There is something liberating about reaching the summit of mountains, taking in the fresh air and soaking in the grandeur of nature. Scaling a mountain is truly an unforgettable experience! Sir Edmund Hillary, the first explorer to reach the summit of Mount Everest, shared: “It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.”
There are many mountains with accessible hiking trails in Southeast Asia that can be explored conveniently from Singapore. You do not have to be a professional hiker to enjoy scenic trails. Start planning your next adventure with these recommendations that are friendly for beginners!
1. Mount Batur, Indonesia
Imagine waking up in the early hours before dawn, trampling through the forest with your headlight and witnessing the first ray of sunlight at the top of a mountain. If this stirs the wanderlust spirit in you, you have to experience the sunrise climb of Mount Batur.
Standing tall at about 1700 metres, Mount Batur is an active volcano sitting on two calderas in the northeast part of Bali. For adventure seekers, the thrilling sunrise climb will take about two to three hours. A guide is recommended for beginners. With proper attire and equipment, you can enjoy a multi-sensory hike enhanced by the changing of colours and even temperatures as the sun slowly rises above the foliage.
Check the weather before you embark on the climb as clear weather means stunning scenery of Mount Augung and the villages flourishing on land covered with black volcanic sediments. After a breakfast at the summit, you can stop by the hidden waterfall, Kanto Lampo, during your descent.
Inspired to travel more around the country? Check out top destinations for nature and adventure in Indonesia!
2. Mount Batulao, the Philippines
Mount Batulao is famed for its serrated landscape with twelve peaks. The name “Batulao” is a reference to the phenomenon of the sun setting between the two peaks of the mountain and illuminating the rocky landscape.
An icon of Nasugbu in the province of Batangas, the mountain is convenient for climbers who land in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. With an elevation of almost 700 metres, Mount Batulao can be accessed via two routes: the longer old trail from the west and the new trail from the east. Both trails open up to spectacular vistas of the undulating terrain. You can ascend and descend using each of the trail to experience the best of both routes. The rugged ridges and ragged peaks are connected by open paths so you will enjoy endless 360-degree views as well as much sunshine. Just make sure to start early with your guide and pack some sunblock.
3. Doi Pha Tang, Thailand
The rustic Chiang Rai is often overlooked by travellers who are not aware that it is a gateway to diverse cultures and rich ecology. Its pristine nature is ideal for hiking trips and you can begin your expedition with Doi Pha Tang.
With an attitude slightly lower than 1700 metres, the mountain settles near the border between Thailand and Laos. The trek is like an anthropological adventure as it brings you through not just lush nature but also settlements of different hill tribes. On a fortuitous day, you can admire floating fog enveloping the summit, the bordering land of Laos, and the flowing Mekong River. Craggy rock formations cover the mountain so look out for dramatic cliff faces as you pass through the intriguing trails.
4. Mount Popa Taung Kalat, Myanmar
Situated about 50 kilometres southeast of Bagan, Mount Popa or Popa Taung Kalat is perfect for a day trip from Bagan. The peak of Mount Popa is surmounted by the gilded Taung Kalat monastery which is an important pilgrimage site in Myanmar.
Regarded as the cradle of 37 Nats, revered spirits worshipped by the locals, the monastery lies on the unique promontory and the ascent is guided by 777 steps. Pay respects to the statues of the 37 Nats at the bottom of the mountain before starting your climb. During the easy and fun climb, you will be entertained by mischievous monkeys and shops peddling a variety of goods.
On a clear day, you can enjoy magnificent views of the Myingyan Plain, Irrawaddy River and even the ancient city of Bagan. Remember to respect the sacred site by covering your arms and legs and observe local customs of being barefoot for some parts of the climb. During the full moon months of Nayon (May/June) and Nadaw (November/December), spiritual festivals are held at the monastery. If you visit during these periods, you are in for a cultural treat!
5. Gunung Raya, Malaysia
Malaysia is a hiking haven with its plethora of mountain ranges so it can be difficult to choose a mountain for your nature escapade. Why not try something different by heading to the island archipelago of Langkawi, the “Jewel of Kedah,” and scale its highest mountain?
Towering at 881 metres, Gunung Raya offers another way to immerse in the outdoors other than enjoying the island’s sandy beaches. Gunung Raya is suitable for beginners as it can be completed leisurely in two to three hours. You can even drive along a circuitous road to the top of the mountain but you may miss the chance to spot abundant wildlife like monkeys, eagles and even the great hornbills.
The hike starts with a steep “Thousand Memories Eagle Stairway”. You can rest your aching thighs at the summit as you take in gorgeous views of the cluster of islands and Andaman sea. There’s more to explore in Malaysia, especially West Malaysia so check out this guide to the Malaysian Borneo.
6. Mount Nui Ba Den, Vietnam
The highest mountain in southern Vietnam, Nui Ba Den is a striking presence with its distinctive conical shape that reaches almost 1000 metres. Located northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, the mountain is near the border joining Vietnam and Cambodia and is a symbol of the Tay Ninh province. The mountain is also known as “Black Virgin Mountain”, a reference to mystical legends about a lady who jumped off the mountain.
It takes about six hours to hike up and down the mountain and you can enjoy picturesque detours to temples, caves and waterfalls along the way. At the summit, indulge in sweeping views of greenery. If you are too tired to hike back down, you can ride the cable car. During the Nui Ba festivals in spring, the mountain becomes lively with celebrations. Want to explore more of Vietnam? Here’s an itinerary of Central Vietnam for your next visit.
7. Mount Kulen, Cambodia
Take a break from the well-trodden Angkor Wat circuit in Siem Reap and spend a day exploring the enigmatic Phnom Kulen. Known as the “Mountain of Lychees,” Phnom Kulen is a dense mountainous region in Phnom Kulen National Park. The area was previously Mahendraparvata, the first capital of Cambodia’s Angkor civilisation. It has symbolic importance for Cambodia as the birthplace of ancient Khmer Empire. Recent archaeological discoveries have revealed significant historical artefacts and sites throughout the area.
A fulfilling day trip from Siem Reap will bring you through tropical forest littered with rich flora and fauna. The highlight of the hike is Preah Ang Thom, a Buddhist monastery with a gigantic reclining Buddha. Climbers can also venture to Kbal Spean, also called the “River of a Thousand Lingas.” This special riverbed is decorated with fertility images of lingas or phallic symbols and illustrations of Hindu deities. Do not miss this secret side of Siem Reap by joining an ecotour by Kulen Revealed, a non-profit organisation that promotes socially responsible travel.
8. Khao Chang Phueak, Thailand
The highest peak of Thong Pha Phum National Park, Khao Chang Phueak towers at about 1300 metres. Situated in the Kanchanaburi Province, the mountain can be accessed from the country’s capital, Bangkok. To conquer this alpine wonder, you have to plan early in advance and register with the National Park.
Khao Chang Phueak is open only a few months per year and a limited number of climbers is allowed daily. The hike includes a six-hour climb and an overnight stay. While it is rather challenging, it is great for beginners looking to push their physical and mental limits. The most exciting part of this trek is to cross “Knife’s Blade Ridge,” a narrow ridge of the mountain. Once you reach the summit of this vast mountain range, enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Thai landscape that may be etched forever in your “mountaineering memory”.
As you embark on your climbing adventures, please respect nature and do not underestimate the preparations you need to make. The mountains may be home to local communities so always be mindful of their culture and traditions. Remember to take only memories and photographs and leave nothing but footprints and gratitude!
