MY · Kedah · 6.00°N 100.97°E

ulu muda forest

Longboats up the Muda River, salt licks, elephants and hornbills in Kedah's wildest forest.

Best time
December to March is driest and best for walking, and June and July are often drier too. In long dry spells the river runs low and the boatmen may have to push; after heavy rain it floods. Let your operator pick the dates.
How long
3 days, 2 nights
Getting there
About 5.5 hours' drive from KL: the North–South Expressway to Gurun, then through Jeniang and Sik to the Muda Lake jetty near Gubir. From there it's a 1–2 hour longboat ride. Operators can also pick you up in Penang.
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MY · Kedahulu muda forest6.00°N 100.97°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Longboats up the Muda River, salt licks, elephants and hornbills in Kedah's wildest forest.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingUlu Muda ForestMY, Kedah
KLulu muda forest
≈ 328 km from KL, as the crow flies
A view of the forest from a longtail boat going towards Kuala Labua

Photo: Heavermr · CC BY-SA 4.0

Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

One of the biggest stretches of forest left in the peninsula, covering the hills of eastern Kedah up to the Thai border, and the water catchment for much of Kedah, Penang and Perlis. Trips start with a longboat ride from Muda Lake, then a few days of jungle walks, river swims and quiet waits at salt licks where elephants sometimes come to feed.

Makan

  1. Camp mealsRice, curries and fish cooked at the lodge or camp; mention any dietary needs when you book.Map ↗
  2. Nasi campur in SikThe last proper food stop before the jetty.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. The longboat rideUp the river from Muda Lake between forested banks; in low water you may hop out and help push.Map ↗
  2. Salt licksWait quietly at a viewing spot for elephants and other animals. Nothing is guaranteed.Map ↗
  3. HornbillsListen for the whoosh of wingbeats and the honking calls over the river.Map ↗
  4. Jungle walksGuided trails to limestone hills, caves and clear river pools.Map ↗

Where to stay

In the forest lodge or camp your operator uses; there's nothing walk-in out here.

Good to know

  • You need a forest permit; operators arrange it with your booking.
  • Pack leech socks, a dry bag and a headlamp. There's little or no phone signal.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.