
3. Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi
Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi suits city-bound hikers and nature lovers of all abilities and ages. However, given Malaysia’s geography, hot and humid tropical weather, and enviable biodiversity, it makes more sense to be a verdant jungle set in a modern metropolis rather than a landscaped garden. Despite being the less well-known side of this wildly popular hill, it is the larger at 66.15 hectares.
The past of Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi is still shrouded in mystery. Long abandoned buildings from this former rubber estate are hidden within its depths. At the same time, tell-tale scars on tree trunks remind us of the rubber-tapping activities that once took place here and of Kuala Lumpur’s agricultural roots. Hikers and trail runners frequently make their way along the ridgelines that overlook the entrance to Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi and cross into the Selangor side of Bukit Gasing.
Operating Hours: 6:30 am – 7:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Bukit Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
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Google Review: Here
4. Kiara Hill
Kiara Hill is one of the most accessible dense forest areas surrounded by a city. Hikers can return here many times and discover new trails and locations each time. Even on the same trails, you will always come across new blooming plants you have never seen. If lucky, you might see some animals and insects, such as planthopper nymphs.
There are numerous points of interest around here, but providing a guide is challenging because there are so many trails. Among them, you will notice a bamboo eye, also known as a cat eye. Bamboo surrounds it, with a few bunches bending over and creating a tunnel-like opening. You can easily create a two-eye image with the right camera angle, body position, and mirrored effect.
Operating Hours: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Changkat Abang Haji Openg, Bukit Kiara, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
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Google Review: Here
5. Bukit Besi
Bukit Besi is a 300-metre-high hill in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. You can make a loop here or return the same way you came. The walk can be challenging, as there were parts where we had to manoeuvre ourselves using the ropes provided. At the peak, there is a telecommunication tower and numerous views of the KL city skyline along the way.
After the second water tank, you’ll be at the first viewpoint/rest area in about six minutes. The Petronas Twin Towers and the KL Tower can be seen from here. Then, in another six to nine minutes, you’ll arrive at another viewpoint with a different view of the KL city skyline. This area will be more exposed because there will be no trees to provide shade from the hot sun, depending on the time you go.
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Address: 1, Jalan Alam Damai, Alam Damai, 56000 Cheras, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
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Google Review: Here
6. Taman Tugu Hike Trails
Taman Tugu Hike Trail’s mostly flat and well-marked trails are ideal for beginner hiking, including children. Its delightful pocket jungle spans 66 acres. It includes a network of easy trails shaded by a thriving canopy of 5,000 indigenous trees and 1000 species of flora and fauna, including Malaysia’s national tree, the Merbau (Malacca teak).
Taman Tugu’s trails are highly recommended for absolute beginner hikers, people who are curious about the outdoors but have yet to have much contact with it, and outdoor lovers who want to introduce their children to the joys of nature. It has a mix of pathways and dirt trails and is on the wild side, mostly flat with some stairs and gentle inclines. The trails are also clearly marked with short side trails to explore. Trees along the route are labelled and described to provide an educational experience for even the most experienced forest user.
Address: 94-1, Persiaran Sultan Salahuddin, Kuala Lumpur, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
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Google Review: Here
7. KL East Park
As a part of the Bukit Tabur and Klang Gates Quartz Ridge networks, this park is a 53-acre secondary rainforest that is naturally regenerating. The park’s 17 acres can be explored in the first stage, and you can hike the 2-kilometre trail to the viewpoint for a stunning view of Kuala Lumpur’s most recognizable structures.
As you walk through the fascinating hiking trail that loops around the forest, you’ll get to know mother nature and be fascinated by the fascinating geological features scattered throughout. In the forest of KL East Park, you can see some unusual birds, amphibians, reptiles, butterflies, beetles, and other animals.
Operating Hours: 7:00 am – 6:30 pm
Address: East, Lot 201064, Jalan Melati Kuarza 3, 53100 Kuala Lumpur
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Google Review: Here
8. TTDI Park Extended
A hidden gem in KL mainly known to locals, the park and hiking trail at TTDI (Taman Tun Dr Ismail) are excellent for beginners. Kiara Hill and TTDI Park have been connected and expanded. The main trail is mostly paved except for a few easy-to-manage stepping stones.
This 45–60 minute hike will take you through much lush vegetation. You might even see some of the park’s monkeys if you’re lucky. Mountain biking and hiking are options, and there is a great hiking trail for beginners and intermediate hikers. The level of difficulty of your walk is entirely up to you. You can hike from TTDI to Kiara Hill or the other way around.
Address: 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
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Google Review: Here
9. Pulai Trail
The Pulai Trail is a 1 km uphill and downhill loop that can be reached via Jalan Negeri Sembilan or the Free Tree Society (FTS) Bangsar Nursery. There is no risk of getting lost because the trail is well marked by FTS, which has maintained and conserved it since 2018.
The trail, which has an elevation range of 80m to 100m, offers a mix of undulating terrain at the start and pockets of steep slopes towards the middle of the trail before flattening out as it loops back to the trail’s intersection. Aside from reconnecting with nature, the Pulai trail provides a unique view of Bangsar while listening to forest sounds and spotting wildlife.
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Address: Pulai Tree corner, Jalan Negeri Sembilan, Bukit Persekutuan, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
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Google Review: Here
10. Desa Petaling Hiking Trail
The 2-kilometre loop of the Desa Petaling trail is one such gift to the community from a group of dedicated hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. This moderately challenging route takes an average of 31 minutes to complete. Even though this is a popular hiking, running, and walking trail, you can find solitude during quieter times. The trail is open all year and is a lovely place to visit at any time of year.
The trail is a joy to walk. It zigzags along the hill’s northern side and climbs over its crest, a mix of the unexpectedly leafy track, pre-existing concrete footpath, and storm drain. It also serves as a haven for bird and insect life and a few macaques. This route includes cement stairs, which can be slippery and muddy in the rainy season. Some locations have knotted ropes to help you ascend.
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Address: Jalan 5/125, Desa Petaling, 57100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
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Google Review: Here
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Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
