Guide To Johor’s Hiking Trails for Every Kind of Adventurer

If your idea of a perfect weekend involves escaping the city buzz and wandering under a canopy of green, you might be surprised to hear that Johor is just the place for you! This guide walks you through Johor’s hiking spots categorised by difficulty so that you know exactly what you’re getting into. 

With routes ranging from waterfall strolls to full-blown jungle marathons, there’s a trail here calling your name. Let’s start exploring the options!

Also read: 2D1N Johor Road Trip Itinerary: Nature Lovers’ Edition

Beginner-Friendly Trails: For casual climbers and weekend wanderers

Gunung Arong

Hike Duration: ~3 hours 

Don’t be fooled by its modest height of 274 metres, this trail delivers in spades. After a short but slightly steep climb through secondary forest, you’re rewarded with a jaw-dropping view of the South China Sea from a unique glass-panel lookout point. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot fishing boats dotting the horizon. 

Kangkar Pulai (Blue Lake)

Hike Duration:: ~2 hours

A surreal, photogenic spot, Kangkar Pulai features a flooded quarry with turquoise waters set against jagged stone cliffs. The trail begins through oil palm estates and gradually transitions into mild jungle terrain. It’s not difficult, but the terrain is rocky in parts. Sturdy footwear will be your best friend. Do take note that the full Gunung Pulai trail can take around 4 hours and is more challenging!

Intermediate Trails: For the more ambitious explorers

These trails offer a step up in intensity and terrain, ideal for those wanting to push past the basics but not quite ready to face full jungle warfare.

Gunung Pulai

Hike Duration: ~3 to 4 hours

This 654-metre hill features a paved road all the way to the top, making it ideal for casual walkers and families. The path winds through cool, shaded rainforest and includes a lovely detour to a cascading waterfall. It’s popular, and for good reason! Between the sound of birdsong and the sight of mist rolling over the canopy, it feels like a proper escape. 

Gunung Panti

Hike Duration: ~4 to 5 hours

This trail is on a 485-metre hill known for its raw, untamed jungle and mossy rock paths. The trail is a little steeper and less manicured, with a few scrambles thrown in for good measure. Along the way, you’ll find towering trees, rare wild orchids, and, if you’re early, mist hanging between the leaves. The summit offers a quiet, tree-fringed clearing and that sweet feeling of having earned your rest.

Gunung Muntahak

Hike Duration: ~5 to 6 hours return

A rugged, rewarding climb to 634 metres, this trail takes you deep into primary rainforest. The route passes streams, thick ferns, and a mix of open clearings and dense jungle tunnels. There’s also the refreshing Tengkil Waterfall, which is a great resting spot. Divided into seven sections of increasing difficulty, it’s a solid physical challenge without being overwhelming. 

Also read: Rainforest Treehouse Kulai: A Unique Nature Retreat Near Johor Bahru

Challenging Trails: For the wild at heart

These hikes are not for the faint-hearted, but if you’re up for the challenge, the pay-off is unforgettable: dramatic landscapes, untouched wilderness, and a real sense of adventure.

Gunung Ledang (Mount Ophir)

Hike Duration:  ~8 to 7 hours

At 1,276 metres, this is southern Peninsular Malaysia’s highest peak, and it makes you work for every metre. The Lagenda Trail is steep, rooty, and fitted with rope sections and ladders. Along the way, you’ll encounter waterfalls, river crossings, and mossy boulders. Steeped in local legend and shrouded in cloud, the summit feels like something out of folklore, and the panoramic views are nothing short of epic. This is definitely a hike for experienced hikers, and hiking guides are required to visit Mount Ophir!

Endau-Rompin National Park

Hike Duration: Varies from ~2 hours to multi-day treks

This is where hiking meets true jungle exploration. Accessible only with a permit, Endau-Rompin offers treks that range from manageable walks to multi-day camping adventures. Expect river crossings, towering trees, and wildlife sightings: hornbills, tapirs, even the elusive black leopard if luck’s on your side! The trails here aren’t just about the hike; they’re about full immersion in a rainforest that’s been standing for over 130 million years.

One step closer to nature

Johor’s hiking trails offer something for every hiker. With such variety just a short hop from civilisation, there’s no excuse not to get those hiking boots muddy. With that said, do keep in mind that some kind of hiking permit is required for most of these trails, especially those within forest reserves or national parks, so be sure to make the necessary preparations before you go! Now, pick your path, pack a snack, and remember: every good story begins with a walk in the woods.