Gunung
Kinabalu, one of the highest
mountains in Southeast Asia at 4093m 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 through 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 1329 metre 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
colourful rhododendrons before the white clouds
disperse to reveal the massive limestone outcropping
of Gunung Api just across the valley.
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Beginners can start with the well-marked
trails and less demanding conditions of popular
sites such as Gunung 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 2032 meters is the highest point that can be
reached by road in Peninsular Malaysia.
Although many mountains, especially those located
in the national parks, have overnight camping
facilities and provide some equipment for rental,
it is always wise to plan ahead and make a few
enquiries for bookings, weather conditions and
other current information. Some of the more remote
sites may even require special permits from the
authorities.
