Hiking Permits in Terengganu: The Official List of Legal Trails (2026)
Most hikers heading into the hills of Terengganu don't realise they're walking into Hutan Simpanan Kekal — Permanent Forest Reserve land gazetted and managed by the state. These aren't public parks where you just rock up with your pack. They're working forest reserves, and the rules around entering them exist for good reason.
What you're looking at below is drawn from JPSM's national register of gazetted hiking locations in permanent forest reserves — the official list of areas in Terengganu where recreational hiking is recognised and (where required) permitted. If a spot isn't on this register, you shouldn't be hiking it. Simple as that.
I know the permit process can feel like extra hassle, but honestly? The MGP requirement and the permit system are what keep these trails from being loved to death — and what keeps you from getting into serious trouble if something goes wrong out there. Comply, and everyone wins.
How to Apply in Terengganu
Permits for entering Terengganu's permanent forest reserves are issued by Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri Terengganu (Terengganu State Forestry Department). Their official portal is trgforestry.terengganu.gov.my. As of 2026, there is no online e-permit system for Terengganu — unlike some other states, you need to do this in person at the relevant Pejabat Hutan Daerah (District Forest Office).
Here's how it works:
- Where: Submit your application at the District Forest Office covering your intended trail. For northern Terengganu trails, try 09-6667473 or 09-6672834. For southern Terengganu, contact Pejabat Hutan Daerah Terengganu Selatan at 09-8441 404 — note these numbers are from older sources, so verify first.
- When: Counter hours are 8am–5pm. Submit at least 1 week before your hike date — this is a confirmed minimum lead time, not a suggestion.
- Form: Fill in the Borang Permohonan and submit 3 copies together with your payment.
- Fee: RM5 per person for the permit to enter the forest reserve.
- Guidance document: Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri Terengganu has published a full guide — "Panduan Permohonan Permit Memasuki Hutan Simpanan Kekal Bagi Aktiviti Pendakian & Rekreasi Di Negeri Terengganu" — available on their official portal.
A Malim Gunung Perhutanan (MGP) is a licensed mountain guide certified and authorised by Malaysia's forestry authorities to lead hikers in permanent forest reserves. This isn't just any freelance guide — MGPs are trained, registered, and accountable. In the register below, every single area in Terengganu has MGP listed as mandatory. That means you cannot legally hike these trails without one, regardless of your experience level. Guide fees vary — one example from a CBL group hike worked out to around RM150 per pax for guide and permit combined, but this depends on group size and the specific trail. To find a registered MGP, check mountainguide.my.
One more thing worth knowing: for at least some areas — Bukit Tok Gunung is a confirmed example — you're also expected to inform the local Balai Polis and MPKK of your hiking itinerary. Check the specific requirements for your trail with the District Forest Office when you apply.
The Official Register
The table below lists all gazetted hiking areas in Terengganu's permanent forest reserves per JPSM's national register. For the Permit column: Wajib means a permit is required and must be obtained in advance; Tiket means you pay at the entrance; Tidak means open access, no permit needed. The MGP column indicates whether a licensed Malim Gunung Perhutanan is mandatory for that trail — in Terengganu, this is mandatory across the board. Where you see a linked trail name, TAHAN has a full guide for that area.
| Hiking Area (Kawasan Pendakian) | Permit | Malim Gunung (MGP) | TAHAN Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gunung Tebu | Wajib (required) | Required | Our full guide |
| Gunung Sarut | Wajib (required) | Required | — |
| Gunung Batu Kajang | Wajib (required) | Required | — |
| Gunung Kubang | Wajib (required) | Required | — |
| Gunung Kambing (Terengganu) | Wajib (required) | Required | — |
| Bukit Tangga | Wajib (required) | Required | — |
| Bukit Temiang | Wajib (required) | Required | — |
| Bukit Batu Balai | Wajib (required) | Required | — |
| Gunung Berembun (Terengganu) | Wajib (required) | Required | Our full guide |
| Gunung Mandi Angin | Wajib (required) | Required | — |
| Gunung Gelemat | Wajib (required) | Required | — |
| Gunung Hulu Perus | Wajib (required) | Required | — |
| Gunung Hulu Bakar | Wajib (required) | Required | — |
| Gunung Lipat Sanggul | Wajib (required) | Required | — |
| Gunung Diwangsa | Wajib (required) | Required | — |
| Gunung Lawit | Wajib (required) | Required | — |
| Gunung Batil | Wajib (required) | Required | — |
| Gunung Bongsu | Wajib (required) | Required | — |
| Gunung Tembat | Wajib (required) | Required | — |
| Bukit Kapal | Wajib (required) | Required | — |
This register is updated by JPSM and the state forestry department — areas can be added, suspended, or have their requirements changed. Don't assume what was true last year is still true today. Verify the current status of your chosen trail with Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri Terengganu before you book anything.
Where to Start
If you want actual trail detail — elevation profiles, what to expect on the ground, where to camp, river crossing notes — look for the linked trail names inside the register table above. TAHAN has full guides for those areas. For everything else, the District Forest Office is your first call: they'll confirm permit requirements, recommend registered MGPs, and flag anything seasonal you need to know about.
FAQ
Do I need a permit to hike in Terengganu?
For any trail inside a Hutan Simpanan Kekal (Permanent Forest Reserve) — yes, in most cases. Check the Permit column in the register above. If it says Wajib, you need to apply at the District Forest Office at least 1 week in advance. Don't assume a trail is open access just because it's popular or you've seen others do it without one.
What is a Malim Gunung Perhutanan?
A Malim Gunung Perhutanan (MGP) is a licensed mountain guide certified by Malaysia's forestry authorities. They're trained specifically for forest reserve terrain, registered with the department, and legally authorised to guide groups on these trails. In Terengganu, an MGP is mandatory for all areas listed in the register — this applies regardless of how experienced you are as a hiker. You can find registered MGPs at mountainguide.my.
How much does the permit cost?
The confirmed permit fee is RM5 per person. Guide fees are separate and vary — one documented example worked out to roughly RM150 per pax for a group of five, covering both guide and permit. For current guide rates, check with Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri Terengganu or contact a registered MGP directly through mountainguide.my.
What if I hike without a permit or guide?
Entering a Hutan Simpanan Kekal without the required permit is an offence under Malaysian forestry law. Beyond the legal risk, hiking without a registered MGP in areas where one is mandatory means you have no official accountability if something goes wrong — no proper search and rescue trigger, no one who knows the trail officially. It's not worth it. If you're unsure whether your specific trail requires a permit or an MGP, check with Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri Terengganu before you go — that's always the right call. Trail conditions and permit requirements change — always check with the local forestry office or park authority before you go.
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.
