Papan to Hutan Lipur Falls
10 km out-and-back route from Papan town up to Hutan Lipur Papan, the recreational forest reserve and waterfall just north of town. Approximately 5 km each way, with around 200 m of climbing on the way up. The climb is steady and never too harsh.
Easy, scenic, and short. Mostly quiet, low-traffic kampung roads with a short final stretch into the forest reserve. Suitable for any bike, including gravel, road, or hybrid.
The ride passes through Papan itself, a beautiful old ghost town and one of the oldest Chinese Hakka tin-mining settlements in the Kinta Valley, dating back to the 1880s. Much of the town is now abandoned, but you'll still find wooden shophouses, faded signage, Sybil Kathigasu's wartime house, and an old Hakka temple. Roll through slowly and take it in.
North of Papan, the road opens into lush valley views with the limestone hills of the Kinta Valley framing both sides. Some of the prettiest cycling scenery in Perak, without needing to suffer for it.
The route finishes at the waterfall and pools at Hutan Lipur Papan. Cool off, then return the same way. The descent makes the earlier climb feel almost optional in hindsight.
Tips:
• Best ridden early. Some exposed sections become hot after 9 AM.
• Bring a small lock if you want to walk to the falls without worrying about the bike.
• MTB trails branch off near the top. Too technical for most gravel bikes, but worth noting for a future ride.
• Want more distance? Extend it with the longer Papan loop route.
Start point: parking near 99 Speedmart or Old Town White Coffee at the south end of Papan town. Good spot for coffee, toilets, and drinks before rolling out.
Juan Carlos Alonso

Papan to Hutan Lipur Falls
10 km out-and-back route from Papan town up to Hutan Lipur Papan, the recreational forest reserve and waterfall just north of town. Approximately 5 km each way, with around 200 m of climbing on the way up. The climb is steady and never too harsh.
Easy, scenic, and short. Mostly quiet, low-traffic kampung roads with a short final stretch into the forest reserve. Suitable for any bike, including gravel, road, or hybrid.
The ride passes through Papan itself, a beautiful old ghost town and one of the oldest Chinese Hakka tin-mining settlements in the Kinta Valley, dating back to the 1880s. Much of the town is now abandoned, but you'll still find wooden shophouses, faded signage, Sybil Kathigasu's wartime house, and an old Hakka temple. Roll through slowly and take it in.
North of Papan, the road opens into lush valley views with the limestone hills of the Kinta Valley framing both sides. Some of the prettiest cycling scenery in Perak, without needing to suffer for it.
The route finishes at the waterfall and pools at Hutan Lipur Papan. Cool off, then return the same way. The descent makes the earlier climb feel almost optional in hindsight.
Tips:
• Best ridden early. Some exposed sections become hot after 9 AM.
• Bring a small lock if you want to walk to the falls without worrying about the bike.
• MTB trails branch off near the top. Too technical for most gravel bikes, but worth noting for a future ride.
• Want more distance? Extend it with the longer Papan loop route.
Start point: parking near 99 Speedmart or Old Town White Coffee at the south end of Papan town. Good spot for coffee, toilets, and drinks before rolling out.
cycling