Over the years, tourism in Malaysia is increasing at a rapid rate. Hence, being a big country means to have more places to run. Yet, the more places there are the more confused you get. Malaysia is known for it known for its humid, tropical climate, with relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year, making it the perfect country to start training your runs.
Hence, to save time, we have compiled a list for you on where is the best place to run in Malaysia in each city!
Penang Botanical Gardens
Also known as The Waterfalls Gardens, The Penang Botanic Gardens is located at the end of waterfall road and just 8km away from George Town. It is a well-landscaped garden that is home to a variety of indigenous and exotic plant species. This garden was originally set up by the British in 1884 to be an old quarry site with twelve divided recreational sections. As of now, the garden is a favourite among friends and families as a space for either exercising or simply relaxing.
For those who enjoy running, there are a few routes available difficulties ranging from short and sweet to long and enduring. If you really fancy a challenge, there is a special path (Monkey Path) that leads up to Penang Hill. You may try attempting this steep but highly rewarding trail. However, be careful of the macaques and much other wildlife inhabiting the gardens along the path as they can be difficult to deal with due to their allowance of free roaming.
Distance: 0.9km (Small Loops)
Location: Pavilion Administrative Complex, Jalan Kebun Bunga, 10350, Penang
Opening Hours: 07:00 – 19:00 (Daily)
How to get there:
- It is possible to walk there from Pengkalan Weld
- Alternatively, there is a transit link bus No.10 available from Komatar
Desa ParkCity
Desa ParkCity is regarded as Kuala Lumpur’s most innovative, imaginative and successful model for a lively, safe, sustainable and healthy community. Along the residential area, with a small lake located at its core, is a park that features a flat 2.2km track that is frequented by many runners and running clubs. On top of that, there are many amenities provided for a perfect post sweating session.
Distance: 2.2km (Loop)
Location: 52200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Available 24/7
Putrajaya
Indeed, Putrajaya is not exactly a running route but a city itself located at the south of Kuala Lumpur. Due to being a recently developed area and becoming Kuala Lumpur’s administrative centre, there is a variety of wide avenues, waterways, impressive buildings, and parks to run at. It is also a place where many runners and cyclists enjoy travelling along as there are many visible colossal architectures built within the garden city. The ideal time to run is during the evenings or nights as there will be a spectacular view of the buildings under the sunset or night lights.
Distance: 3km – 15km
Location: Putrajaya
Opening Hours: Available 24/7
Malacca River Walk
The Malacca River played a huge role in Melaka’s history. In the past, both the waterway and buildings were not maintained properly. Hence, the waterway was very dirty and the buildings had mass structure deformities. However, the river has undergone a major revamp in recent years. Now, the waterway has been cleaned up and a great deal of effort was taken to preserve and restructure the many historic buildings and bridges along the river.
Visitors are able to travel there for not only visiting purposes but also walk or run along the beautiful waterway.
Distance: 5km
Location: 75200 Malacca
Opening Hours: Available 24/7
Lambir Hills National Park
Lambir Hills National Park is one of the world’s most ecologically diverse areas where there are still plant and insect species that ecologist thinks exist in Lambir but have not yet been described. Ranging from leisure walks to challenging trails, the park is a wonderful place to train or relax while experiencing the beauty of what the rainforest has to offer. It is arguably one of the best places to run in all of Malaysia.
Distance: 0.835km – 6.3km
Location: Miri, Sarawak
Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00 (Daily)
How to get there:
- Take a 30-40 minutes taxi ride
- Alternatively, bus services to Batu Niah, Bakong and Bekenu which stop directly opposite the park HQ.
George Town
Experience the heritage trail of Penang’s culture by running through this colourful and multicultural city of George Town. This town was once an important Straits of Malacca trading hub and it is known for its British colonial buildings, Chinese shophouses and mosques. Grabbing this opportunity to run there, you will get to notice such attractions like the Penang Town Hall, Khoo and Yap Kongsi Temple, St George’s Church and many more.
Distance: 5km – 15km
Location: George Town
Opening Hours: Available 24/7
Merdeka Park
In commemoration of the nation’s struggle to achieve independence, Taman Merdeka was established as a recreational park with nine different lawns each depicting a phase of history during the fight for independence. It is a small park surrounded with a man-made lake and a musical fountain that operate during the evenings. Both the locals and foreigners will come to the park for a simple run or come as a group to exercise at the event ground provided. It is certainly a relaxing place for any recreational activities.
Distance: 5km
Location: Jalan Datin Halimah, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening Hours: 07:00 – 19:00 (Daily)
Tanjung Lipat Jogging Track
Recently launched in 2014, the Tanjung Lipat Jogging Track is one of the longest tracks available for everyone in Sabah. The place is decked out with a stretch of exercising stations for body weight workout, bicycle stops to rent bicycles and street light when it gets dark. Do not worry about safety as the lanes are divided into separate lanes for joggers and cyclists.
It is best to run or cycle this track during the evening as you will be able to get a clear view of the sunset while catching the fresh air of Kota Kinabalu. Also, do make sure to bring some cash as you will be able to find food stalls along the way.
Distance: 5km – 8km
Location: Jalan Tanjung Lipat, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Opening Hours: Available 24/7
Tanjung Aru Perdana Park
Tanjung Aru Perdana Park is one of Kota Kinabalu most visited jogging track around the island. It features a soft and small section of incline and decline running track which helps to burn more calories while exercising. Also, the park is disabled friendly as there are an abundance of wheelchair ramps and reserved parking space around. Most importantly, it is known for the free night light musical fountain with some local periodically performance. Overall, the park is relatively safe to jog because of the fence up security and guard house at the entrance.
Distance: 2km – 3km
Location: Jalan Melati, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Opening Hours: 05:00 – 21:00 (Daily)
Taman Botani Negara
Unfortunately, a conservation fee of MYR 3.00 is required to access the park. However, it is certainly a bang for your bucks. Located in Shah Alam, visitors from all walks of life pay a visit to this popular place to either, run, cycle or even a picnic day. This is also a great place to train as the area is full of never-ending steep hills which will tire you out. Don’t forget to look out for wild monkeys along the area too.
Distance: 2km – 4km
Location: 40000, Taman Pertanian Malaysia, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor
Opening Hours: 07:30 – 17:00 (Daily, except Mondays)
Malaysia has many great places suitable for your running needs. Have you been to any of the mentioned running places? Share with us your experience when you are there in the comments below.
