15 Best National Parks in Malaysia:
A Guide to Jungle Trekking & Wildlife
- Written by Roi Alfassi
- Updated October 2025
Malaysia’s natural beauty stretches far beyond its beaches and cities. With lush rainforests, misty mountains, and marine sanctuaries teeming with life, the country is home to some of Southeast Asia’s most diverse and breathtaking national parks. Whether you’re trekking through dense jungle, exploring ancient caves, or snorkeling among coral gardens, Malaysia’s parks invite you to reconnect with nature in unforgettable ways. Here are 15 of the very best — each one offering its own blend of adventure, tranquility, and wonder.
1. Taman Negara National Park (Pahang, Kelantan & Terengganu)
As Malaysia’s oldest and most famous national park, Taman Negara is the ultimate destination for rainforest exploration. Covering over 4,300 square kilometers, this ancient jungle — estimated to be 130 million years old — is one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests. Visitors can trek through dense foliage, cross the famous canopy walkway suspended high above the forest floor, and take a night safari to spot tapirs, civets, and other nocturnal wildlife.
The Tembeling River offers river cruises and boat rides to waterfalls and remote villages of the Orang Asli, Malaysia’s indigenous people. Jungle lodges and eco-resorts within the park provide the perfect base to immerse yourself in the sounds of the forest — birds, cicadas, and the soft rush of flowing rivers.
2. Gunung Mulu National Park (Sarawak)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of the Sarawak jungle in Borneo, Gunung Mulu National Park is a journey into a subterranean geological wonderland. The park is world-famous for its dramatic karst formations and some of the largest and most spectacular cave systems on Earth. The main attraction is the unforgettable Bat Exodus, where millions of bats stream out of Deer Cave at dusk. Visitors can also explore the enormous Sarawak Chamber—the largest known cave chamber in the world—or swim in the pristine river of the Clearwater Cave. For true adventurers, the challenging trek to The Pinnacles rewards climbers with a breathtaking view of razor-sharp limestone spikes piercing the jungle canopy.
3. Kinabalu Park (Sabah)
Home to Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s tallest peak (4,095 m), this UNESCO site offers both thrilling adventure and serene mountain beauty. The park’s unique ecosystem ranges from tropical rainforest to alpine meadows, hosting thousands of plant species, including orchids and the rare Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower.
Trekking up Mount Kinabalu is a life-changing experience, with climbers greeted at the summit by breathtaking sunrise views over Borneo. For those preferring an easier pace, scenic trails wind through botanical gardens, waterfalls, and hot springs at Poring Hot Spring, perfect for soaking tired muscles. The crisp mountain air and cool temperatures make Kinabalu Park a refreshing escape from Malaysia’s tropical heat.
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4. Endau-Rompin National Park (Johor & Pahang)
Endau-Rompin is the second-oldest national park in Malaysia, named after the rivers that flow through it — the Endau and Rompin. This dense rainforest offers rugged trails, crystal-clear rivers, and waterfalls like Buatong and Takah Tinggi, surrounded by pristine jungle.
Visitors can embark on 4WD adventures, jungle treks, or guided tours to spot rare species such as the Malayan tiger, tapir, and exotic birdlife. Indigenous Jakun tribes inhabit the area and offer cultural tours where travelers can learn about traditional forest survival skills. Camping, river swimming, and night walks make Endau-Rompin ideal for those seeking an authentic wilderness experience far from crowds.
5. Bako National Park (Sarawak)
Located near Kuching, Bako National Park is the oldest park in Sarawak and one of Malaysia’s most accessible wildlife havens. Despite its small size, it offers remarkable biodiversity — from mangrove forests and cliffs to sandy beaches. The star residents are the proboscis monkeys, with their distinctive noses and playful behavior, often seen near the trails.
Visitors can explore numerous hiking routes, including the Telok Pandan Kecil Trail, which leads to a spectacular beach framed by sea stacks and cliffs. Birdwatching, photography, and boat rides along the coastline add to the park’s charm. Overnight stays in basic chalets allow for quiet evenings surrounded by the sounds of the jungle and sea.
6. Royal Belum State Park (Perak)
Part of the Belum-Temengor Rainforest Complex, Royal Belum is one of Malaysia’s last true wilderness areas — home to elephants, tigers, tapirs, and even wild Malayan gaur. The park’s dense canopy and mysterious atmosphere make it perfect for nature lovers seeking solitude.
Take a boat cruise on Lake Temengor, trek through the forest to discover Rafflesia blooms, or visit hidden waterfalls and aboriginal villages. Eco-houseboats offer a unique way to experience the park — drifting across the lake surrounded by misty hills. This is one of the few places where you can truly disconnect and witness Malaysia’s untouched natural beauty.
7. Penang National Park (Penang Island)
The smallest national park in Malaysia, Penang National Park packs an incredible variety of ecosystems into a compact space — beaches, mangroves, and rainforests. The scenic Monkey Beach and Kerachut Beach are two of the island’s most famous coastal spots, connected by jungle trails rich in wildlife.
Visitors can take canopy walks, spot flying lemurs, or visit the Meromictic Lake, a rare natural phenomenon where layers of freshwater and seawater do not mix. Boat rides are available for those who prefer not to hike. The park combines tropical adventure with the easy accessibility of nearby George Town, making it perfect for a short nature escape.
8. Crocker Range National Park (Sabah)
Stretching across the mountains of western Sabah, Crocker Range Park is a vast highland rainforest that provides water catchment for much of the region. It’s a paradise for hikers and nature photographers, with misty trails, waterfalls, and rare orchids.
Visitors can trek to Mahua Waterfall, camp at Rafflesia Information Center, or explore the Inobong Substation trails. The park is home to hornbills, clouded leopards, and countless endemic plants. Less crowded than Kinabalu, Crocker Range offers serenity and authentic connection with Borneo’s mountain wilderness.
9. Niah National Park (Sarawak)
Famous for its Niah Caves, this park holds immense historical and archaeological significance. Human remains dating back 40,000 years were discovered here — making it one of Southeast Asia’s oldest sites of human habitation.
Visitors can explore vast caverns filled with bats, swiftlets, and ancient rock paintings. The Great Cave and Painted Cave are must-sees. Wooden walkways through the forest lead to the cave entrances, passing through lush greenery. Guided tours reveal the park’s fascinating mix of prehistory, geology, and natural beauty.
10. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (Sabah)
Just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu lies Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, a cluster of five islands surrounded by turquoise waters and coral reefs. Popular with snorkelers and divers, the park offers some of Sabah’s best marine life viewing.
Spend the day hopping between Manukan, Sapi, Mamutik, Gaya, and Sulug Islands — each offering sandy beaches and vibrant underwater scenes. Activities include parasailing, kayaking, and scuba diving. With crystal-clear visibility, it’s ideal for both beginners and experienced divers.
11. Lambir Hills National Park (Sarawak)
Known for its waterfalls and easy-to-moderate hiking trails, Lambir Hills is perfect for travelers seeking a day of nature and relaxation. The park’s dense rainforest shelters over 200 bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Visitors can trek to Latak Waterfall for a refreshing swim or explore deeper trails leading to panoramic viewpoints. The park is small but rich in biodiversity, offering an easy escape from nearby Miri city.
12. Sipadan Island Park (Sabah)
Sipadan is legendary among divers — one of the top dive destinations in the world. Rising 600 meters from the seabed, this volcanic island is surrounded by coral reefs that host sea turtles, reef sharks, barracudas, and thousands of fish species.
Diving here is strictly limited to protect its fragile ecosystem, but those who secure a permit are rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Non-divers can visit nearby islands like Mabul or Kapalai, which also offer beautiful beaches and snorkeling opportunities.
13. Danum Valley Conservation Area (Sabah)
A pristine rainforest untouched by logging, Danum Valley is one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth. It’s a haven for wildlife — including orangutans, pygmy elephants, and clouded leopards.
Visitors can stay at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, take guided canopy walks, and explore jungle trails with expert naturalists. Night safaris offer the chance to see nocturnal animals and glowing fungi. Danum Valley is remote, wild, and utterly unforgettable.
14. Tanjung Datu National Park (Sarawak)
Located on the western tip of Sarawak, Tanjung Datu is one of the smallest but most beautiful parks in Malaysia. It features unspoiled beaches, coral reefs, and coastal rainforest.
Visitors can camp by the beach, trek through the forest to see hornbills and monkeys, or snorkel among colorful fish. The park’s remote location ensures a peaceful, off-the-grid experience surrounded by raw natural beauty.
15. Tun Sakaran Marine Park (Sabah)
Also known as the Semporna Islands Park, Tun Sakaran is a marine paradise of eight islands and crystal lagoons. The most famous is Bohey Dulang Island, known for its viewpoint overlooking a turquoise bay shaped like a heart.
Activities include snorkeling, diving, and hiking to the viewpoint. Coral gardens, sea turtles, and schools of tropical fish fill the waters, while local Bajau Laut communities — known as “sea gypsies” — live nearby in stilted villages, offering a glimpse into their fascinating maritime lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
From soaring mountains to coral kingdoms beneath the sea, Malaysia’s national parks showcase the country’s incredible diversity. Whether you crave adventure or serenity, these 15 parks invite you to explore, breathe, and rediscover the natural beauty that makes Malaysia truly unforgettable.
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