Cherok Tokun Nature Park (National forest)
📍 Bukit Mertajam, Penang
Cherok Tokun Nature Park offers a beginner-accessible paved trail through national forest in Bukit Mertajam. Multiple trail difficulty options reach the summit. Free parking, and toilets on-site are poorly maintained.
A very good hiking spot. My friend and I choose the pavement trail, which is easier and suitable for beginner. There are, however, many trail to reach to top there with different difficulty. Along the trail, there are some wild(?) monkeys and wild(?) dogs as well, so it's wise to be careful when you encounter them. The parking spot is spacious as well and they provide free parking for both car and motorcycle. Recommended hiking spot.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with children 8 and older who can follow clear instructions around wildlife. The paved trail keeps the hike accessible and the dense canopy provides shade on the main route. Do not carry visible food or snacks — aggressive monkeys will snatch bags. Early morning visits offer the best conditions and fewer people on the trail.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →1,444 Google reviews
fitri
6 months ago
“A very good hiking spot. My friend and I choose the pavement trail, which is easier and suitable for beginner. There are, however, many trail to reach to top there with different difficulty. Along the trail, there are some wild(?) monkeys and wild(?) dogs as well, so it's wise to be careful when you encounter them. The parking spot is spacious as well and they provide free parking for both car and motorcycle. Recommended hiking spot.”
Fatin Liyana Mat Rosli
4 months ago
“Beginner friendly since you can use the normal pathway. Lot of dogs but don’t bite. To the top approximately less than 2hrs(if u super slow). Too many monkeys so i dont suggest picnic. Not so scary to go alone cause many hikers also use normal pathway. Visiting time most suitable morning 7am.”
Janelle Ann
2 months ago
“Took the longer trail up toward Trek 800/Dam viewpoint. U be all alone in the dense jungle..nothing to see at Tokun Peak only the transmitter as view. Slightly steep road downhill which is mostly unshaded. There’s a vending machine near the toilets after the carpark”
Jai Kamaruddin
2 months ago
“Nearest proper forest vibe at BM area. Clean and well maintained. Just that too many monkeys and no restriction for the hikers to feed them. Authorities shall ban the animal feeding here. Soon monkeys gonna be aggressive and might become a threat to the hikers”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Cherok Tokun provides well-maintained paved trails through dense tropical forest, making it the most accessible hiking option on Penang's mainland. Experienced hikers can branch onto steeper, unshaded trails toward the dam viewpoint or Tokun Peak, which features a transmitter as the summit view. A vending machine is located near the toilets after the carpark. The monkey population is large and bold — feeding has made some groups aggressive, and reviewers advise against bringing visible food.
