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.

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.

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.