5 Relaxing Nature Trips From Kuala Lumpur

Living in Kuala Lumpur, KL, sure is wonderful - incredible food, endless shopping, and just those  city vibes all round. Sometimes we just need a change of scene though - fresh air and green landscapes, sounds of nature for that relaxing nature short trip to find that zen… Luckily, we can find peace and tranquility within just two hours of KL. Here are 5 relaxing nature short trips from KL we think will soothe your soul, plus how to get there and what’s special about each.

1. Templer Park: A Rainforest Sanctuary Nearby

Just 40 minutes from Kuala Lumpur, Templer Park is a hidden gem for nature lovers. Ideal for a day trip to lounge by the waterfall or enjoy a quiet picnic surrounded by lush greenery, this forest reserve is a sanctuary. The park also offers several walking trails that wind through the rainforest, giving you a chance to explore the rich biodiversity. As you wander, you'll likely encounter various species of birds, monkeys, and other wildlife that call the park home. There’s a retreat spanning over a 3-acre land that offers rainforest and waterfall views too.

Getting There:

By Car: Take the North-South Expressway (E1) from Kuala Lumpur and exit at Rawang. Follow the signs to Templer Park, which is just a short drive away. The journey takes about 40 minutes.

By Public Transport: Take the KTM Komuter train to Rawang station. From there, you can hire a ride or take a local bus to Templer Park.

2. Janda Baik: A Tranquil Kampung Escape

Just 1 hour’s drive from KL, Janda Baik is a small village at the foothills of the Titiwangsa Range. The name "Janda Baik" means "The Good Widow" and reflects the area's peaceful and welcoming atmosphere.

With its cool climate and lush greenery, Janda Baik is the perfect spot to slow down and enjoy simple pleasures of nature. Rivers Sungai Benus and Sungai Sum-Sum offer refreshing spots to relax and unwind. There are also plenty of opportunities for light trekking through the rainforest nature trails, where you can immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the jungle.

Getting There:

By Car: Janda Baik is easily accessible by car. From Kuala Lumpur, take the Karak Highway (E8) towards Bentong. After about 30 kilometers, take the exit to Janda Baik. The drive is straightforward and should take about an hour, depending on traffic.

By Public Transport: Public transport options are limited. You can take a bus from Kuala Lumpur to Bentong and then hire a ride to Janda Baik, which is about a 15-minute drive away.

3. Kuala Selangor: Mangroves and Fireflies

Kuala Selangor, about 1.5 hours from KL, is a charming coastal town that offers unique natural sights. It's famous for its firefly colonies and the Kuala Selangor Nature Park, which is home to a diverse range of wildlife and mangrove forests.

The highlight of a trip to Kuala Selangor is the evening boat ride along the Selangor River, where you can witness the magical sight of thousands of fireflies lighting up the mangrove trees. Besides the fireflies, the park is also home to over 150 species of birds, including the endangered Milky Stork. You can also explore the mangroves on foot via the park's boardwalks, where you'll get up close with the unique ecosystem that supports a variety of plant and animal life.

Getting There:

By Car: From Kuala Lumpur, take the North-South Expressway (E1) and exit at Sungai Buloh. Follow the signs towards Kuala Selangor on Federal Route 54. The drive takes about 1.5 hours.

By Public Transport: You can take a bus from the Kuala Lumpur Bus Terminal to Kuala Selangor. Alternatively, take the KTM Komuter train to the Klang station, and from there, grab a ride or a local bus to Kuala Selangor.

4. Genting Highlands: A Cool Mountain Retreat

Less than two hours from Kuala Lumpur, Genting Highlands is famous for its theme parks but the lesser known surrounding natural beauty is equally worth exploring! There are beautiful gardens to stroll through. You can sip tea while enjoying the mountain views, or simply breathe in the fresh air. Awana Bio Park offers guided nature walks where you can learn about the local flora and fauna. The 2.8-kilometer Awana Skyway, a cable car ride, gives you a bird's-eye view of the surrounding rainforests and mountains. There’s even Glamping about half an hour away from Genting if that’s your jam.

Getting There:

By Car: Take the Karak Highway (E8) from Kuala Lumpur, and follow the signs to Genting Highlands. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.

By Public Transport: You can take a bus from KL Sentral to the Genting Highlands cable car station. From there, the Awana Skyway cable car will take you up to the highlands. Buses to Genting are also available from various points in the city, including Pudu Sentral and the Gombak LRT station.

5. Fraser’s Hill: A Colonial-Era Haven

Located about two hours from KL, Fraser’s Hill is a charming little hill station. The absence of large crowds and commercial development makes it a perfect spot for those seeking solitude. The misty climate with lush greenery and well-preserved British colonial architecture creates a charming yet relaxing atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time.

Fraser’s Hill is also home to over 250 species of birds, making it one of the top birdwatching spots in Malaysia. There are numerous trails that offer a chance to explore the local flora and fauna at your own pace. The Hemmant Trail and Pine Tree Trail are particularly popular for their scenic views and rich biodiversity.

Getting There:

By Car: Drive from Kuala Lumpur via the North-South Expressway (E1), then take the exit at Rawang and continue towards Fraser’s Hill via Federal Route 55. The drive takes approximately 2 hours.

By Public Transport: Public transportation to Fraser’s Hill is limited. Your best option is to take a bus or train to Kuala Kubu Bharu, and then hire a taxi for the remaining journey up to Fraser’s Hill.

The next time you feel the need to unwind, consider one of these relaxing nature getaways—you’ll return to the city refreshed after only a short trip! Reducing stress in our hectic lives is important as stress can put us at higher risks of critical illnesses!

No matter how stress-free of a life we lead, there are still many other factors that affect our risk of critical illness. That is why it’s important to be financially protected! Starting from only RM12.30/month, i-Protect Plus financially protects you against 5 common critical illnesses in Malaysia. Get an instant quote here.