Are you a nature lover seeking adventure amidst lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes? Look no further than the national parks of Malaysia.
From hiking through ancient jungles to spotting exotic bird and insect species, our selection of the best national parks in Malaysia is everything you forest lovers need. Get ready to explore hidden waterfalls, swim in natural plunge pools, encounter unique flora and fauna, and capture some stunning photographs.
Also, explore more with our guide on the best private islands near Malaysia and Singapore.
7 best national parks in Malaysia to visit now:
Bako National Park, Sarawak
One of Malaysia’s smallest national parks, the Bako National Park in Sarawak boasts a diverse variety of flora and fauna alongside fascinating geological features, including sea arches and other rock formations along its beaches. Dotted with lush hiking trails and serene brooks and waterfalls, Bako National Park is home to a rich Bornean vegetation. From over 600 varieties of flowers, including the rare carnivorous pitcher plants, to over 250 wildlife species like silver leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques, wild boars and the rare wild proboscis monkeys, Bako National Park is one of the best places in Malaysia for nature lovers.
Nearby attractions: Chingsan Yan Temple, Kuching Waterfront, and Sarawak Cultural Village
Where to stay: Hilton Kuching Hotel and Sheraton Kuching Hotel
How to reach: The Kuching International Airport is about 28 km from Kampung Bako, which is a 20-minute drive away from the national park.
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Crocker Range National Park, Sabah
A haven for avian enthusiasts, Sabah’s Crocker Range National Park is home to a variety of birds including Asian paradise flycatchers, buff-rumped woodpeckers, bulbuls, hornbills, pacific swallows and chestnut munia. Travellers with green fingers can explore the Fern Garden, featuring over 50 species of ferns, or visit the Rafflesia Plot. Photographers can find perfect frames as the rainforest bustles with over 400 species of insects. Apart from admiring the park’s rich biodiversity, adventurers can indulge in water rafting on the Padas River meandering through it.
Also, read our copy on the best islands in Sabah.
Nearby attractions: Sabah Agriculture Park, Yong Farmstay, and Murut Cultural Centre
Where to stay: Beringgis Beach Resort & Spa and Ovai Hidden Paradise Resort
How to reach: Kota Kinabalu International Airport is approximately 90 km away. You can book a cab from the airport or the city centre or take a bus from Merdeka Field to Keningau.
Book your stay at Beringgis Beach Resort & Spa on Booking.com
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Endau-Rompin Peta National Park, Johor
Home to the iconic Mahkota waterfalls and the Gadang Cave, Johor’s Endau-Rompin Peta National Park is one of the best in Malaysia. If luck favours, visitors can spot the extremely rare Malayan tiger, Malayan tapir or Asian elephant. The national park is also home to enchanting waterfalls like Upeh Guling and Buaya Sangkut. For an enriching experience, witness the national park through the eyes of the fascinating Jakun tribe in Kampung Peta. You can also hike to the tranquil Tasik Biru Lake for a refreshing swim amidst nature.
Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Johor Bahru.
Nearby attractions: Rawa Island, Besar Island and Kluang Street
Where to stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru and Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel
How to reach: Johor Bahru Senai International Airport is approximately 180 km away. You can reach the Peta entrance through the town of Kahang.
Also, visit the best restaurants in JB with this guide.
Book your stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru on Booking.com
Book your stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru on Agoda
Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, Sarawak’s Gunung Mulu National Park is home to one of the longest cave systems in the world, alongside the largest natural underground chamber. Teeming with rich biodiversity, this fascinating rainforest dates back 60 million years! Whether it’s the captivating Gunung Mulu pinnacles at the summit or the spectacular limestone formations inside the cave, this national park in Malaysia is a treasure trove of geological wonders. One of the key highlights of Gunung Mulu National Park is the 480-metre Mulu Canopy Walk, a walkway amidst dense forests, about 25 metres above the land.
Nearby attractions: Gunung Mulu World Heritage Area and Moonmilk Cave
Where to stay: Mulu Marriott Resort and Citadines Uplands Kuching
How to reach: The national park is hardly 2 km from the Mulu Airport, which can be reached from Miri, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu via daily flights operated by Maswings.
Book your stay at Mulu Marriott Resort on Booking.com
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Kinabalu National Park, Sabah
Alongside Crocker Range National Park, Sabah also houses the wonderful Kinabalu National Park, located on the foothills of Mount Kinabalu (Akinabalu). A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kinabalu National Park is home to 4,500 species of flora and fauna, including over 300 bird species, 100 mammal species and 110 types of snails. From hiking and trekking to camping and birdwatching, you can take your pick from the numerous activities at one of Malaysia’s oldest national parks. It offers cosy accommodation options too.
Nearby attractions: Desa Cattle Dairy Farm, Kundasang War Memorial, Sabah State Mosque, Sabah State Museum, Poring Hot Spring and Tanjung Aru Beach
Where to stay: Hilton Kota Kinabalu and Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
How to reach: The national park is approximately 95 km from the Kota Kinabalu Airport. You can book a cab from the airport to the park directly.
Book your stay at Hilton Kota Kinabalu on Booking.com
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Penang National Park, Penang
One of the smallest national parks in Malaysia, this natural wonder on an island is home to diverse wildlife, including black giant squirrel, smooth-coated otter, lesser mouse-deer, pangolin, reticulated python and numerous bird species like the white-bellied sea eagle, white-throated kingfisher, white-rumped shama and emerald dove. Explore the two major hiking trails, one leading to Monkey Beach and turtle sanctuary, and the other to Kerachut Beach, boasting a unique lake featuring distinct layers of fresh and seawater.
Nearby attractions: ESCAPE Penang, Eutopia by Penang Butterfly Farm, Kek Lok Si Temple, Tropical Spice Garden, and Teluk Bahang Beach
Where to stay: Shangri-La Rasa Sayang, Penang and Tien Hotel Georgetown
How to reach: Penang International Airport is approximately 36 km from the national park. The park is about 22 km from George Town.
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Taman Negara National Park, Pahang
Probably the best national park in Malaysia, Pahang’s Taman Negara is a treasure trove of natural and geological wonders. The oldest rainforest in the world, Taman Negara National Park is believed to be over 130 million years old. Whether it is walking on the world’s longest canopy walkway, trekking through the verdant rainforest, exploring the aborigine village, or climbing one of the highest mountains in Peninsular Malaysia, there is no dearth of fascinating things to do at Taman Negara National Park. Alternatively, travellers can indulge in caving, fishing, camping, or simply observe the wildlife here.
Nearby attractions: Orang Asli Village, Kelah Sanctuary, Lata Berkoh and Lubuk Simpon
Where to stay: Tekoma Resort Taman Negara and Balai Serama Guesthouse
How to reach: The Sultan Ismail Petra Airport is approximately 170 km from Taman Negara National Park. It is about 226 km from Kuala Lumpur. KL also offers shuttle services to and from the park.
Book your stay at Tekoma Resort Taman Negara on Booking.com
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(Hero and featured image credit: Sabah Tourism Board and @mulumarriott/Instagram)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You can expect a diverse variety of birds, mammals and insects in Malaysian national parks, alongside various types of rare and exotic flowers and trees.
You can carry binoculars while visiting a national park.
Yes, it is advisable to take a guide while exploring national parks in Malaysia for a better understanding of its ecology.
Yes, it is safe to encounter wildlife in the parks if proper precautions are taken and rules are followed.
From trekking and hiking to caving and fishing, you can partake in many activities at Malaysia's national parks.
Yes, some national parks like Kinabalu National Park allow camping inside.
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A journalist, Pyusha has previously worked with media organisations including The New Indian Express and Hindustan Times. A solo traveller by choice, she loves exploring life more than anything else, after food of course. When she isn't gardening, writing, reading, cooking or singing out loud, you can spot her watching films and series, debating with friends or organising things unnecessarily.
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