There is no better way to appreciate the extraordinary beauty of Malaysia's rainforests than to walk along some of the trails. To explore the forest on foot is to take a journey deep into the heart of Malaysia's natural landscape. Trekking in Malaysia's diverse tropical habitats through such varied terrain as deeply-forested undulating hills, gushing rivers, steep forested slopes and muddy trails, can be a rich and rewarding experience.

Natural forests cover almost three-quarters of Malaysia's land area. The lowlands are covered chiefly by a type of forest called dipterocarp forest, one of nature's most complex and diverse ecosystems. This varied environment; in some of the world's oldest rainforests; is home to some remarkable animals, including the Sumatran rhinoceros, clouded leopard, and orangutan. The plants are equally fascinating, including carnivorous pitcher plants, and the world's largest flower, a parasitic vine that lives on the forest floor.

At an elevation of about 900m, the lowland forest changes to montane forest and dipterocarp trees give way to oak, chestnut and lauel trees. Higher still, mossy forest gives way to loud forest with gnarled and stunted trees.

You don't have to mount a major expedition to experience the true rainforest. A good introduction to montane forest would be to walk along the gentle trails in the easily accessible hill resorts of Fraser's Hill and Cameron Highlands. Montane forests are cooler and more comfortable for trekking compared to the hot, humid lowland rainforests, but are equally fascinating. The well-marked trails, some of which go up nearby mountains, provide a safe introduction to jungle terrain.

These longer hikes can be exhausting for visitors from temperate countries not used to the heat and humidity of the lowlands, and leeches can be a temporary problem. Most people, however, find their encounter with Malaysia's tropical jungle a humbling experience well worth the hardship. On some of the remote treks, it's wise to go with an experienced guide. Trails in the jungle may look all the same, but a wrong turn can have disastrous consequences, or the water level may rise unexpectedly after a sudden downpour.

Trekking excursions are centered in the country's National Parks and Forest Reserves. A fine example would be the Endau Rompin National Park, which encompasses the watershed of the rivers, Endau in Johor and Rompin in Pahang, and comprises some 488 sq. km. Lush and relatively untouched, it is one of the few remaining lowland forest in the country. Here, there are some 26km of jungle trails within the park, the most well trodden path being the grueling 16km trail from the base camp at Kuala Jasin to Batu Hampar and Buaya Sangkut with numerous crossings of fast flowing rivers. At Buaya Sangkut, a waterfall cascading down through five levels presents a spectacular visual sight. Also take this opportunity to study nature in its own backyard. Given the diverse variety of species and habitat in the area, this can be a very absorbing activity indeed. Inhale the heady perfume of the "Mussaendra Mutabilis", a woody climbing plant with fragrant flowers, used in traditional scents for the hair and clothes. Observe how the famous pitcher plant traps the unwary insect within its enticing water-filled sacs and see how millions of ants make their homes in tiny chambers within the "ant plant".