Climbing Gunung Datuk is well
worth the effort. It is quite a strenuous physical effort (at least for a
middle-aged guy like me!) but at the top, once the path emerges from the thick
jungle, hikers are rewarded with excellent views and a cooling breeze.
Gunung Datuk is 884m high (2900ft.
The starting point of the climb is probably less than 80m above sea level
meaning that the actual height climbed is a solid 800m or so.
It normally takes 2 hours to
reach (if you are fit like me) the top and somewhat less coming down.
The trail starts to climb
immediately and the first hour or so is a fairly brutal ascent over twisted
tree roots, rocks and dirt. However, the roots and the rocks can be a very good
‘stepping stone’ to help you get up there.
After a while the path becomes
slightly less steep and you might feel a refreshing breeze which is a welcome
relief from the draining humidity. Eventually (it seems longer than 2 hours)
you arrive at an open area beneath the summit.
From here a number of steel
ladders enable you to climb up the massive boulders which dominate the peak of
the mountain. The ladders look a bit unsafe and it’s really scary once you got
up there!
On the summit you can rest on the
flat boulders, enjoy the magnificent views and feel the cooling breeze. You are
supposed to be able to see the Straits of Malacca on a clear day but it was
partly hazy on our visit. The summit was indeed crowded with people especially
after sunrise. However we still manage to get a Malaysia Flag and a ‘PUNCAK
GUNUNG DATUK’ signboard which allow us to pose for Awesome Photo!
Coming back down is easier on the
heart but hard work for the knees and leg muscles.
We enjoyed the hike which was
short but strenuous. For sure there is going to be a second visit for us in the
near future!
Climbing Fee is RM5 per person,
on the way back to the base.
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| TIFFANY NGAI and CAROLINE CHIN |
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| TIFFANY NGAI POSED LIKE A SUPERWOMAN! |
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| THE SUN MIGHT BE BRIGHT BUT NOT REALLY HOT |
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| RM5 PER PAX, WHICH I THINK IT'S WORTH EVERY SINGLE CENT! |
Hutan
Lipur Gunung Datuk
Kota, Negeri
Sembilan, Malaysia.
TEL: +60 10-533 8391
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