Singapore or Malaysia? Where are the most beautiful and challenging running trails in Southeast Asia?
Every trail runner’s ultimate challenge is to participate in an ultra-trail race; a run that is any foot race longer than the traditional marathon length of 42.195km. Not just a physical or mental challenge, it requires a combination of the perfect equipment, many training sessions and the joy of spending time on the trails. Not surprisingly, ultra-marathons have become a wildly popular lately, and for good reason.
A region that is gaining popularity among ultra-marathon runners is Southeast Asia. More and more runners are hitting the trails in these countries to experience the thrill of running along a sandy coastline, across bright green rice paddy fields, up tiny trails to the peak of a volcano or through a tropical rainforest. This has led to a sharp increase in the number of trail running events, predominately in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
If you’re thinking of signing up for your first – or next – ultra-marathon in Southeast Asia, take a look at these five interesting trail options, starting from a cross-country trail in Singapore to one of the toughest races in Malaysia.
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Coast-to-Coast Trail, Singapore
Have you ever thought about hiking across an entire country? Well in the city state of Singapore, this is definitely a possibility. Start from the north of Singapore, at the Admiralty Jetty (which is located next to the Malaysian border) and make your way down south along well-maintained parks, military reservoirs and a wild jungle. This trail allows you to cross the entire country via a network of parks, forests and park connector. There are plenty of water points along the way, too, and the way up to the Dairy Farm Nature Park will challenge your ascending skills in the otherwise flat terrain. Sentosa island is the perfect location to end this trail as it is located at the southernmost point of Singapore and is just a few metres away from Indonesia. A bonus to ending your trail here? There are plenty of shower facilities for you to take a relaxing bath or dip in the ocean to cool down.
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I recommend this trail to hikers and experienced trail runners with a good sense of orientation; you will have a different picture of Singapore after this versatile run.
The Most Beautiful Thing (TMBT), Malaysia
The TMBT race is often considered one of Asia’s best trail races. The race is located within the world heritage Kinabalu Park and always in close proximity of Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s highest mountain. Consisting of 109km of trail (some races divide it among distance categories of 7.5km, 12km, 30km, 50km and 100km), this will be the story of how you overcame all the odds and emerged victorious against the TMBT challenge – a feat that truly tests the body and mind. Despite the stunning view of Mount Kinabalu (which is what Malaysians consider the “most beautiful thing”), this race is equally claimed by runners to have exciting, thrilling and unforgettable experiences – from running along jungle track, road, trail and the cultivated land of rice fields, pineapple and rubber plantations and cabbage farms to multiple river crossings.
The longest trail I have done so far, this one requires endurance but not much technical footwork. The different terrains make this trail special and I thought it was one of the most well-organised races in the region. Once you are already there, you must visit Borneo, too – though it’s not so much a hidden gem any more.
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Northern Laos
If you’re looking for a trail that is off the beaten path, this is definitely for you. Plus, you get to be one of the few to explore the extraordinary north of Laos by foot. Follow the Mekong River from Luang Prabang all the way up to Nong Khiaw, a charming little town close to nature. A 1.5-hour hike to the top of Phadeng is a must; the trail goes past ethnic villages and rice farms, is not difficult and is well maintained, but it can get extremely slippery and muddy in the rain. This hike also consists of a mud trail that has been created into steps, with good bamboo rails and ropes for help. The peak offers a full 360-panoramic view and a sight to behold. Once the clouds clear up, you can see the Nam Ou River and the entire Northern Laos mountain range. If this stimulates your adrenaline for more, ask the locals and they are more than happy to bring you to remote mountains where not many other tourists have visited before.
This is certainly a trail for everyone who likes to explore a new region and culture in a remote village. It is a relatively easy trail with good directional signs and breathtaking 360-view on the peak.
Sapa Trail, Vietnam
Rice fields, sharp mountain ranges and blue streams are what you’ll see as you wind your merry way through the forest. This describes the hardest trail run in Vietnam. If you have been thinking about investing in a hydration pack, hiking poles and durable trekking shoes – now is the time. This race offers a few distance options, so new trail runners as well as experienced athletes can get a memorable experience. You will run through some of Vietnam’s most spectacular scenery, rice paddies and mountains, while passing a plethora of animals, such as buffaloes, as well as locals going about their daily routines. It is a beautiful insight into the rural life in this charming region of Vietnam.
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Sapa Trail is one of my favourite ultra-trail races around the globe. This activity is perfect for beginners all the way to athletes. I am looking forward to hitting these trails again soon and embracing the generous local culture.
Mantra Summits Challenge (MSC), Indonesia
The MSC trail on Mount Arjuno in Indonesia must be one of the toughest trails, atop an inactive volcano in East Java peaking at an altitude 3,339 metres above sea level. The 73km-trail leads up two stunning volcanoes, connected by a breathtaking bridge. There will be a strong smell of sulphur gas at the peak of Welirang and the path down through thick jungle will require your full attention. The painful altitude gain will be compensated by the view of a sunrise on top of one of the highest volcanoes in Indonesia.
The toughest trail I have done so far, more than 5,000 metres elevation gain in 73km, is achievable, but some prior trail running experience is highly recommended. Seeing the sunrise on top of a volcano is a wonderful sight; running from one peak to another on a ridge is mind blowing and only attainable on the MSC trail.
All of these treks are rewarding. Nothing beats being soaked in nature, especially for city dwellers.
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Sunrise on a mountaintop, rice paddies, local village life and more – the running trails in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and Laos are for beginners or experienced athletes