Malabang Mountain, which rises to an elevation of 1,407 meters, is a statuesque peak and a popular spot for viewing the changing colors of maple leaves. It offers fine vistas, whether you look up to Dabajian Mountain, Snow Mountain(Xueshan), or Le Mountain (Leshan) in the distance, or down on the winding valleys below.

The trail up Malabang presents a medium-difficulty climb. The Forestry Bureau has established a forest-trail system here, giving access not only to bamboo groves, maple stands, and unusual "stone pot" terrain, but also sites of ancient pass gates and battlefields. The Forestry Bureau has improved the trails with steps, protective ropes, and other facilities to ease the difficulty of the climb and protect the safety of climbers. The trailhead is beside the Dongxing Primary School in Dahu Township, Miaoli County. There are two routes up the mountain; the scenery along the northern route is relatively primeval and expansive, and the distance is relatively long; the southern route is relatively steep, and the distance is relatively short. This route is rather difficult but there are facilities available to ease the climb. When descending the steep slope, you will have to use your hands along with your feet, and brake yourself with the ropes. There is a large platform on the top of Malabang Mountain, providing climbers a good place to rest.

If you have time left after your climb, you can go to nearby Tai'an and relax in the soothing hot-spring water there, or proceed on to Sanyi and enjoy the exquisitely lifelike artworks in the Museum of Wood Carving. If you want to pick fruits or just enjoy some time in the countryside, you can go to Dahu where the strawberries are harvested from December to April, or to Gongguan where you can gather red jujubes in July and August.