If you've been looking up places to hike, you've probably come across that annoying line: "permit required". Experienced hikers know the drill, but if you're newer to the game, the whole permit process can feel a bit confusing.
Good news — it's actually pretty straightforward. The tricky part is just knowing which trails require a permit and where to apply. We've pulled together the main hiking locations in Malaysia that require permits, their fees, and where to get them.
Pro tip: Looking for a specific location? Hit Ctrl + F on your keyboard, type the name, and it'll highlight on screen (works on desktop/laptop).
Note: Fees may change without prior notice. Always verify with the relevant forestry office before heading out.
And hey — if you're still sorting out your gear before the hike, check out our Hiking Gear Guide for some practical tips on what to bring along.
Perlis
Location |
Fee | Office / Website |
| Wang Gunung | RM5 |
Pejabat Perhutanan Negeri Perlis, Kangar or Kompleks Basikal Lasak, Sungai Batu Pahat |
| Bukit Pelarit | RM5 |
Pejabat Perhutanan Negeri Perlis, Kangar or Pusat Pelawat Taman Negeri Perlis, Wang Kelian |
Kedah
Location |
Fee | Office / Website |
| Bukit Fakir Terbang | RM5 (Malaysian) RM10 (Non-Malaysian) |
Pejabat Hutan Daerah Kedah Utara or Online application |
| Bukit Merah | RM5 (Malaysian) RM10 (Non-Malaysian) |
Pejabat Hutan Daerah Kedah Utara or Online application |
| Gunung Bintang | RM5 (Malaysian) RM10 (Non-Malaysian) |
Pejabat Hutan Daerah Kedah Selatan or Online application |
| Gunung Jerai | RM5 (Malaysian) RM10 (Non-Malaysian) |
Pejabat Hutan Daerah Kedah Tengah or Online application |
| Gunung Machinchang | RM5 (Malaysian) RM10 (Non-Malaysian) |
Pejabat Hutan Daerah Langkawi or Online application |
| Gunung Raya | RM5 (Malaysian) RM10 (Non-Malaysian) |
Pejabat Hutan Daerah Langkawi or Online application |
| Jeti Pengkalan Gubir | RM5 (Malaysian) RM50 (Non-Malaysian) |
Pejabat Hutan Daerah Kedah Tengah or Online application |
| Kisap | RM5 (Malaysian) RM10 (Non-Malaysian) |
Pejabat Hutan Daerah Langkawi or Online application |
| Kubang Badak | RM5 (Malaysian) RM10 (Non-Malaysian) |
Pejabat Hutan Daerah Langkawi or Online application |
Penang
Location |
Fee | Office / Website |
| Bukit Kerajaan | RM5 | Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri Pulau Pinang |
| Laksamana | RM5 | Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri Pulau Pinang |
Perak
Perak has a huge list of permit-required trails. Most standard trails fall in the RM10–RM20 range, while the more serious summit climbs (Gayong, Korbu, Chabang, etc.) require seasonal permits at higher fees. You can apply at the relevant district forestry office or online at ecotourism.perakforestry.gov.my (account required).
A Quick Note Before You Head Out
Getting your permit sorted is only half the prep. If you're tackling longer trails or anything with an elevation gain, your knees will thank you for bringing proper support. We'd recommend the TAHAN Kinetix Knee Guard — it's got spring support built in, and it's a solid pick for trails that involve a lot of downhill scrambling. Pair it with a TAHAN Foldable Hiking Stick and you're covering all the bases for joint protection on technical terrain.
Stay safe out there, respect the forest, and always hike with your permit in hand. Happy trails!
