Malaysia Climbing Part Two:
Exploring Damai and Real Rock in KL

Hey fellow climbers and curious wanderers. Before I dive into part two of my Malaysia climbing trip, let me start with a quick intro. If you’ve followed my blog before, you’ll know I always open with a few words. And if you’re new here, welcome. This space is my climbing journal where I share stories, mishaps, and honest reflections from my travels. If you’ve read this all before, feel free to scroll down and jump into the story 👇.

This blog is not a technical climbing guide or a pro route breakdown. I am not here to give expert tips or detailed route info. I simply share what it’s like to explore new places as an amateur climber who is also learning web development along the way. Every trip is a mix of chalk and code. While I share casual tips and local finds, please do your own research, check weather conditions, speak with certified guides, and always prioritize safety when planning your own outdoor climbing trips.

My first two days in Kuala Lumpur were rainy, the kind of rain that makes you question all your plans. We had to adjust the original outdoor climbing plan, but that change opened the door to new experiences. I got to explore more of the city, try local food, and visit two great indoor climbing gyms. These gyms kept the climbing energy going while the skies did their thing. I already wrote about them in my last post , so feel free to check that out if you want to see where to climb indoors in KL.

While gym sessions were fun, the main reason I came to Malaysia was to climb real rock. So when the sky finally cleared on day three, it felt like the moment I had been waiting for. My friend picked me up early to skip the morning traffic. Our destination was Gua Damai Extreme Park, one of the most well-known outdoor climbing areas in Kuala Lumpur. It is a great spot for anyone looking to climb outside without having to travel too far from the city.

Damai is located around 20 kilometers from central Kuala Lumpur, and it takes about 30 to 40 minutes to reach by car depending on traffic. It is just behind the iconic Batu Caves and the famous Hindu temple. If you are already planning to visit the Batu Caves, you are almost at the crag. The final stretch to Damai is only about five kilometers, and the approach is smooth and flat. Compared to other outdoor crags that require long hikes with gear, Damai feels refreshingly accessible.

What stood out about Damai is how community-centered it feels. The crag is located in a residential area where you can easily grab food, snacks, or drinks nearby. There is even a McDonald’s close to the climbing site if you want something quick. You do not need to carry food or worry about finding a place to rest. It is also perfect for those who prefer to climb without a long hike. Personally, I like walking to crags, but I understand that not everyone enjoys that, and Damai offers a very easy start to your climbing day.

The parking lot at Damai is located right in front of the climbing wall. You literally park your car and the rock is just a few steps away. For beginners or travelers with a tight schedule, this setup makes everything stress free. You can warm up and be on the wall in minutes. It is one of the easiest outdoor spots I have ever visited in terms of access, and that makes it a strong recommendation if you are climbing around KL

There is a small entrance fee of 10 ringgit, which is about two US dollars. The site is well maintained, and there is rental gear available right at the crag. I had forgotten my harness and later realized it was actually lost, but luckily I was able to borrow one from a friend. If you are traveling light, you can rent ropes and other gear here. The rope rental was around 70 ringgit. However, lead harnesses are not available, so bring your own if you plan to lead. It is a budget-friendly place to climb with enough support for traveling climbers. For more details on prices, you can visit the Gua Damai official site

There are about 30 routes at Damai, ranging from 5c to 6c. You can check full route info on theCrag website but for me, I focused on the easier grades. I climbed a lot of 5c routes, and I enjoyed the variety and style of each one. One cool thing about the wall is a large cave section in the middle. There is a giant round rock wedged into the opening, and I could not tell if it was natural or placed there, but it made the view from the top look really unique.

One of my favorite routes was called Pokok, a 5c that stands out because a tree is growing right out of the wall. It actually feels like you are climbing the rock and the tree at the same time. It is a fun experience, especially for newer climbers.

My second favorite was a route called Ghana Power, also graded 5c. It is a very flowy line with lots of footholds and good jugs. The first bolt is a little high, but once you get going, the moves feel natural and fun. The top of the route is next to a tree where you can stand comfortably. I always appreciate routes that let you finish with both feet planted.

My top pick from this trip was a route called Sweet Maria. This one is a multipitch climb, but we only did the first pitch which was around 22 meters. What I loved most about it was the relaxed, adventurous feeling it gave. It was not overly technical, and I was able to just enjoy the process of moving up the wall. Near the top, you get a view of the Kuala Lumpur skyline in the distance. It felt surreal to look out at the busy city while being surrounded by quiet cliffs and nature.

Over the two days I spent climbing at Damai, I was really impressed with how easy and organized everything was. There is a proper bathroom and even showers on site, which came in clutch because we climbed the whole last day before heading straight to the airport for our flight back to Bangkok. There is also a stable belay path built into the site so you do not need to worry about uneven ground. Everything is set up to make your climb smooth and enjoyable.

This was my first international climbing trip to Malaysia, and it gave me so much more than just routes and grades. I got to experience local culture, try new food, and feel the climbing spirit in KL. It reminded me that climbing is not only about sending hard routes but also about appreciating where you are and who you’re with. Big thanks to my Malaysian friend who organized and welcomed me into this experience.

After flying back to Bangkok, I could not stop thinking about how much I enjoyed this trip. It made me want to keep exploring and climbing around the world. That same week, I booked my next flight to Taiwan. That trip turned into another unforgettable experience where I climbed in Longdong, tried multipitch climbing, and got my first taste of trad. I will be sharing that story in my next blog post.