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Mountain climbing is
a wonderful way to discover the diversity and
uniqueness of Malaysia's natural landscape
ranging from the dense tropical rainforest in
the lowlands to the mountain vegetation in the
upper elevations.
From easy walks in
the cool comfort of the Main Range of Peninsular
Malaysia to the more challenging mountains of
Sabah and Sarawak, there are mountains to tempt
every level of climber.
MOUNTAINS IN
PENINSULAR MALAYSIA
Beginners can start
with the well-marked trails and less demanding
conditions of popular sites such as Gunung
(Mountain) Jerai in Kedah, Gunung Angsi in
Negeri Sembilan or Gunung Ledang in Johor where
outings take several hours to a day to complete.
These sites are
easily accessible and guides are not compulsory.
Gunung Berembun and Gunung Brinchang in the
Cameron Highlands provide breathtaking views of
tea and vegetable plantations and are ideal for
those who prefer light trekking. The latter at
2,032 m is the highest point that can be reached
by road in Peninsular Malaysia.
For those wanting
more than a weekend adventure, choose a summit
that requires a journey through the wilderness
first. One can ascend Gunung Gagau in Taman
Negara in a day's climb, but to reach the base
of the mountain you need to travel by river for
two days.
For a more
challenging climb, head to Gunung Tahan, the
highest point in Peninsular Malaysia. the 130 km
return journey takes up to 9 days and traverses
over rainforests, rivers and mountain ridges. An
experienced guide is required.
MOUNTAINS IN
SABAH AND SARAWAK
Gunung Kinabalu,
also known as Mount Kinabalu, is one
of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia at
4.093 m is located in Kinabalu Park, Sabah. It
is accessible to all trekkers. The Summit Trail
leading to Low's Peak is equipped with clear
paths and ropes to climb steep rocky sections.
Exotic plant life such as the Necklace Orchid
can be seen on the climb.
Gunung Trusmadi is
reached by a difficult week long climb though
mossy forest, steep hills and rain swollen
rivers. Upon reaching the summit, you will be
rewarded with one of the best views of Gunung
Kinabalu and a chance to see the remarkably
large and rare pitcher plants only found on the
ridges of Trusmadi.
Other mountains can
be climbed in two days as long as you are fit
enough to tackle the steep terrain. Gunung
Santubong is one of the most popular mountains
in Sarawak with its spectacular view of Kuching.
Guides will be
needed on the tough trek to Sarawak's Gunung
Penrissen. The 1,329 m vertical scramble to the
top can be completed in a day or two. The long
uphill walk to the sandstone summit of Gunung
Mulu takes four days and passes through primary
jungle, swampy patches and clumps of colorful
rhododendrons before the white clouds disperse
to reveal the massive limestone outcropping of
Gunung Api just across the valley.
See also:-
Mountain Climbing
Tips
Clothing and
Equipment for Mountain Climbing
Mountain
Climbing Sites
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