If you’re dreaming of a Southeast Asian escape that’s equal parts nature and serenity, you might want to lace up your sneakers and head to Malaysia.
A brand-new study by Exoticca.com just revealed the top hiking trails across the region — and Malaysia completely dominated the list.
We’re talking 9 out of the top 10 trails, including the coveted number one spot: Bukit Gasing Circular, a leafy, scenic loop just outside Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia is the hiking capital of Southeast Asia — here’s why
According to a new study by tour company Exoticca, Malaysia’s trails aren’t just popular — they’re loved. The researchers analyzed thousands of reviews, ratings, and trail stats across 11 countries using data from AllTrails, ranking each hike out of 100.
Bukit Gasing Circular came out on top with an almost-perfect 98.39, thanks to its:
- 3.8 km loop
- 4.6-star average rating from over 2,200 hikers
- Urban forest reserve vibes, just minutes from KL city life
- 99.58% popularity score (!)
It’s the perfect mix of peaceful and accessible — ideal for both locals and tourists who want a break from the buzz.
Top 5 hiking trails in Southeast Asia (spoiler: Malaysia owns the list)
- Bukit Gasing Circular – Malaysia – 98.39
- Bukit Kiara via Changkat Abang Haji Openg – Malaysia – 96.73
- Twin Peaks – Quill Killer – Rock Garden – Lower Carnival – Malaysia – 95.06
- Ketumbar Hill – Malaysia – 93.88
- Wat Pha Lat (Monk’s Trail) to Doi Suthep – Thailand – 93.24
Thailand breaks Malaysia’s winning streak in fifth place with Monk’s Trail in Chiang Mai — a 7.2 km spiritual hike that leads to a jungle-hidden Buddhist temple.
But Malaysia quickly reclaims the spotlight with Sri Bintang Hill, Tiga Puteri Peak, and Mount Datuk, each offering postcard-worthy views and thousands of glowing reviews.
Why Malaysia’s trails stand out
Most of the highest-ranked trails:
- Are under 5 km (perfect for casual hikers and photo ops)
- Score over 4.6 stars from thousands of hikers
- Offer a mix of nature, urban forest, and tropical greenery
In other words — they’re not just pretty, they’re accessible.
And the lowest-ranked trails? Still pretty great, TBH
Even at the bottom of the list, the vibes are still strong. Robina Eco Park in Malaysia placed last with a score of 56.27, but still earned a 4.4-star rating. Most of the “lowest-rated” trails, including ones in Brunei and Sabah, still got love from reviewers — they just had fewer people hiking and reviewing them overall.
Here’s the full top 10 trail list:
| Rank | Trail | Country | Length | Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bukit Gasing Circular | Malaysia | 3.86 km | 4.6★ | 98.39 |
| 2 | Bukit Kiara | Malaysia | 4.51 km | 4.5★ | 96.73 |
| 3 | Twin Peaks + Rock Garden | Malaysia | 4.67 km | 4.6★ | 95.06 |
| 4 | Ketumbar Hill | Malaysia | 2.25 km | 4.6★ | 93.88 |
| 5 | Monk’s Trail, Chiang Mai | Thailand | 7.24 km | 4.6★ | 93.24 |
| 6 | Sri Bintang Hill | Malaysia | 2.25 km | 4.6★ | 92.07 |
| 7 | Fence Trail Loop | Malaysia | 3.54 km | 4.6★ | 89.43 |
| 8 | Tiga Puteri Peak | Malaysia | 5.95 km | 4.7★ | 88.53 |
| 9 | Mount Datuk | Malaysia | 4.51 km | 4.7★ | 87.99 |
| 10 | Taman Tugu Trails | Malaysia | 3.7 km | 4.7★ | 86.02 |
A final word for nature lovers:
Whether you’re into lush city-side escapes like Bukit Gasing or spiritual jungle hikes like Monk’s Trail, this list is a great starting point for planning your next wellness getaway.
According to Exoticca, “Many of the top-rated trails are moderate in difficulty and under 5 km in length, making them achievable for travelers with various fitness levels.”
So if you’ve been manifesting a peaceful reset, a fitness glow-up, or just want to wander somewhere new — Southeast Asia’s got your back.
Want more travel inspo, city guides, and healing vibes? Bookmark LoveTravelBeauty and let’s plan your next adventure together.
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