Trekking in Southeast Asia
Malaysia’s dense forests, popular national parks and well-preserved wildlife reserves make it a favorite destination among trekkers to Southeast Asia, with organized and independent treks alike possible. Thailand also attracts its share of hikers, who come to experience the hill tribes and scenic beauty of the mountainous north.
The volcano landscapes of the Philippines and Indonesia provide for unique trekking experiences, with brave-hearted trekkers coming here to explore recently erupted volcanoes like Mount Pinatubo among other interesting sites. Laos has an undeveloped, yet rapidly expanding trekking scene for travelers who want to get off the beaten track.
Volcano trekking, Indonesia: Many trekkers come to Indonesia for the world’s most legendary volcano trekking. The 2,000-meter high Mount Bromo in East Java and Bandung’s Tangkuban Perahu on Java are popular trekking sites, while Krakatoa, a volcanic island between Sumatra and Java, is a highlight.
Ratanakiri, Cambodia: Covered in tropical rainforest and dotted with traditional villages, Cambodia’s remote province of Ratanakiri in the northeast of the country draws trekkers looking to get off the tourist trail. The trekking here provides scenery like that seen in the Vietnam War blockbuster, Apocalypse Now.
Northern Laos, Laos: The north of the country is covered with craggy mountains inhabited by little-visited hill tribes, an ideal region for hardy, independent walkers. Organized treks suitable for the uninitiated depart from Luang Prabang, Muang Sing and Luang Namtha, and take trekkers through remote villages and jungle.
Chiang Mai, Thailand: Thailand’s trekking capital offers abundant organized adventures into the surrounding mountains, with hill tribe stays, elephant riding and bamboo rafting the mainstays of any trek in this region. The scenery is pretty and the trekking outfits well-organized.
Gunung Mulu National Park - Borneo, Malaysia: This World Heritage listed national park offers treks through the Sarawak Chamber, the biggest enclosed natural space on the planet. Aside from this highlight, there is jungle trekking in areas of remarkable natural beauty.
Kinabalu National Park - Borneo, Malaysia: One of Southeast Asia’s most popular trekking sites, this national park is home to the imposing Mount Kinabalu, which stands at more than 4,000 meters. The easy nature of this climb means every level of climber can reach the summit, from where outstanding views are available.
Inle lake, Burma: A low-key trekking scene has emerged in Burma’s southern Shan state, where the picturesque Inle lake lies. Rather than trek here for the scenery, most walkers come here for a cultural experience, with trails passing through Palaung, Taung Yoe, Danu and Pao villages as well as paddy fields and bamboo groves.
Mount Pinatubo, the Philippines: The two-hour trek to the rim of this recently erupted volcano will give you a better idea of the scale of Mount Pinatubo’s eruption in 1991. Trekkers can take in the views and the caldera lake before descending and returning to civilization by four-wheel drive.
Khao Sok, Thailand: Surat Thani’s Khao Sok National Park has well-marked trails suited to all levels of trekkers, with highlights here being the largest flower on the planet, the rafflesia, and wild elephants. Elusive leopards and tigers also inhabit the park, but are rarely seen.
Tak, Thailand: The little-visited Ti Lor Su waterfall in Thailand’s Tak province is the largest waterfall in the region. The journey to the waterfall, which is accessible by raft or by trekking through jungle, requires an overnight stay en route.