10 Scenic Parks In Malaysia For Nature, Wildlife & Adventure

Parks in Malaysia offer an incredible mix of pristine rainforests, unique wildlife, and stunning beaches. Home to some of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests, these parks boast rare plants, vibrant coral reefs, and peaceful turquoise waters. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, wildlife spotting, or simply relaxing by the sea. Whether exploring dense jungles or marine sanctuaries, these parks provide refreshing outdoor adventures and unforgettable natural beauty. Perfect for nature lovers, Malaysia’s parks invite you to connect with the environment and experience tranquility like nowhere else.

Table of Contents

10 Best Parks In Malaysia

Read about ten of the most well-known and beautiful parks in Malaysia. Each is special, and each highlights a unique aspect of nature.

1. Taman Negara National Park

A person walking on the canopy walkway of Taman Negara National Park, one the top parks in Malaysia.

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

Taman Negara National Park holds one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests. It has numerous dense jungle trails to walk through and discover strange and unique plants. The Canopy Walkway allows you to view the rainforest from the top and clearly see large sections of the forest’s tree tops. You can also take a riverboat ride to Lata Berkoh Waterfall. There, you can enjoy floating in still pools surrounded by large boulders. Wildlife in the park includes Malayan tapirs and hornbills, and even rare sightings of tigers.

Location: Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM
Nearby Attractions: Canopy Walkway, Lata Berkoh Waterfall

Suggested Read: Bako National Park

2. Gunung Mulu National Park

Sharp limestone pinnacles in the Gunung Mulu National Park are surrounded by greenery and mist.

Photo: Nur Nafis Naim / Wikimedia Commons

Gunung Mulu National Park is known for its huge limestone caves and dramatic karst formations. The Deer Cave is one of the largest in the world, and it is truly a sight to behold when thousands of bats emerge shortly after sunset. The Clearwater Cave features clear underground streams, and you can take a boat ride along the river to its entrance. Adventurers can hike to the Pinnacles, a series of sharp limestone spires jutting decisively from above the forest canopy.

Location: Sarawak, Borneo
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Nearby Attractions: Deer Cave, Clearwater Cave, Pinnacles

3. Kinabalu Park

Kinabalu National Park with Mount Kinabalu at a distance under sunlight and clear skies, one of the best parks in Malaysia.

Photo: Nelynnnnn / Wikimedia Commons

Kinabalu Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia. The park has lots of hiking options, ranging from short nature-oriented walks to high climbs up the mountain. Along the way, you have the chance of seeing orchids, pitcher plants, and many types of birds. If you want to see some of the rare plants without a long hike, you can check out the Botanical Garden within the park. If you are not climbing the mountain, you can still experience the lower forest trails and enjoy the cool mountain air.

Location: Sabah, Borneo
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
Nearby Attractions: Mount Kinabalu, Poring Hot Springs

Suggested Read: Gunung Mulu National Park

4. Endau-Rompin National Park

Buaya Sangkut waterfall flows through a lush forest at Endau-Rompin National Park.

Photo: Samuel Ferrara / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Endau-Rompin National Park is one of the oldest rainforests in Malaysia and is abundant with rare flora and fauna. The national park contains dense jungle trails through which you can hike to waterfalls, such as Buaya Sangkut waterfall and Takah Pandan waterfall, where you can see smooth and jagged fan palms, Rafflesia flowers, and many species of birds and insects as you travel along the paths. You can canoe and fish on the rivers in the national park, or take a guided boat ride into the national park interior.

Location: Johor and Pahang
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
Nearby Attractions: Buaya Sangkut Waterfall, Orang Asli villages

5. Penang National Park

Seashore with sea waves during daytime at Monkey Beach in Penang National Park, showcasing the natural beauty of parks in Malaysia.

Photo: Life Of Pix / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Penang National Park features rainforest, mangroves, and beaches all in one place. There are trails to explore in thick rainforests that open up into stunning coastal views with beaches such as Monkey Beach and Kerachut Beach. In some cases, you can also take a boat ride to these beaches for a shorter route. Kerachut Beach is important for turtles that come to lay their eggs. You may find turtles at the beach if visiting during the turtles’ nesting period. The mangrove area has a unique array of plants and also provides a chance to spot crabs, mudskippers, and birds.

Location: Teluk Bahang, Penang Island
Timings: 8 AM – 4:30 PM
Nearby Attractions: Monkey Beach, Kerachut Beach, Penang Butterfly Farm

Suggested Read: Penang National Park

6. Bako National Park

Beach of Bako National Park with a big rocky structure and low waves hitting the sandy shores.

Photo: Borneo mobilegrapher / Wikimedia Commons

Bako National Park is the first national park in Sarawak and is exceptional, with its interesting coastal cliffs and wildlife. You can find mangroves, rainforest, and beaches, all with established trails connecting them. There are proboscis monkeys, silvered leaf monkeys, and bearded pigs that run about the whole park. Some of the trails will take you to hidden bays and amazing sandstone formed by wind and waves. Telok Pandan Kecil is scenic, with a headland overlooking a curved beach. There are hornbills and kingfishers in the park for those who enjoy some bird watching.

Location: Kuching, Sarawak
Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM
Nearby Attractions: Telok Pandan Kecil Beach, wildlife spotting trails

7. Lambir Hills National Park

Canopy walkway surrounded by the greenery of Lambir Hills National Park, one of the beautiful parks in Malaysia.

Photo: Nicolai Edgar Andersen / Wikimedia Commons

Lambir Hills National Park is well-known for its tall trees, colourful birds and refreshing waterfalls. The Latak Waterfall is the most visited site in the park and you can even swim in the waterfall’s pool after a short trek. The park has many trails ranging from easy walks to steep climbs that lead to higher viewpoints. Along these trails, you will be able to see butterflies, wild orchids, and many very rare plants which only grow in the region. For birdwatchers, you can find hornbills, broadbills, and woodpeckers, especially in the early morning.

Location: Miri, Sarawak
Timings: 8 AM – 2 PM
Nearby Attractions: Latak Waterfall, sandstone hills

Suggested Read: Taman Negara National Park

8. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

Boats docked and people were swimming in the bright water of Sapi Island in the marine park.

Photo: Mx. Granger / Wikimedia Commons

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park consists of 5 islands, all encircled by coral reefs and aqua blue waters. The islands you can visit are Manukan, Sapi, Gaya, Mamutik, and Sulug, and all have their own beaches and activities. If you want to view brightly colored tropical fish, turtles, and lots of coral, the best way to do this is through some snorkelling or scuba diving. There are boat rides which connect the islands, and you can visit them all in a day’s hopping trip.

Location: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
Nearby Attractions: Sapi Island, Manukan Island, Mamutik Island

9. Kubah National Park

Waterfall flowing through lush greenery at Kubah National Park, one of the popular parks in Malaysia.

Photo: KelvinToh / Wikimedia Commons

Kubah National Park is known for its rainforest scenery, waterfalls, and a large variety of frogs. The park has good maps and trails through forests of giant trees and ferns. There are many orchids, pitcher plants, turtles, and birds along the way. One of the highlights is the Waterfall Trail, which leads you up to a tall cascade of water and an ideal place to sit for a while. The park is also popular for night walks, which take you to the Frog Pond, where you can see different types of frogs, including some very tiny and bright ones.

Location: Matang, Kuching, Sarawak
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM
Nearby Attractions: Matang Wildlife Centre, waterfall trails

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Malaysia

10. Perlis State Park

Grey concrete pathway beside blooming pink flowers during the daytime at Perlis State Park.

Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Perlis State Park is characterised by limestone hills, extensive caves, and distinctive plant life found in this region of northern Peninsular Malaysia. There are pathways to run/walk beneath thick forest cover while going to the famous Wang Burma Cave, which offers multiple chambers and unusual rock formations. As you traverse the cave, you can encounter elliptical limestone caves and vertical drops that lead to stalactites and stalagmites, with some active stream flows via underground rivers. The forests consist of interesting animals to encounter in the wild, such as serows, hornbills, and smaller mammals found in the hills.

Location: Perlis, near the Thai border
Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
Nearby Attractions: Wang Burma Cave, limestone hills

Visiting parks in Malaysia will expose you to everything from ancient rainforests to limestone caves, and from coral islands to city forests. You could trek through forests to a waterfall, watch turtles nesting, explore deep caves, or just trudge along forest trails and chill at the water’s edge. These places show the natural beauty of Malaysia in different cities and cultures. The experiences will stay with you, and the memories linger long after you leave. Book your Malaysia adventure with TripXL today and combine nature, discovery, and relaxation into your trip.

Cover Photo: Costa Karabelas / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Is camping allowed in parks in Malaysia?

Yes, parks like Taman Negara, Endau-Rompin, and Kinabalu allow camping. These campsites are managed and possess basic facilities, and some parks even offer guided night activities. It is always preferable to book in advance, especially during dry months.

What are the best activities to do in Malaysia’s marine parks?

Marine parks like Tunku Abdul Rahman are the best for snorkelling, diving, kayaking, and hopping islands. You can swim with colourful reefs, join scuba tours, or simply relax on the sandy beaches.

What are some great parks in Malaysia for wildlife photography?

You may want to look into Bako National Park for the proboscis monkeys, Taman Negara for rare mammals, and Kubah National Park for frogs and orchids. All these places are teeming with subjects to photograph and are excellent locations to capture the amazing biodiversity in Malaysia.

Are there guided tours available inside Malaysian national parks?

Yes, most major parks offer guided tours for jungle trekking, night walks, wildlife watching, or even cave exploration. These guides are knowledgeable and help you make the most of the experience safely.

Are there accommodations available inside or near national parks in Malaysia?

Yes, many parks like Taman Negara, Kinabalu Park, and Gunung Mulu offer lodges, chalets, or eco-resorts either inside the park or nearby. These range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range forest retreats.

10 Scenic Parks In Malaysia Offering Nature Trails, Wildlife, Adventure Activities, Relaxing Spots & Green Escapes