Famous for its beaches, rainforests and a mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European cultural influences, Malaysia is one of the most-frequently visited Southeast Asian country round the year. Apart from all these, the country is also home to more than thirty odd national parks that enables the travelers to explore the realms of the wild at its best.
Attracting thousands of travelers from all over the world, discover the charm of the tropical flora and fauna at these ten best national parks in Malaysia that are reckoned to be popular ecotourism destinations.
10 Best And Must-Visit National Parks In Malaysia
1. Bako National Park
2. Taman Negara National Park
3. Gunung Mulu National Park
4. Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
5. Niah National Park
6. Penang National Park
7. Endau-Rompin National Park
8. Similajau National Park
9. Gunung Gading National Park
10. Lambir Hills National Park
1. Bako National Park
Suggested Read: 7 Invaluable Malaysia Travel Tips For First-time Visitors
Located at a distance of 37 kms from Kuching, Bako National Park is one of the most popular among the list of national parks in Malaysia. Considered to be one of the oldest and the smallest national parks in Sarawak, it is spread across an area of 2,727 hectares and houses almost every type of plant found in Borneo. With the rainforest, wildlife, stream, waterfalls, tropical plants, inhabited beautiful beaches, and unique rock formations, Bako is also a great place for the wildlife enthusiasts to enjoy bird watching.
Location: Sarawak, Malaysia
Timings: All Days – 24 hours
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2. Taman Negara National Park
Established in 1939, Taman Negara National Park is one of the best national parks in Malaysia. Spread across an area of 4,344 sq.km makes, Taman Negara is also the world’s oldest rainforest, which is estimated to be more than 130 million years old. Famed for activities like canopy walkway, rapid shooting, caving, fish feeding, trekking and much more, Taman Negara national park is also well-equipped with resorts, chalets, guesthouses, and hostels.
Location: Kuala Tahan, 27000 Kuala Tahan, Pahang, Malaysia
Timings: Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 5:30 PM; Sunday – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
3. Gunung Mulu National Park
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Mulu National Park is one of the best national parks in Malaysia that is popular amongst the travelers for its iconic cave system. Covering an area of about 528.64 square kms, the iconic Sarawak Chamber are believed to be the largest caves in the world that can accommodate upto 40 Boeing 747 aircrafts. Other than that, Mulu National Park also houses the Clearwater Cave that measures about 189 kms in length and is the 8th longest cave in the world. Known to be one of the best World Heritage sites in Malaysia, do not miss out on this spectacular national park on your next visit.
Location: Sarawak, Malaysia
Timings: All Days – 8 AM to 5 PM
4. Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
Located off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, the best part about Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park is that two-thirds of its entire region is covered by the sea. Crystal clear blue waters make it all the more fascinating to explore this national park. Spread across a region of about 4,929 hectares, the national park houses a group of five islands of Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik and Pulau Sulug which makes it one of the most popular national parks in Malaysia.
Location: Sabah, Malaysia
Timings: All Days – 8.30 AM to 5 PM
5. Niah National Park
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The Niah National Park is a special place to visit and is one of the top national parks in Malaysia. The juxtaposition of the warm and welcoming life-filled forests with the bleak and cold caves make this place favorite among tourists. The complex of caves has signs of human habitation dating about 40,000 years back and as such it is a very important archaeological site in Malaysia. The caves themselves are stunning to explore and the distinctive geological formations are marvelous to behold.
Location: 98200 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
Timings: All Days – 8 AM to 5 PM
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6. Penang National Park
Situated far in the northwest region of the country, Penang National Park is home to an astounding array of fauna and flora that also offers a range of activities for the travelers to experience. With beautiful beaches galore, and fun & wild treks through the dense forests, there is truly something for everyone in this amazing national park. Whether it is lounging on the deserted beaches, taking a boat ride, or camping in the night, Penang is a haven of peace which you can’t miss on your next trip!
Location: Pejabat Taman Negara P. Pinang, Jalan Hassan Abbas, Balik Pulau, 11050 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Timings: All Days – 7:30 AM to 6 PM
7. Endau-Rompin National Park
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Housing the second highest peak in Malaysia, Endau-Rompin National Park has an abundance of natural wonders that will astound you with their magnificence. One among the top national parks in Malaysia, park is named after two rivers that flow through it, and makes for some delightful trekking. While rivers, pools, and waterfalls dot the park’s premises, stroll along the paths of this ancient landscape that dates back to 240 million years and is worth a visit on an ideal trip to Malaysia.
Location: Taman Negara Rompin Peta, Mersing, Endau, Johor, Malaysia
Timings: Friday to Wednesday – 8 AM to 5 PM; Closed on Thursdays
8. Similajau National Park
Located on the coast of the island of Borneo, Similajau National Park has a huge catalogue of different activities for visitors to choose from, and is one of the popular national parks in Malaysia. Whether you are an avid birdwatcher, a hiking enthusiast, or a snorkeling lover, this park has everything to offer from stunning beaches to thick dense jungles. And if you call yourself a daring adventure enthusiast, you can also charter a boat to indulge in some crocodile sighting at night.
Location: Similajau, 97000 Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia
Timings: Monday to Saturday – 8 AM to 5 PM; Sunday – 8 AM to 12 AM
9. Gunung Gading National Park
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Gunung Gading National Park is counted among the unique national parks in Malaysia as the park exhibits the world’s largest flower of the incredible Rafflesia. These huge and unique flowers are special to witness, and undoubtedly are the highlight of Gunung Gading National Park. The mountainous area has numerous waterfalls and streams hidden among its forests that offer a refreshing break to the travelers.
Location: 94500 Lundu, Sarawak, Malaysia
Timings: All Days – 8 AM to 5 PM
10. Lambir Hills National Park
Lambir Hills National Park is one of the popular national parks in Malaysia and is home to about 237 different species of birds, flying squirrels, deers, wild pigs, and gibbons. The jungle trails will lead you to various waterfalls and bathing pools that are located across the rainforest. One can also discover the charm of wild orchids along the challenging Summit Trail and relax at the Dinding Waterfall on the way back.
Location: Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
Timings: All Days – 8 AM to 5 PM
Planning a trip to Malaysia? Make sure you visit some of these best national parks in Malaysia while you gear up for a surreal experience of staying close to the nature on a thrilling vacation.
Further Read: Best Hotels In Malaysia: For Those Who Love Living Life To The Fullest
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