7 Great Places for Trekking in Southeast Asia

Malaysia's Cameron Highlands are famous for two things: tea and excellent trekking. The cool climate makes the Cameron Highlands superb for growing tea; travelers flock to the green region just to take a break from Southeast Asia's typically scorching temperatures.

Make no mistake, the Cameron Highlands are not a national park with helpful signs and maps. The area is still wild, with miles of trails winding through mountains and sprawling tea plantations. The area even proved to be the possible demise of legendary millionaire Jim Thompson who disappeared while on a walk.

The Cameron Highlands are roughly halfway between Penang and Kuala Lumpur; the usual base for staying in the Cameron Highlands is the tiny town of Tanah Rata.

While the older Taman Negara on the Malaysian mainland receives far more traffic, Penang National Park quietly waits with miles of trails and untouched beaches. Malaysia's youngest national park has enough to keep everyone busy for a couple of days. A canopy walkway, two tough trails, and secluded beaches that serve as a nesting sea turtle sanctuary.

The Penang National Park is located on the western edge of Penang, just off the coast of Malaysia.

• Read more about exploring the Penang National Park.

Indonesia is the world's most geologically unstable country. When the many volcanic peaks are not causing trouble, adventurous travelers can take advantage of spectacular views from the summits. Climbing to the top of an active volcano is a challenging thrill, rewarded with expansive views of the countryside.

Gunung Bromo -- perhaps the most famous -- attracts thousands of tourists annually. For a less touristy adventure, consider checking out these other active volcanoes in Indonesia which can be climbed.

Gunung Rinjani towers 12,224 feet over Lombok, Indonesia and challenges anyone willing to take on the steep slopes. This is no amateur hike; summiting Rinjani requires a guide, camping equipment, and lots of sweat.

When weather and the temperament of the volcano permit, hikers can witness the perpetual eruption of   lava oozing into a crater lake. An average trekking expedition costs around $175, but the exhilaration of summiting such a famous volcano is worth the cost.

• Read more about climbing Gunung Rinjani.

When the crowds of Kuta and Ubud become too much, head for the green Kintamani region in Northern Bali. Mount Batur, an active volcano, and its adjacent volcanic lake are postcard perfect. Most visitors stop at the small town of Penelokan to snap a picture, but serious hikers can tackle the volcano.

Although the trail is steep, Mount Batur can be climbed in one day. Hikers often start around 4 a.m. to reach the summit for an incredible sunrise.

• Read more about climbing Mount Batur.
• Read about the Kintamani region in Bali.

The state of Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo is a nature lover's paradise. National parks such as Gunung Gading National Park and Lambir Hills National Park offer miles of trails, waterfalls, rare rafflesia flowers and even endangered orangutans.

Gunung Mulu National Park is Sarawak's only UNESCO World Heritage Site. While a little difficult to reach, the astounding caves and shocking rock formations are worth the effort.

Cheap flights between Kuala Lumpur and Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, run daily.

• Read more about Gunung Gading National Park.
• Read about trekking in Lambir Hills National Park.

Malaysia's tallest mountain, Mount Kinabalu, dominates the landscape in Sabah, Borneo. Over 40,000 people a year tackle the massif; not all reach the summit. While temperatures are near freezing, the  trail is impossibly steep. Climbing Mount Kinabalu requires no special training or equipment. Getting to the summit is purely a matter of physical and mental stamina.

Mount Kinabalu National Park was Malaysia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hikers must get a permit to begin their two-day adventure up the slopes.

• Read more about climbing Mount Kinabalu.