The 7 Best Hikes in Sarawak (2026)

I've personally hiked every trail on this list and written a full guide for each one — the good, the bad, the slippery roots at 5am. Sarawak is genuinely one of the most underrated hiking destinations in all of Malaysia, and I'll tell you why: Kuching alone gives you four solid national park hikes within an hour's drive, most with simple entry fees and zero permit drama. You can literally plan a weekend, show up, and hike.

This list is for everyone — from the casual day-tripper wanting waterfall views to the serious adventurer ready to spend four days slogging through jungle mud to stand on Sarawak's highest peak. I've been clear about which hikes are which. The Kuching-base options (Serapi, Santubong, Gading, Lambir) are genuinely accessible. The expeditions (Mulu, Murud) are not — and I won't pretend otherwise. Keywords like best hikes Sarawak, hiking Kuching, and Sarawak national parks brought you here; honest trail intel will keep you safe out there.

Whether you're flying into Kuching for a long weekend or planning a proper Borneo bucket-list expedition, there's something on this list for you. Let's get into it.

• 1. Gunung Serapi
• 2. Gunung Mulu
• 3. Gunung Murud
• 4. Bukit Sikai
• 5. Gunung Santubong
• 6. Gunung Gading
• 7. Bukit Lambir (Lambir Hills National Park)

1. Gunung Serapi

Gunung Serapi sits inside Kubah National Park and earns the top spot because it's the best all-rounder for hiking Kuching — genuinely accessible, no permit stress, and the panoramic summit platform rewards you with views of Kuching city, Mount Santubong, the Southwest Sarawak coastline, and even Indonesian border peaks on a clear day. The Main Trail follows a steep tarmac road (yes, tarmac — but don't underestimate those inclines, especially in the heat) while the Rayu Trail is a longer jungle alternative for those who want something more raw. Serapi is also known as 'The World of Palms' with 93+ palm species recorded here, plus 60+ frog species including nocturnal ones — the after-dark soundtrack alone is worth the trip. Bearded pigs, mouse deer, blue pitta, Bornean black magpie — the biodiversity here is legit.

Level: Moderately challenging to hard · Time: 3.5 hours one-way (Main Trail); 4.5–5 hours round trip; 6–6.5 hours via Rayu Trail · Distance: 5 km one-way / 10.9 km round trip via Rayu Trail · Elevation: 911 m

Read my full Gunung Serapi guide →

2. Gunung Mulu

Gunung Mulu is a full expedition — four days, three nights, 48 km round trip through a UNESCO World Heritage Park spanning 52,865 hectares of some of the most biodiverse jungle on the planet. This is not a weekend warrior hike; the terrain includes rope-assisted cliffy sections, relentless mud, and steep exposed ridges that will humble experienced hikers. At 2,376 m, the summit views are spectacular — on a clear day you can spot Gunung Murud in the distance — and the altitude zone above 1,650 m is where Nepenthes pitcher plants start appearing along the trail like something out of a nature documentary. You need a licensed guide and must arrange through Mulu National Park — but unlike some Sarawak expeditions, the logistics here are well-established.

Level: Highly challenging (experienced adventurers only) · Time: 4 days, 3 nights · Distance: 48 km round trip · Elevation: 2,376 m

Read my full Gunung Mulu guide →

3. Gunung Murud

Gunung Murud is Sarawak's highest peak at 2,424 m — and honestly, reaching it is one of the most rewarding things you can do in Malaysian hiking, but do not underestimate it. Steep sections with wooden notch ladders, thick mud, and remote terrain make this a hard 7/10 even on the standard 3-day route. The virgin tropical rainforest is stunning — endangered pitcher plants, rare orchids, rock formations that look unreal — and the Batu Linanit viewpoint offers an incredible panorama of Gunung Murud, Batu Lawi, and Gunung Mulu on a clear day. Getting here requires travel into the Kelabit Highlands (fly or drive), and you'll need a guide — this is a proper expedition, not a park day hike.

Level: Hard (7/10) · Time: 3 days standard; 2 days to summit; 4 days for traverse · Distance: 19.23 km (3D2N trek) · Elevation: 2,424 m

Read my full Gunung Murud guide →

4. Bukit Sikai

Bukit Sikai is the short, punchy, totally-worth-it hike on this list — you're at the summit in 10 to 40 minutes one-way, and what you get is a genuine 360° panoramic view plus the famous awan karpet (carpet cloud) phenomenon that's made this spot go viral among Malaysian hikers. It's easy to moderately easy, the distance is short, and there's no drama with permits or logistics. If you're in the Kuala Pilah area and want a quick morning hike that actually delivers on the view, Bukit Sikai is your answer — the sweeping views of the hilly district below when the clouds roll in are something else.

Level: Easy to moderately easy · Time: 10–40 minutes one-way; 30 minutes to 1 hour round trip · Distance: 1.8–2.4 km · Elevation: 280 m

Read my full Bukit Sikai guide →

5. Gunung Santubong

The Santubong hike is Kuching's most iconic trail — you can literally see the peak from the city — and it is harder than it looks from afar. Don't let the 810 m elevation fool you; the route involves ropes, scrambling, and sections that'll have you questioning your life choices somewhere around the 3-hour mark. The F7 checkpoint at Bukit Puteri alone justifies the climb, with panoramic views of Kampung Santubong, the golf course, and coastal beaches stretching out below you. The lower jungle sections are shaded and lovely; the upper sections are where it earns its 'Hard/Challenging' rating. Start early, bring plenty of water, and don't rush the descent — knees will feel it.

Level: Hard/Challenging · Time: 2.5–6 hours one-way; 5–8 hours return · Distance: 3.94–4.95 km to summit; approximately 8–10 km return · Elevation: 810 m

Read my full Gunung Santubong guide →

6. Gunung Gading

Gunung Gading National Park was literally established in 1983 because of one thing: the Rafflesia tuan-mudae, the world's largest individual flower, and it still blooms on these granite slopes today. The hike itself is moderate to challenging — steep in sections, up to 6 hours round trip — but the combination of rafflesia spotting, spectacular waterfalls, swimming holes, and pristine lowland and hill rainforest makes it one of the most unique half-day hikes in all of Sarawak. It's about 2 hours from Kuching, entry is simple, and the rangers can tell you whether a rafflesia is currently in bloom before you make the trip. Always call ahead — the bloom window is short.

Level: Moderate to Challenging · Time: 4.5–6 hours round trip · Distance: 3.8–7.2 km · Elevation: 965 m (official)

Read my full Gunung Gading guide →

7. Bukit Lambir (Lambir Hills National Park)

Lambir Hills is famously recorded as one of the world's most ecologically diverse areas — 247 bird species, gibbons, tarsiers, and clouded leopards all calling this park home. The beauty of Lambir is the range: you can do the Latak Waterfall trail in 15 minutes and have a swim, or you can commit to the 12.6 km summit round trip which is steep and will absolutely work your legs. Multiple waterfalls surrounded by lush vegetation make even the easier trails feel rewarding, and the summit push rewards with views over the surrounding hills. It sits near Miri, making it a natural add-on if you're heading to or from Mulu — don't skip it.

Level: Easy (waterfall trails) to Moderate/Hard (summit trail) · Time: 1.5–2 hours (easy trails); 4–8 hours round trip (summit) · Distance: 4.8 km out-and-back (easy); 12.6 km round trip (summit) · Elevation: 465 m (official park figure)

Read my full Bukit Lambir guide →

Before You Go

The good news about most hikes on this list: Sarawak's national parks (Kubah/Serapi, Santubong, Gading, Lambir Hills) run on simple entry fees — show up, pay at the counter, hike. No advance permit drama for day hikes. Mulu and Murud are the exceptions — both require licensed guides and advance booking, and Mulu has to be arranged through the national park authority. Don't try to wing either of those.

Weather-wise, Sarawak is humid and wet year-round, so trails can be slippery at any time of year. Start early — 6am to 7am is ideal for most of these hikes. Beat the heat, beat the afternoon rain, and you'll have a far better time. For the longer hikes like Serapi and Santubong, bring at least 2 litres of water minimum — a hydration bladder makes this much easier on the trail.

Check out our hiking gear guide for the full breakdown on what to bring for Sarawak's trails. If you're doing the steep descents on Santubong or Gading, a good knee guard is worth every ringgit — I've been using the TAHAN Kinetix Knee Guard With Spring Support (RM79) and my knees have thanked me for it on every steep descent since.

FAQ

What is the best hike in Sarawak for beginners?

Bukit Sikai is the friendliest option on this list — 10 to 40 minutes one-way, easy to moderately easy, and the 360° views plus awan karpet phenomenon make it genuinely rewarding. For a step up, Lambir Hills' waterfall trails (Latak Waterfall, 15 minutes) are perfect for families or first-timers wanting jungle atmosphere without a serious climb.

Can I hike in Sarawak without a guide?

For the national park day hikes — Serapi, Santubong, Gading, Lambir, and Bukit Sikai — yes, you can hike independently after paying park entry. For Gunung Mulu and Gunung Murud, a licensed guide is mandatory, not optional. These are remote, multi-day expeditions in serious terrain and the guide requirement exists for very good reason.

Is the Santubong hike suitable for casual hikers?

The santubong hike is rated Hard/Challenging, and it earns that rating honestly — there are rope sections, scrambling, and a demanding upper ridge. Casual or infrequent hikers will find the full summit attempt very tough. That said, the lower trail sections and the F7 checkpoint at Bukit Puteri are achievable for moderately fit hikers and already offer great views. Know your fitness level and turn back comfortably if needed.

What is the highest mountain in Sarawak and can I hike it?

Gunung Murud at 2,424 m is the highest peak in Sarawak, and yes — you can hike it, but it's a serious multi-day expedition rated 7 out of 10 difficulty with wooden notch ladders, muddy terrain, and remote jungle sections. Gunung Mulu at 2,376 m is number two. Both require a licensed guide and multi-day commitment. Neither is a casual day trip. Trail conditions and permit requirements change — always check with the local forestry office or park authority before you go. Or ask the TAHAN Hiking Community on WhatsApp — someone's usually been there that week.

Mike has been camping across Malaysia for over 10 years — from jungle treks in Taman Negara to beach camps in Perhentian. He writes about it so you don't have to find out the hard way. Follow along on TAHAN Outdoor's blog for honest campsite reviews, every week.