Malaysia’s scenic terrain and lush forests

One of the best ways to discover and experience the wonders of Peninsular Malaysia’s scenic terrain and lush forests is through mountain climbing. This tough but rewarding activity brings you closest to Malaysia’s natural world and you will be able to see and appreciate all its unique secrets that have remained well hidden from the outside world over many millenniums. Mountain climbing in Malaysia is more than trying to achieve the goal of reaching a summit and enjoying the view below. It gives you the first hand experience and knowledge about life in the dense forests of Malaysia. Through this activity, you will get to see rare and unusual flora, unique insects, colourful birds and sometimes even wild animals that inhabit the forested slopes. Experience mesmerising moments as you approach the thundering beauty of plunging waters.

Take the opportunity to cool your tired feet in the icy mineral water, which offers the most invigorating and refreshing natural bath. Malaysia’s mountains are never dry of waterfalls and most trails will take you across or pass one of these magnificent natural wonders. As you get higher, it will be hard not to notice the changing vegetation. Trees become smaller and are covered in moss, the undergrowth gets thicker and occasionally, a burst of colours will tell you that this is rhododendron country. Although all the mountains in Malaysia, save Mount Kinabalu, are not much higher than 2000m, many of these lower mountains present good challenges that can take anywhere from three to nine days to complete a round trip.

The easiest climbs in the peninsula that may take just several hours and can be done at the hill resorts of Gunung Jerai in Kedah, Bukit Larut in Perak and Fraser’s Hill in Pahang, all with tarred roads right to the highest elevations. A combination of trekking on road and climbing short jungle routes will allow you to reach elevations above 1000m in just three hours. Real jungle climbs that are relatively easy can be done at Gunung Bujang Melaka in Kampar, Perak, Gunung Angsi in Negeri Sembilan, Gunung Ledang and Gunung Belumut in Johor. Tougher climbs requiring three to four days can be expected at most of the mountains above 1500m.

Gunung Tahan (2187m)

The highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia, Gunung Tahan in the Taman Negara National Park is also one of the toughest to climb. There are two climbing routes, one from Kuala Tahan, which can take up to nine days to complete. The other route is from Merapoh near Gua Musang and takes five days to complete. If you plan to climb from the Merapoh route, you can reach the town by train from Gua Musang. You can get to the other route from Kuala Tahan, which is the main entrance to Taman Negara National Park, through several local tour companies who organise trips from Kuala Lumpur to the park. You may also take express buses from the Pekeliling Bus Station in Kuala Lumpur to Jerantut, the town nearest to the park from Pahang. From there, buses or taxis will take you to Kuala Tahan. Climbing Tahan requires guides and permits as well as photography license, which can be obtained from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks’ office at the park entrances in Kuala Tahan and Merapoh. Climbing Gunung Tahan offers some of the best mountain sceneries in the country and on the second day of your climb from Merapoh, you will reach highland plateaus with enthralling bonsai vegetation. Climbers normally camp here, but come prepared for chilly night conditions. Gunung Tahan’s peak, which is huge compared to other mountains in the country, can be reached by noon on the third day of the climb from Merapoh.

Gunung Korbu (2183m)

Gunung Korbu is situated not far from lpoh in the state of Perak and is the second highest peak in peninsula. The most popular climbing routes are from Tanjung Rambutan or from Ulu Kinta in Perak. The climb from Tanjung Rambutan can be done in four days. The climb from Ulu Kinta is more difficult as it is much steeper. The start to climbing this mountain from Ulu Kinta’s Intake is some 18km from lpoh and you will need to get your own transport or a public bus to get you near there.

Gunung Bubu (1568m)

Although not as high as the higher peaks of the Main Range, Gunung Bubu at the southern end of Bintang Range is quite a large mountain with sweeping hills and valleys on its north and west sides. A three-day climb can be done from the Ulu Kenas forest reserve in Kuala Kangsar. The mountain is near Kuala Kangsar town in Perak, which can be reached using the North South Expressway. Drive along Jalan Manong or take the public bus from Kuala Kangsar and stop at the entrance of the park.

Gunung Chamah (2171 M)

Located in the inner parts of the Main Range near Grik in northern Perak, Gunung Chamah is a difficult to access mountain and even more difficult to climb. To get to the base area in Kampung Rantau is a feat in itself, requiring a long drive to Grik, then continuing on to Pengkalan Trojan were you will need to go by motorboat for two hours followed by a 4WD to get to the place. Gunung Chamah is also located in one of the most pristine parts of the country, which means wild animals and even tigers roam the area. A round trip can take six days and requires many hours of day-long treks over several mountains.

Gunung Nuang (1493m)

Gunung Nuang in Ulu Langat is the highest peak in Selangor and takes two days to climb. Being close to Kuala Lumpur, this is an often-climbed mountain. From Kuala Lumpur, you may take a bus to Hulu Langat right to the Pansoon Dam. From here, you may head for the trailhead and start your trek up Gunung Nuang.

Gunung Yong Yap (2188m)

Gunung Yong Yap in Sungai Siput, Perak, is one of the higher mountains in the peninsula but can be climbed in three days. To get to the base of the trek at Kuala Mu, you will need to hire 4WD to the Orang Ash village, which is 2.5hrs away. You may also need to hire guides from this village. The trek up this mountain is very steep at many parts. Surprisingly, elephants are known to visit the peak quite regularly.

Gunung Irau (1812m)

This mountain can easily be climbed from Cameron Highlands and can be done in a day. You will be starting your climb from a higher altitude, which is a cooler start and the route passes through moss forest. To go there you have to travel to Cameron Highlands and proceed to Gunung Brinchang by road. You will need to hike about 3 hours through the Sungai Ruil Orang Ash settlement to reach Gunung Irau.

Gunung Tebu (1039m)

Gunung Tebu in Terengganu is a unique peak shrouded in many tales and mysteries. The peak is huge with a beautiful surrounding of stunted trees and tall long grass. It will be good idea to adhere to rules tied to the superstitions and beliefs when you climb this mountain as many mysterious happening are said to have taken place here. The hike up can be done in about 5-6 hours and from the top, and spectacular sunrises with the views of the South China Sea can be seen. To get to the start of the trek, you have to take a bus to Besut town. From there, take a cab to Lata Tembakoh Recreational Forest where the trailhead is located.

Gunung Benom (2107m)

This is the ninth highest peak in Peninsular Malaysia and is located in the Krau Wildlife Reserve near Jerantut in Pahang. The most established route is from the northeastern boundary of the reserve through Kampong Tengah, which is the starting point to access the trail to Gunung Benom. Entry permit must be obtained from the Department of Wildlife and National Park or from the local police. It can take five days to climb this mountain and be prepared for muddy and slippery conditions as well as low night temperatures at higher altitudes. The most established route (and of shortest duration) is to access from the northeastern boundary of the Krau Wildlife Reserve via Kampong Ulu Cheka.

Gunung Batu Puteh (2131 m)

Gunung Batu Puteh is near Kuala Woh in Tapah, Perak. The mountain can easily seen from the North South Expressway but getting to the base of the climb is quite a challenge. The trail starts near the Kuala Woh dam and you will need to higher a guide as some climbers have gone lost while attempting to climb the mountain.

Gunung Swettenham (1961 m)

Gunung Swettenham is a Kelantan-Pahang border in CeTeron Highlands, Pahang and is easily climbed in a day from Blue Valley in the highlands. The trail starts from The Yakin tea plantation in Blue Valley, which is accessible by 4WD. You will then have to climb up the steep tea plantation slopes, into the jungle.

Gunung Ulu Sepat (2161 m)

Although it’s one of the higher mountains, climbing it just takes about 3 days. The start of the trail is at Kompung Rantau, which is the remote village in the Grik area of Perak, where the climb to Gunung Chamah also begins. Getting there involves a boat ride and 4WD. Elephants also climb this mountain so you have to be extra careful.

Gunung Angsi (825m)

Gunung Angsi in the Ulu Bendul recreational forest in Negeri Sembilan can be climbed in a day and you cannot take longer than that as climbers are required to come down by 7pm. To trek up and down in one day should be easy for anyone who is reasonably fit.

Gunung Bujang Melaka (1234m)

Gunung Bujang Melaka, is situated in Kampar, Perak wand the starting point is the Kampar Mosque from where you may do a climb up and down in a day. The view at the peak offers excellent vistas of Kampar town and the North South Expressway. Some climbers camp out at the peak to catch the night scenery of the glittering town and highway lights below.

Gunung Bintang (1862m)

Gunung Bintang in Hulu Perak is usually scaled from Bintang Hijau Forest Reserve Range in Sedim area, Kulim, Kedah. There are several peaks along a huge ridge and getting to the real Bintang can be quite tricky. The area is also home to elephants and tigers. Climbing the mountain can take three days and you may need to hire a guide.

Gunung Liang Timur and West (1933m)

Gunung Liang Timur and West are near to Tanjung Malim, Perak and lesser-known mountains, which can be climbed easily in three days. There are two rou-es, one from Kampung Sungai Bill, and another one from Kampung Sungai Dara.

Gunung Inas (1801 m)

Gunung Inas is near Lawin, Perak and there are two treks up the mountain. From Pekan Lawin in the east, and from Selama on the west. From Lawin, you will pass through abandoned as well as used logging roads for up to half the trail.

Gunung Chabang (1711 m)

Gunung Chabang near Pas Selim Orang Ash village at Simpang Pulai in Perak resembles the humps of a camel’s back from certain distant angles. This mountain is not often climbed although it is clearly seen from lpoh. The trek is quite steep through old logging trails and takes two days to finish the trip.

Gunung Kenderong (1223m)

This is an impressive pyramid-shaped mountain with twin peaks and can be seen from the road to Gerik town. The peaks are Gunung Kenderong, and Gunung Kerunai. The climb up Gunung Kenderong is uphill all the way and steep too. The trek takes 5 hours to the top and the view is excellent.

Gunung Bar Gading (1 640m)

Gunung Bar Gading is near Bidor, Perak and is not climbed often. You can reach the peak in two days of trekking and climbing.