Malaysia Mountains

Learn Malay: Malaysia Mountains
Malay word for Mountain / Mountains: gunung

There are several mountainous regions in both Peninsular and East Malaysia. The most famous of Malaysia Mountains is Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, which also happens to be the tallest peak in South East Asia (4101 metres high).

Gunung Tahan and Gunung Ledang in Peninsular Malaysia are two mountains that are quite famous and interesting to climb. Gunung Ledang has its own legend about an 'orang Bunian' (fairy-folks) princess who lives on top of Ledang Mountain.

Most of these mountains are nestled within National Parks so you can go both jungle trekking and mountain climbing at the same time. The plant and animal life on these mountains are one-of-a-kind, such as the rafflesia, which is the biggest flower in the world.

Visit the 'gunung' or Malaysia mountains for a tropical mountaineering adventure.

List of Malaysia Mountains:

Mountains in West Malaysia (Peninsular)

West Coast Malaysia

State: Kedah
1.)Gunung Jerai

South Region Malaysia

State: Johor
1.)Gunung Ledang

East Coast Malaysia

State: Pahang
1.) Gunung Tahan

Mountains in East Malaysia (Borneo)

State: Sabah
1.)Gunung Kinabalu
2.)Gunung Trusmadi

State: Sarawak
1.)Gunung Mulu

Before you go climb Malaysia Mountains:

1.) You have a map of the local area and the mountain trails.

2.) You have the proper equipment to go mountain-climbing.

3.) You are trained in mountain-climbing.

4.) Have a trained Guide / Forest Warden to take you around the jungle surrounding the mountain and on the mountain itself.

5.) Stock-up on mineral water.

6.) You have adequate food rations to last you for the duration of your stay, plus for 3 extra days, in case of emergency.

7.) Use mosquito control products.

8.) Bring along a Compass.

9.) Have a torchlight / flashlight with new batteries.

10.) Have a camera (preferably waterproof).

11.) Wear a hat / cap (in case small animals, insects, leaves, etc falls on your head, and to protect yourself against the elements).

10.) Bring a small medical / emergency kit in case of minor injuries or bruises.

11.) Check with the local authorities / Forest Warden whether a Mountain area is unsafe / off-limits / has areas to be avoided.

12.) Have a permit to go mountaineering and trekking.

Please:

1.)DO NOT go Mountaineering by yourself.
No matter how many times you've visited a Taman Negara and gone mountain-climbing. There have been many cases of trekkers losing their way on the mountains and in the jungles surrounding them. Sudden rain, fog, haze and/or darkness can occur anytime. There ARE dangerous creatures on the Malaysian mountains.

2.)DO NOT touch the creatures that you encounter.
Touching and disturbing certain animals and insects will distress them, and they may attack you (they will sting, bite, spit venom, spray poison or scratch your eyes out). Let them live in peace in their natural habitat. Take extra care not to disturb their young (their babies!) and nesting areas.

3.)DO NOT drink alcohol or become drunk whilst on the Mountain.
DO NOT bring cans or bottles of alcoholic beverages. You have to be sober in case of emergencies such as injuries, attacks by wild animals, snakes or insects (bees, etc). Being drunk is not a safe way to cross ravines, climb over rocks and scale mountains.

4.)DO NOT smoke cigars or cigarettes in the Mountain area.
Dried leaves on the forest floor are highly flammable. One spark from your cigarette can create a forest fire. Leave your cigarettes at home.

5.)DO NOT throw rubbish (cans, bottles, food wrappers, plastic bags, etc) on the Mountain.
Bring all of it back with you. You will be endangering the local wildlife that may accidently eat your rubbish or injure itself on tin edges and broken bottles.

6.)DO NOT take flowers, plants, insects, animals, rocks, fossils or anything that you find. Other trekkers will also want to enjoy the unique sights along the trail.
Remember: some flora and fauna are an endangered species. Hence if you've taken a wild flower or a butterfly, you'll be depriving others of the unique encounter and probably killed a species in the process!

Remember:
Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints.