Photographer STEVE THOMAS picks the six best on-foot adventures in Southeast Asia.
The southeastern slice of Asia is an extensive and varied place. It boasts of amazing landscapes and diverse terrain, made even richer by a fascinating cultural and ethnic character. Whether your choice of hike is a nature and wildlife spotting exploration, a rugged mountain challenge, a full-on screeching jungle expedition, a craggy coastal stroll or a culturally enlightening voyage, Southeast Asia has the lot. Here are six of the best of the mixed bag of regional hikes.
1. Mount Pinatubo, Luzon, Philippines
The otherworldly green of Mount Pinatubo’s lake is best explored by boat.
Mount Pinatubo can be found hiding close to Clark, Pampanga in Luzon. It was a massive volcanic mountain until that fateful day in 1991 when it erupted, destroying the surrounding towns and villages, and dropping ash as far away as the U.S. Today its fearsome remains are marked by a craggy caldera and stunning crater, which has a calming aqua blue lake, hiding the ferocity that lurks beneath. Getting to Pinatubo is an adventure in itself: it involves a 2.5-hour 4×4 traverse of a lunar-like landscape to reach the trailhead. From here it’s an easy 30-minute hike each way to the crater. For sure you will want to take a boat trip in the lake, too, making a full day of things. Visit: www.pinoymountaineer.com
2. Mount Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Standing tall over north Borneo at 4,100 meters, this giant of a mountain is the highest spot in the entire region and one of the most impressive mountains you’ll ever see. Climbing it is one of life’s great experiences, especially if you climb through the dark to summit at dawn, welcomed by the glorious sunrise over Borneo. The climb usually takes two days and is not technically demanding, although it can be strenuous. Visti: www.borneoadventure.com
3. The Pinnacles, Sarawak, Malaysia
When it comes to “wild Borneo,” it doesn’t come much better than the Mulu National Park in Sarawak. The park sits on the northwest of the state and has some amazing multi-day treks. A classic jungle trek is the Head Hunters Trail (although you are perfectly safe these days). Tag on the demanding two-day climb to the summit of the jagged Pinnacles rock towers for the ultimate jungle-meets-mountain adventure. Visit: www.mulupark.com
4. Muang Sing, Laos
Cornered on the far northern Laos border with China and Vietnam is the small village of Muang Sing, which is one of the most ethnically diverse melting pots in all of Southeast Asia. Here you’ll find numerous tribal minorities living on the high plateau, having settled here from most of the neighboring regions. From the village you can trek for hours or days, visiting different hill tribe communities and even spending the night in their villages. This is truly a unique place to trek. Visit: www.muang-sing.com
5. Gunung Agung, Bali, Indonesia
Women in traditional Hindu attire head home through the lower slopes of Gunung Agung.
At over 3,000 meters, the proud strato-volcano Gunung (Mount) Agung dominates the topography of the island of Bali. On a clear morning, the dome-shaped Agung is a sight to behold. There are a couple of summit trek options, and a six-hour overnight trek to the top is usually made, so that you can make it to the summit in time for sunrise. Along the way, you’ll climb from rice-terraced hillsides and through rainforest and tundra-like landscapes before finally crossing barren lava fields. Visit: www.summitpost.org
6. Chiang Rai, Thailand
Girls from the Karen hill tribe hitch a ride with visiting trekkers on a songtaw (taxi) truck.
Thailand’s northernmost city of Chiang Rai is a virtual gateway to another time. Step back into the hills to the north of the city and in no time at all you’ll be hiking through colorful hilltribe villages, hopping river boats, and gazing in awe at the high mountain vistas, which characterize the mysterious and once-feared past of the Golden Triangle region. The great thing here is that you can trek for just a few hours and return to the luxury of the city for dinner. This is real accessible remoteness. Visit: www.activethailand.com
