GUNUNG TAHAN

Peninsular Malaysia's highest mountain, Gunung Tahan (2,187 meters), is located in Taman Negara, and climbing the mountain is an unforgettable experience. Taman Negara, Malaysia's National Park, is said to be more than 130 million years old and the oldest tropical rain forests in the world. It is the home of many exotic species of flora and fauna.The central region of Taman Negara is generally hilly, with lowlands to the north and south, whilst the eastern portion is mountainous and is mainly composed of granite. The two main peaks are Gunung Gagau (1,376m) and Mandi Angin (1,459m). Steeply tilted and folded sandstone outcrops are exposed along the Sungei Temmbeling, especially at Kuala Tahan and Kuala Kenyam. Limestone outcrops are found at scattered locations, the highest of which is Gua Peningat (723m). There are 14 salt licks in the park, five of which are within the vicinity of Kuala Tahan, the park headquarters. The park is drained by the Sungei Tahan, which originates at the foot of the Gunung Tahan massif, and by the Sungei Kenyan and Sungei Spia.
 
View from Taman Negara
There two known ways of reaching the summit. One through Kuala Tahan, Taman Negara headquarter, another from Merapuh, Kelantan. The one from Merapuh gices a shorter route but nonetheless the same spectcular view. From the summit, visitors can expect views of the beautiful Titiwangsa Range and Tahan Range. One has to overcome several other peaks on the Tahan Range, such as Gunung Rajah, Gunung Gedung and Gunung Tangga Lima Belas before they could even catch a glimpse of the summit.
Due to the scarcity of water along the route, the journey must be done in several stages, depending on which route taken and an experienced guide is compulsory. At least three days are required for.
Tahan International Climbathon is held annually where competitors do a normal 6 days trek in 20 hours.

This is what you can expect after 3 days of exhilarating trek

Height: 2187 meters (Highest in Peninsular Malaysia)

Location: Tahan Range, Taman Negara, Pahang

Summit temperature: 3-15 deg Celcius (Including chill and damp factor)

Mountain Guides:
Compulsory, only licensed guide from Taman Negara Resort. Can ask for local Malay or Orang Asli. (Orang Asli is preferable, due to vast experience in jungle, but poor in communication). Expected price = RM 500 per guide per week, additional RM 50 for subsequent days.

Wildlife and National Parks Department
                 Km 10, Jalan Cheras
                 56100 Kuala Lumpur 
                 Tel: +60-3-9052872 
                 Fax: +60-3-9052873

TAMAN NEGARA RESORT
                 Kuala Tahan
                 27000 Jerantut
                 Pahang Darul Makmur
                 Tel: +60-9-266 3500 / 266 2200
                 Fax: +60-9-266 1500
 

From Kuala Tahan (Taman Negara Headquarters)

Foot: Kuala Tahan

Duration: 7 days

Horizontal Distance: 110 km

Expedition type: Heavyweight backpacking

Suggested Rucsac Capacity: 60 liters

Estimated Rucsac Loading: 13-18 kg

Water Supply: Available daily at specified places, will be told by guides

To get to the foot of mountain:
From Pudu Raya Bus Terminal (Kuala Lumpur), take a express coach to Jerantut, Pahang. From Jerantut, take bus to Kuala Tembeling, the Kuala Tembeling jetty is 20 minuntes walk from the there. Take a 3 hour boat ride to Kuala Tahan.
Subsequently, take a hired van to Taman Negara from Jerantut. 
Pelangi Air run a flight service from Kuala Lumpur to Taman Negara.

Estimated Budget (from K.L.): RM 110 person

Guide Map of Taman Negara

 From Merapuh, Kelantan

Foot: Merapuh, Kelantan

Duration: 3 days

Horizontal Distance: 77 km

Expedition type: Midweight backpacking

Suggested Rucsac Capacity: 45 liters

Estimated Rucsac Loading: 10-15 kg

Water Supply: 2 days without water, suggested water carrier: 4.5 liter per person

To get to the foot of mountain:
From Kuala Lumpur railway station, take train to Gua Musang railway station, Kelantan. Take a bus to Merapuh.

Estimated Budget (from K.L.): RM 80 person
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Please note that Taman Negara is a restricted area. All rubbish brought into the park has to be brought out. All bookings and reservations must be made in advance at the reservations office in Kuala Tahan, which can be reached by  telephone at (+60-3-2634434.).

Emergency:
All treks into Taman Negara is recorded by Wildlife and National Parks Department and Ranger service. 
Ratings (Kuala Tahan)
Physical Light                                                                                                   Fit
View Poor                                                     Excellent
Conservation Polluted                                                                Unspoilt
Accessibility Accessible                                                      Inaccessible
Technical Low                                                                       High
OVERALL Poor                                                                  E xcellent

 

Copyright@ 1998-1999 by Outdoor Xtremist All rights reserved.