We had a Covid enforced absence between March 2020 and September 2022 since when we have slowly refreshed our knowledge of the trails we have reported on. However, neither of us is anything like as fit as before and it seems unlikely we shall revisit those in the jungle covered northern hills and you should understand that all reports covering that area will be increasingly out of date and subject to change.

In the south of the island, trails are more 'fluid'. They are created by and for farmers, new ones open and old ones become disused and overgrown. As such some pictures should be considered indicative as opposed to definitive - use your common sense in trying to follow the reports, many of which are approaching 10 years old.

As larger groups of hikers and bikers have 'discovered' the attractions of the area, the behaviour of some of them has led to some hostility and the erection of fences and gates to control access. Politely and sympathetically engaging those whose livelihood comes from farming is the best way to ensure continuing access to these trails.

One important change is the withdrawal of the Rapid Penang 501 bus service between Balik Pulau and Teluk Bahang, which means that many of the hikes it served are no longer accessible other than by car.