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According to research by online tour operator Exoticca, Malaysia offers some of the region’s most accessible and scenic hiking experiences. The study analyzed AllTrails data across 11 Asian countries, including Brunei, Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia, and scored routes based on hiker ratings, popularity and the volume of positive reviews.

“Malaysia proves particularly popular,” an Exoticca spokesperson told Travel + Leisure. “The data shows that hikers value trails that combine accessibility with natural beauty.”

Topping the list was the Bukit Gasing Circular, a leafy 3.86 km loop in the Bukit Gasing Forest Park between Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya. The trail, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete, scored an impressive 98.4 out of 100 thanks to its 4.6-star average from 2,225 reviewers and a near-perfect popularity score. Hikers praised its mix of moderate terrain, steep staircases, hanging bridges and elevated platforms.

Other highly rated routes in Malaysia include Bukit Kiara via Changkat Abang Haji Openg (96.73 points), known for linking several green spaces near Kuala Lumpur, and the interconnected Twin Peaks–Quill Killer–Rock Garden–Lower Carnival network (95 points), a 4.66 km system of shaded forest trails. Even shorter treks like Ketumbar Hill (93.9 points) in Cheras impressed hikers, earning fourth place with city views and easy access that make it popular for morning walks.

Thailand broke Malaysia’s streak on the list with the Wat Pha Lat “Monk’s Trail” to Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, which placed fifth at 7.24 km long. The remaining spots in the top 10 all belonged to Malaysia.