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.
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.
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)
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.
Gunung Bubu (1568m)
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.
Gunung Chamah (2171 M)
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 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.
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.
Gunung Benom (2107m)
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.
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.
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
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
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.
Gunung Ulu Sepat (2161 m)
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
