Don’t let the idea of mountain climbing throw you off – not every expedition is a death endeavour to the summit of Everest, battling howling winds and sub-zero temperatures with an oxygen tank strapped to your back.
These beginner-friendly peaks are ideal for the everyman to conquer. No fancy climbing gear is needed, and neither will it cost an arm and a leg for air tickets. All you need is a trusty pair of shoes, a reasonable level of fitness and a never-quit attitude. 1. Mount Batur source: wannabalitourThe next time you plan a trip to Bali, don’t limit your itinerary to just private villas and white beaches. Inject a day of adventure into your vacay by taking on Mount Batur, an active volcano in the Kintamani region. This pre-dawn climb takes only two hours to ascend. An immaculate sunrise and breathtaking view of Lake Batur and surrounding Balinese islands await at the top of this mountain. 2. Doi Chiang Dao source: lovethailandDoi Chiang Do is a limestone mountain nestled 73 kilometres north of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Peaking at 2,225m, the first leg of the trek will include a serene bird-watching experience, followed by a forest walk through dense, sub-alpine vegetation overlooking nearby mountain ranges. Climbers will ascend the peak in five hours, just in time for a stunning sunset. 3. Mount Bromo source: explorejavabaliMount Bromo is an iconic, active volcano in East Java that is popular with both amateur and experienced climbers alike. The top of the volcano can be easily reached in 253 steps and this highly accessible, picturesque trek will take you to a sunrise viewing point overlooking the majestic Bromo landscape. For those who are too lazy to break a sweat, horse rides to the base of the volcano are available too. 4. Kawah Ijen source: flickrKawah Ijen is another stratovolcano in East Java. This Instagram-worthy, sunrise climb will have you trekking under a starlit sky. Upon reaching the volcano crater, there will be a path leading you to down to witness the magical phenomenon of blue flames that can only be seen before dawn. As you continue on to the summit, an acidic volcanic lake with glistening turquoise waters will be yet another unforgettable sight to behold. 5. Mount Kinabalu source: tripzillaTowering at 4,095m, this mountain in Sabah, Malaysia boasts the second tallest peak in SEA. Don’t be intimidated by its elevation – it is relatively manageable to ascend, taking no more than two days with a guide. However, due to the deadly Sabah earthquake that claimed the lives of 18 TKPS students and teachers last year, parts of the mountain were closed for safety purposes. Mount Kinabalu was officially open to climbers again last December; a new and safer summit trail has since been carved out and the number of climbers per day is now capped at 120. After the hike, reward yourself with an unparalleled view of the sunrise and a well-deserved soak at Poring Hot Springs. 6. Gunung Ledang source: virtualmalaysiaAlso known as Mount Ophir, this five-hour climb in northwest Johor will be a comfortable expedition for beginners looking for their first taste of mountain climbing. Peaking at 1,276m with a clear trail to the summit, Gunung Ledang is a popular attraction among locals and tourists. Attractions include the 60m-high Puteri Waterfalls – the pool at the base of this waterfall is perfect for an afternoon dip.
