Since the introduction of the nationwide lockdown over two years ago, Malaysians were starved of gym access. When rules eased, many started taking up outdoorsy sports like running, tennis, and cycling.
In search of quieter and safer routes, more individuals are stepping off the beaten path, learning about the environment around them as they go. However, if you’re just getting started or seeking a recreational pastime, finding suitable trails and not-so-busy roads to safely explore may prove to be difficult.
Some are easy, while others prove to be a little more challenging – here are 13 of Malaysia’s best riding paths to choose from depending on your fitness level.
1. TREX Bike Park, Selangor
This is an excellent spot for a family outing or a group of friends looking to enjoy some sun and pedal some trails. The entire course is around two kilometres long; however, there are several routes and combinations within that length.
If you’re looking for something more challenging than simply riding through open space, you can choose from various obstacles on the course. A teeter-totter, mini-slopes, and a mix of steep and relaxed corners are among them.
Address: Eco Grandeur, 47000 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor
Contact: +6012 393 3890
2. The Central Park in Desa ParkCity, Kuala Lumpur
An ideal location for casual cycling in Kuala Lumpur (KL), The Central Park in Desa ParkCity, boasts an idyllic lake and plenty of greenery. There’s plenty to do here and it’s a favourite amongst those who love to do things outdoors. You can ride your bike around the peaceful lake and enjoy the lakeside breeze against your face.
Address: Desa ParkCity, 52200 Kuala Lumpur
3. George Town Heritage Area, Penang
A two-wheeled tour through George Town is an easy way to taste the city’s local culture and rich history. There are plenty of old structures to admire in the historic town and dozens of street art to discover. While cycling around the area, you can also stop by some of the food stalls for a bite.
Address: Chulia Street, 10200 George Town, Penang
Contact: +604 261 6606
4. Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), Kuala Lumpur
FRIM is the place to go if you want to get away from KL‘s concrete jungle and cycle through a natural forest. It’s only 16km from the city and along the Selayang-Kepong Highway. There are trails for all levels of bikers, including kid-friendly ones ideal for a family outing. After working up a sweat, cool off in one of the nearby waterfalls.
Address: Jalan FRIM, Institut Penyelidikan Perhutanan Malaysia, 52109 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 6279 7000
5. Bukit Kiara Park, Kuala Lumpur
There are more than 30 kilometres of trails in and around Bukit Kiara, making it a mountain biker’s paradise, though most of the tracks are regarded as more technical and may not be suited for beginners. So, we don’t recommend bringing kids along if you choose to take on this trail.
Address: Bukit Kiara Trail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
6. Putrajaya Botanical Garden, Putrajaya
Putrajaya Botanical Garden is a great place to get some fresh air in the morning. Located in Presint 1, it is home to many exotic species.
As you ride your bike around the beautiful garden, you’ll see a wide variety of plants, each with a sign indicating the species’ name and whereabouts. An informative bike ride around Putrajaya Botanical Garden? Yes, please.
Address: Lebuh Perdana Barat, Presint 1, 62000 Putrajaya, Wilayah Persekutuan
Contact: +603 8887 7770
7. Taman Botani Negara, Selangor
First established in 1986, Taman Botani Negara in Shah Alam is Malaysia’s first and largest agricultural park. It’s one of the world’s and Malaysia’s largest botanical parks, with a total land size of 1,295 hectares.
Try the steeper slopes instead of the open paths if you’re looking for a challenge. Among the other attractions in the area are an animal park, several gardens, and a hill known as Bukit Sapu Tangan.
Address: Taman Pertanian Malaysia, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor
Contact: +603 5510 7048
8. River of Life, Kuala Lumpur
The River of Life project, which revitalises the surroundings around Sungai Gombak and the Klang River, is one of the city’s most pleasant and simple moderate rides. Begin at Seputeh, Brickfields, or perhaps Petaling Street.
The path might be pretty narrow when approaching Brickfields, but it eventually widens. The famous mural representing the Klang River undergoing significant transformation will be visible as you cycle along.
Address: Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur
9. Kepong Metropolitan Park, Kuala Lumpur
The Kepong Metropolitan Park, also known as Taman Layang-Layang Metropolitan Kepong, is a favourite site for kite flying among the residents. The 95-hectare park also includes a three-kilometre bicycle trail around the lake, which is flat and easy to cycle around, even for children.
Address: Jalan Lingkaran Tengah 2, Kepong Metropolitan Lake-Garden, 52100 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 6259 4270
10. Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur
With views of the city skyline and plenty of open space for group outings, Taman Tasik Titiwangsa is a peaceful green haven in the middle of the city. The park’s wide, flat pavements make it ideal for cycling. It’s also a famous picnic spot!
Address: Tasik Titiwangsa, 53200 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2617 6273
11. Bukit Tunku, Kuala Lumpur
From Jalan Duta Kiara to Bukit Nanas and vice versa, a picturesque hill with lush foliage awaits to be discovered. This journey is recommended for intermediate to advanced mountain bike riders due to the distance and elevation profile of the route.
Address: Jalan Bukit TunkuBukit Tunku, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
12. Taiping Lake Gardens, Perak
Formerly a tin mine, the Taiping Lake Gardens in Perak is now Malaysia’s oldest public garden. The garden features a network of paths that lead past Victorian-style gazebos, century-old rain trees, and several lakes and ponds.
Address: Jalan Pekeliling, Taman Tasik Taiping, 34000 Taiping, Perak
Contact: +6017 546 0464
13. Kiulu Rainforest Park, Sabah
This one is for experienced riders who are looking for a new challenge. Kiulu Rainforest Park, located in the Tamparuli district of Northwest Sabah, is recognised not just for its white water rafting, but also for its beautiful scenery and dirt tracks for cycling.
Address: Kiulu Rainforest, Jalan Tamparuli Kiulu, 89208 Tamparuli, Sabah
Contact: +6016 506 9336
