REFRESH, RECHARGE: 8 HEALTHY HIKING DESTINATIONS

Asia is home to some of the world’s most scenic and beautiful places on the planet. The lush greenery, exotic flora and fauna, intriguing cultures and more, makes it one of the best regions to explore; and what better way to wellness than exploring nature’s green by foot.

Step out into the great outdoors, breathe in the fresh air and experience the best of healthy living by following some of these breathtakingly beautiful trails. Pack your bags, tie up your laces and get ready to walk, run or hike!

Difficulty level: Easy-Moderate

Known as "The Roof of Thailand", at 2,438.4 metres above sea level, Doi Inthanon is Thailand's highest peak, located in Chiang Mai close to Myanmar. Its unique vegetation and wildlife make this place a must-visit for nature lovers.

Despite its elevation, Doi Inthanon is an easy climb – most of the trail is well-worn and paved. The main trail stretches 48280.3metres from base to summit, passing Karen and Hmong settlements and a landscape that starts out subtropical, before transforming into a frigid alpine climate close to the top. Shorter trails, like the three-hour Kiu Mae Pan walk and the brief Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail provide easier outlets for those seeking a shorter hike.

Difficulty level: Moderate

Famed as the go-to location for many movies, the  1,520 acres Clearwater Bay Country Park is a wide rugged terrain in the South-eastern New Territories.

You can begin your journey in Tai Hang Tun, which is a comfortable starting point for family hikers and perfect for casual walks. Cutting across dense woodlands in the mid slopes, it features 12 stops with information on its rich flora and fauna.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, there is the Park’s main attraction, High Junk Peak - one of the four treacherous peaks in Hong Kong. Steep and menacing, the spur offers surprisingly peaceful vistas. Towering 344 metres above the lowlands, High Junk Peak tests hikers with a tough final ascent. There are several other country trails within the borders of Clearwater Bay Country Park. Hikers can select one that suits their interest and ability.

Difficulty level: Moderate-Difficult

Mt. Hamiguitan is the only mountain in the Philippines under UNESCO World Heritage Site and ASEAN Heritage Park. Rising only 1,620 metres above sea level, Mount Hamiguitan’s biggest draw is its incredibly unique species of wildlife that can be found nowhere else in the entire world. It is home to the centuries-old, largest pygmy or ‘bonsai’ forest and the iconic Philippine Eagle, Pamana.

If you are planning to go on this adventurous trek, which can take over a day depending on the route, make sure to get a guide to accompany you and be geared with waterproof equipment as the trail involves a number of river crossings, slippery muddy pathways and frequent downpour of rain. 

Difficulty level: Moderate-Difficult

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich and diverse ecology, Mount Kinabalu dominates the landscape in Sabah, Borneo. Rising over 3,962.4 metres above sea level, it is indisputably Malaysia's tallest mountain.

From the starting point at Kinabalu National Park, a series of hiking trails allows even beginners to get most of the way to the top. Climbing Mount Kinabalu requires no special training or equipment. However, getting to the summit is purely a matter of physical and mental stamina.

A much tougher challenge can be found in the mountain's “via ferrata”. There are two trails to the Low’s Peak summit – Ranau Trail and Kota Belud Trail – both of which take two days and one night.

Difficulty level: Easy - Moderate

Travel the northern highland town of Sapa in Vietnam for breath-taking views of rice terraces and stunning mountain peaks with mists hovering over them. Built by the French in 1922 as a mountain retreat, Sapa's year-round cool climate and amazing views have made it a popular destination for hikers.

Trails vary from half-day walks to Hmong and Dao villages, to a four-day trek up Vietnam's highest peak, Fansipan. A shorter day-hike can be easily integrated into a longer Vietnam tour for those who want to keep their energy for more traveling.

Difficulty level: Moderate-Difficult

Santubong has a great deal to offer visitors with some superb natural attractions centred on the rainforested slopes of Mount Santubong – its mangrove forests, rivers, near shore waters and mudflats.

Only 35 minutes’ drive from Kuching, this is one of the best hiking destinations in the region. It involves some steep climbs, including up rope ladders. The trail is well made, and it provides very rewarding views from the top. The trail passes through beautiful and diverse rainforest and offers a good opportunity for seeing wildlife, especially on weekdays when the trail is quieter.

Difficulty level: Easy-Moderate

Pulau Tuba is Langkawi’s third largest island located 5,000 metres and 20 minutes by boat from Kuah and is home to a traditional fishing village. With pristine beaches, limestone bedrocks, bat caves and lush rainforests, the island is a paradise for hikers.

For the fit and adventurous, the peak of Pulau Tuba can be reached by hiking. The climb takes only 90 minutes. Even if you are not a jungle trekker, per say, a short hike through the Permanent Forest Reserve is worth the effort.

Difficulty level: Moderate-Difficult

A hike to the largest cave in the world should certainly rouse your inner explorer. Its position in dense Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park makes it even more appealing to hikers who like to take the trail less trodden.

The four-day subterranean journey will lead you through a 5,000 metres cavern wide and high enough for a 747 plane to fly through. Surrounded by stalagmites up to 70 metres high and underground forests, the trek involves rope-climbing, scrambling over boulders and crossing through various streams. It’s an arduous adventure, but one few can say they’ve done, giving it a truly adventurous sheen.