Almost three quarters of land in Malaysia is covered in forests. Approximately the same in size as Norway, the area under forests is equal in size of the entire United Kingdom. Malaysia, with it's beautiful forests that contain several species of plants and trees, is a nature lovers paradise. Camping amidst the giant tropical trees, bird-watching, spelunking, swimming, mountain climbing, boating, fly-fishing, etc are other attractions of the National Parks.
One can visit a number of these parks, to name a few: 
Kinabalu National Park; Taman Negara National Park; Endau Rompin National Park; Tawau Hills Park;  Lambir Hills National Park; Batang Ai National Park;  Rantau Abang Turtle Hatchery.


Taman Negara National Park
Covering an area of approximately 4343 sq.km, the Taman Negara National Park is spread across the states of Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu. Situated in the peninsular Malaysia, it is among the oldest rainforests in the world. Thus this 130 millions year old jungle is not affected from the changing times.

The  park house more than 10,000 species of plants and 250 varieties of birds. Mouse deer, barking deer, wild ox, and several monkey species, tapir, elephant, leopard and tiger. 

Easy availability of experienced guides, excellent network of trails and it's biodiversity makes it one of the most favoured trekking sites. Tahan or Kenyam rivers are perfect for fishing while the rapids of Sungai Tembeling is perfectly suited for rafting.

Standing high at 2,187 mts, Gunung Tahan, the highest mountain in peninsular Malaysia is located here. The hike to the mountain, takes a minimum of 3 days. This distance, back and forth, is traveled in two stages with the help of an experienced guide. The headquarters of the park, Kuala Tahan, is located on the southern edge. It is connected to the outside world by means of a river. 

Endau Rompin National Park
488 sq. km of forest, watersheds of the rivers Endau in Johor and Rompin in Pahang; together form this park. This is the second largest park in Malaysia. This 2½-century-old extensive lowland forest is home to several rare and endangered species.  The park has numerous species of flora and fauna and provides them with diverse habitats, rising as an important conservation area. 

Livistona endauensis, an indigenous variety of fan palm is found here. Rhopa coblaste also known as the climbing bamboo; Phychorapis singaporensis or the walking stick palm, characterised by slender stems and feather like leaf fronds; numerous varieties of toadstools and orchids are included among the other plant species of this region.

The wildlife here includes elephants, tigers, wild boar and the existing largest populations of Sumatran rhinoceros. The only ape species of the area, the binturong or bear cat (Arctictis binturong) and the white handed gibbon are also found here.  Housing the chirping drongos, hornbills and argus pheasant; the forest is also home to butterflies and fruit piercing moths belonging to the 'othreis' species.

The forest consists of 26 km of trails; the 16 km from the base camp at Kuala Jasin to Batu Hampar and Buaya Sangkut, consisting of several crossings of fast paced rivers, is the best maintained and the most popular. The waterfall, at Buaya Sangkut, descending through 5 levels is a splendid sight and picturesque treat.

The park remains close from November to March, during the rainy season.

Kinabalu National Park
The largest mountain in the Southeast Asia, Mt Kinabalu is located at a distance of 138 km from Kota Kinabalu; the capital city of Sabah. The peak of the mountain is 4101 mt high and is still growing. The national park is formed from the vast area that surrounds it's slopes from the bottom to the peak. This area contains a wealth of flora varying between the lowland dipterocarp forests to the mountain oak. It also features the rhododendron, conifer, alpine meadows and bushes type of vegetation. 

Rafflesia, a giant red blossom and one of the largest flowers in the world, having a diameter of over 170 cm also grows here. Over 250 species of birds, including the Mountain Bush Warbler; Kinabalu friendly Warbler; pale faced Bilbul and Mountain Blackeyes, can be seen here. Mammals like mountain squirrel, tree shrews and bats are also a resident of the mountain.

With the requirement of no special skill, the easy hike up the Kinabalu is the major attraction of this mountain. Easy accommodation is available all along the climb. Situated at a height of 12,500 ft, Sayat Hut is the highest lodging of this region. It has picturesque surroundings and the breathtaking view from the top. 
There is also a graded path, passing through rivers; waterfalls and bat caves, towards the top. 

One can also visit the hot springs located here. Discovered by Japanese during the WWII, these springs have been transformed into Japanese-style open air baths. The sulfur water of the springs has curative properties for several skin diseases.

Located at a distance of 90 km or 2 hours from Kota Kinabalu, the park is easily accessible. Mini buses, from Kota Kinabalu, leave daily; stopping at the park on their way.

Batang Ai National Park
Located at a distance of 250 km from the Kuching city, covering an area of about 24,040 hectares, the Batang Ai National Park lies in the Sri Aman Division. Home and protection to several species of flora and fauna, the park is a water source for the man-made lake formed by the construction of the Batang Ali Hydroelectric dam. Stretching upto the Engkari and Ai valleys, the lake presents a splendid view and an atmosphere of peace and quiet. The river is the only source of transportation.

Housing the Orang Utan, one of the rarest and endangered primate that can grow as long as 1.5 mts and weighs upto 200 kgs, the area has a wealth of mixed dipterocarp forests. Other endangered species under the protection of the park are hornbills and gibbons. 

For adventurous visitors, there are 4 trails and treks through the dipterocarp and old secondary forests and areas of active shifting cultivation.

The park can be reached through a 6 hour road journey from Kuching to Batang Ai Dam and a further 2 hour boat ride from the dam to the park station.

Lambir Hills National Park
Located to the South-West of Miri, the Lambir Hills National Park covers an area of 6,952 hectares. It has a series of hills, the highest being at an elevation of 450 meters. The picturesque valley and the lower slopes have mixed dipterocarp forests whereas the upper areas have heath forests. The only sound in this otherwise tranquil region is of the bird calls or from the waterfalls cascading into the deep rocky pools.

Dominated with mixed dipterocarps and kerangas, the area has a wealth of palms belonging to the licuala species and stilt rooted eugeissona. Numerous species of ariods, ginger, ferns, terrestrial orchids, epiphytes and vines are included among the varieties of flora found here. The Kerangas forests of the upper region contains various hill casuarians. Shrubs, ferns and pitcher plants are also found in the upper region.

Several species of animals including 157 bird species along with bats, rodents, the scaly ant eating pangolins, bearded pigs, barking deer, monkeys, Bornean gibbons, etc form the wildlife of the area.

Situated at a distance of half hour ride from Miri, the park is easily accessible. 

Tawau Hills Park
The hill region was transformed into a National Park to protect the natural environment and to ensure an uninterrupted water supply for the region. Spread over an area of 27,972 hectares; the park is not only home to unique species of flora and fauna, but also the main water source for the regions of Tawau and Semporna.

Located in the eastern coast of Sabah, the Tawau Hills are covered in rugged volcanic terrain and lush forests with abundant supply of water. The main crop on the coastal plains include oil palm, cocoa and rubber plantations.

The thick mossy forests in the lower region have lianas and dipterocarp forest vegetation. Various species of begonia, orchids, tree ferns, agathis and mountain ru are a few examples of the plant life that can be seen here. Mengaris tree, an interesting species with smooth grey trunk that is difficult to climb, is also found here. These trees are home to honey bees, who built their honeycombs high in these trees to save it from honey bears.

The park is home to wildlife including macaques, creamy white leaf monkeys, giant tree squirrels, civet cats and leopard cats. The clouded leopard, the largest wildcat in Borneo, and a rare species can be seen here. It feeds on mammals like rats and wild pigs. Hornbills and pheasants and the slow-moving forest tortoise are the harmless residents of the park.

It also features a geothermal pool, a therapeutic natural spa with hot springs, a place where you can be rid of weary bones and tired muscles.

There are several trails in the forest that provide you with the opportunity to view the jungle and it's several plant and animal species in a more intimate way. Adventure seekers can climb the Bombalai Hill. Standing at a height of 530 meters, these hills provide a splendid view of the plantations, the Tawau town and the Sulawesi Sea. 

Rantau Abang Turtle Hatchery
Located at a distance of 60 km south of Kuala Terengganu, the Rantau Abang Turtle Hatchery is built to protect the Giant Leatherback Turtle from it's sharp decline. This endangered specie weighs more than 375 kg and is 2.5 meters in length. Only six places in the world, including Rantau Abang, are graced with the presence of these turtles; between the months of May-September. Visitors to the park lay back silently, from midnight till dawn, in order to watch the splendid sight of the giant turtles laying their eggs. 

Without authorization or license, collection or sale of turtle's eggs is prohibited by the Terengganu Government; the act has been declared an offence.