Many of us might have exhausted all the hiking trails in Singapore, and maybe even completed the Coast-to-Coast Trail multiple times. All that’s left for us are … Mount Elizabeth and Mount Alvernia? Just kidding. To spark some inspiration for your next mountaineering adventure, we’ve compiled a list of 10 beginner-friendly mountains near Singapore to check out.
Whether you’re a newbie to mountain climbing or simply looking for a straightforward hike, these mountains are easy on the knees with views that are pleasing to the eyes. We’ve also included some tried-and-tested tips from the pros so your journey will be as smooth as possible.
Image credit: @pramit_j
Our first destination brings us to Central Java, Indonesia. Standing proud and tall is Mount Sindoro, an active volcano that’s a good challenge for those looking to build their stamina. Past eruptions have been generally mild, and the mountain’s low eruptive activity makes it safe to hike.
Image adapted from: @chillhouse_adventure, @lusiabudiman
The hike up to the summit will take about 6 hours, but there are several rest points along the way where you can take a breather and hydrate yourself. Once you’ve completed the route, you’ll be rewarded with clear views of the whole Dieng region and its luscious tea plantations.
Trail distance: 7.2km
Time taken to summit: 6 hours
Image adapted from: @cuaaaaa_27, @travelwith.robert
Further along in East Java is Mount Bromo. Located inside Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, this active volcano is a good ‘un if you love chasing the sunrise. Yes, sunrise and not sunset, as the strong winds in the afternoon tend to blow the clouds over and cover the view.
Image credit: @maria_travel_journal
You’ll be able to hear the low rumblings of the volcano once you’ve reached the top. Those who intend to hike in the late afternoon or evenings should wear pants and bring a jacket as the temperature tends to dip drastically here.
Trail distance: 2.3km
Time taken to summit: 1 hour
Image credit: @paleepadhan
This one’s for the adventurers. Mount Sumbing is the 2nd highest volcano in Java, Indonesia, where hikers get to scale the crater.
Image credit: @faizzhidayat03
Greenhorns need not shy away from this trail as it’s defo doable. You can build your stamina prior to the trip by climbing flights of stairs. As for camping overnight, don’t forget to bring essentials such as a torch, a whistle for emergencies, and a poncho for wet weather.
Trail distance: 9.2km
Time taken to summit: 2 days
Image credit: @kr_iskndr
Gunung Datuk is a gem found in Malaysia’s Gunung Datuk Recreational Forest, over in Rembau which is roughly 25km south of the Seremba state capital.
Image fredit: @kayraaa_93
You’ll get to admire the Straits of Malacca when you reach the summit. The route up does sport a couple of steep sections and a vertical ladder, so remember to take your time and you’ll be a-okay.
Trail distance: 3.5km
Time taken to summit: 3 hours
Image adapted from: @azwan_withanh, @hakeem_adzman
Just an hour drive from KL is Gunung Angsi, where there are 2 starting points for you to pick from. Rookies can opt to start at Bukit Putus, while skilled hikers can begin at Ulu Bendul Recreational Park.
Image credit: @edward.chewcf
Bukit Putus has a few resting points for you to re-energise at. On the other hand, starting at Ulu Bendul Recreational Park will take you 3 hours to complete the entire climb – and be prepared to encounter river crossings along the way.
Trail distance from Bukit Putus: 4.5km
Time taken to summit: 4 hours
Image adapted from: @littlemonsterstravel, @zn1_photograph
Those looking for day trip ideas can consider driving over to Kluang and hiking up Gunung Lambak. Although this mountain is on the shorter side, the starting paths can get quite steep so it’s important to watch your footing here. Rest assured that this isn’t a killer hike, as there’s a rest stop along the way and the last lap turns into a gradual slope.
Image credit: Flickr
Since you’ll be trekking past rivers and waterfalls, you might encounter leeches. But all’s good, as there are leech-proof socks which you can get in preparation for this. Most leech bites are harmless too, so you can rest easy and enjoy your hike.
Trail distance: 1.6km
Time taken to summit: 3 hours
Image credit: @pi_ku
If you’re big on scenery, Kew Mae Pan will be one for the books. The mountain is set in Chiang Mia’s Doi Inthanon National Park, and it’s an easy trek up with some stairs involved. The latter half of the route gets pretty narrow, so you’ll need to walk carefully in a single file.
Image adapted from: @_paengji_, @passrnpj
Once you’re at the peak, you’ll be able to enjoy the picturesque view from above the floofy clouds. We’ve also come across reviews of this trail which mentioned red azaleas blooming along the cliffside in December – you’ll want to come with a charged camera on year-end climbs to snap a bunch of pics for the ‘Gram.
Trail distance: 2.78km
Time taken to summit: 2 hours
Image credit: @kaixin_teo
There’s no need to hike Mount Everest to be above the clouds. Located in Thailand’s north-central province of Phetchabun, Phu Thap Boek is an easy alternative to see a blanket of clouds, and most visitors even camp overnight to catch the stars.
Image credit: @bird_bird_tk
For those spending the night, remember to check the projected sunset timing online beforehand and factor in at least 1 hour of buffer time to pitch your tents – since it gets dark very quickly. As for choosing your pitching location, avoid places that are near the cliffside, and look out for anthills or dead trees that might fall on you in the middle of the night.
Trail distance: 1.7km
Time taken to summit: 5 hours
Image credit: @popmayrika
Phu Chi Fa is a comfortable climb for novices, including kiddos and seniors. The total hike up will take about 45 minutes, but do bring along a jacket as the peak can get quite chilly even during the summer.
Image adapted from: @polodelcamino, @dcsuave_travels
Because the mountain acts as a natural border between Thailand and Laos, early rises will grant you sunrise views from behind the Laotian mountains. You’ll also be able to spot the surrounding villages peeping through the sea of clouds.
Trail distance: 2.8km
Time taken to summit: 45 minutes
Image credit: @mylifeinasnapshot_vmab
Mount Batulao might seem tough, but the route up isn’t strenuous if you pace yourself well. You’ll start off on a paved path, and you can engage tour guides at the local village too if you’re not comfortable with traversing unpaved terrain on your own. It’s a relatively open trail up, so you’ll be able to relish in the fresh air.
Image credit: @karlmateooo
You can opt to start earlier in the morning to avoid the heat. As for the infamous 90-degree rope climb near the summit, some hikers have shared that using the rocks for support was easier than rappelling. Either way, your efforts will pay off as you’ll get an aerial view of Taal Lake and the towns of Batangas upon reaching the summit.
Trail distance: 6km
Time taken to summit: 5 hours
There’s a reason why mountaineering is such a popular sport amongst many – it’s a great way to challenge and test your limits with each mountain that you hike. And as Miley Cyrus once said, “Ain’t about how fast I get there, ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side”. Not everything’s a competition, so take your time revelling in The Climb.
As you plan your next adventure, you’ll want to stock up on reliable hiking gear. Thousand Miles has a slew of utilitarian clothing and accessories, from jackets to backpacks. Take the Xplorer Vintage T-shirt ($59) for example – it’s made with 100% organic cotton so you won’t be itchin’ when you’re sweatin’.
The newly launched OMNIFLEX Adaptiv Pants ($109) and Adaptiv Urban Pants ($109) have gone through an upgrade and are now more durable and stretchy. Feel free to go all-out in your movements, and fret not about the material wearing down after a few rounds in the washing machine.
The OMNIFLEX All Day Shorts (left) are available for both men and women.
For those who are especially prone to sweat, the OMNIFLEX All Day Pants ($79) and All Day Shorts ($59) are made from a thinner material so you can feel easy and breezy throughout your hike – even if you’re traversing through hot and humid climates.
Regardless of which style you opt for, everything in the OMNIFLEX line is made out of wrinkle-free and stain-resistant material that is airy and long-lasting.
For the chilly nights, the All Day Vest ($119) or the All Day Jacket ($99) will be your best friend. Both are water- and wind-resistant, keeping you warm without being excessively bulky. Plus, you can roll them up and use them as mini pillows.
Top off your ‘fit with the Xplorer Bucket Hat ($69) that’ll shade you from the scorching sun. It’s also water-repellent, so you’re covered on rainy days as well. And finally, store all your essentials in the sleek, spacious, and waterproof 18l Travel Daypack ($79).
To spur you on to take up your next mountaineering expedition, Thousand Miles is also hosting their Playscape Challenge Giveaway where the first prize includes the following:
To enter, simply shoot yourself completing a “playscape challenge”, then post your picture or video on Instagram with the hashtag #PlayscapeChallenge and tag @thousandmilesglobal. The challenge can be anything, really. Going GPS-free on a road trip, trying unique local food, or belting out your fave song in public – as long as it captures your adventurous spirit. Remember to set your profile to public!
There’ll be 5 consolation winners who will snag a full set of Thousand Miles clothing worth USD240 (~S$323.59), and another 5 who will take home a S$50 Klook gift card. Even if you’re not part of the lucky 11 who will get giveaway prizes, every entry that fulfils the posting requirements will get a S$25 Thousand Miles voucher to fund your new getup.
This post was brought to you by Thousand Miles.
Photography by Tasha Sun.
Cover image adapted from: Adi Sugiyanto, Habibi Ambon, @kaixin_teo
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