Going on a hiking expedition is always an exciting adventure to look forward to. You get to temporarily disconnect from the overwhelmingly hectic lifestyle, explore the best of nature, and of course, burn all the undesirable calories you have gained from the holidays!
Few things in life are more liberating than reconnecting with Mother Nature.
From Hong Kong’s best urban hiking trail Dragon’s Back to Taiwan’s highest point Yushan National Park, here is our Guide to the 8 Best Hikes in Asia for Every Adventurous Traveller Out There.
Are you looking for an easy hike with spectacular views?
Located in the outskirts of metropolis Hong Kong, Dragon’s Back boasts breathtaking panoramic backdrops of tall skyscrapers, coastal shores and its surrounding mountainous region. The best part is you can conquer Dragon’s Back within an hour if you embark on the shortcut that we have taken.
#2 DOI INTHANON, THAILAND
Situated in the Chom Tong District of Chiang Mai Province, Doi Inthanon is Thailand’s tallest mountain and is also otherwise known as Doi Ang Ka or Doi Luang. The highest peak is at 2,565 metres and the majestic hilltop is home to several hundred species of flora and fauna.
Doi Inthanon is also exceptionally popular amongst avid birdwatchers and enthusiastic hikers.
#3 MOUNT BATUR, BALI, INDONESIA
Mount Batur – an active Balinese volcano – last erupted in year 2000 but has fallen back into a deep slumber for the past decade and a half. Rising 1,717 metres above sea level, a hike up the scenic Indonesian mountain can be completed within two hours one-way by fit climbers.
#4 MOUNT BROMO, EAST JAVA, INDONESIA
It takes approximately four hours to drive from Surabaya – the capital of East Java – to active Indonesian volcano Mount Bromo, but the long journey has not deterred many from hiking up the prominent volcanic mountain. Needless to say, the scenery is incredibly beautiful.
#5 MOUNT KINABALU, MALAYSIA
Nestled by the lush greenery of UNESCO World Heritage Site Kinabalu Park, Mount Kinabalu is a natural attraction located just under a short 2-hour drive away from the capital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu.
Standing at 4,095 metres, the towering mountain is simply unmissable.
#6 TAROKO NATIONAL PARK, TAIWAN
The 920 km² wide Taroko National Park is renowned for its iconic landmark – The Taroko Gorge.
Spanning across Hualien County, Nantou County and Taichung Municipality, it will take more than a day to fully explore Taroko National Park. The spectacular marble geological features were formed since 200 million years ago and are still morphing at a gradual rate.
#7 YUSHAN NATIONAL PARK, TAIWAN
Yushan National Park – the tallest point in Taiwan – is also the highest peak in Northeast Asia. With an altitude of 3,952 meters, the jaw-dropping scenery will have everyone pinching themselves. We were literally walking in the clouds and were ecstatic about how surreal it felt!
Source: Lori and John Skip Town
#8 100 WATERFALLS, LAOS
Laos’ 100 Waterfalls is a gem that one should visit with a guided tour. This is due to the fact that a couple of unexploded bombs from the Vietnam War remain at large in unchartered territories. Besides this imminent danger, the gorgeous site itself is worth a special trip.
About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.