Doses Of Fitness And Fun: 10 Mountains To Climb In Malaysia That Aren't Mount Kinabalu

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As the third-highest mountain peak on Earth, Mount Kinabalu stands at an elevation of 4,095 metres. Expert climbers don't fret to take on the beast but some of us don't feel like spending many, many days trying to get up a mountain. 

Here are 10 other beautiful mountains in Malaysia to climb that aren't as tall and won't take you as long to get to their peak.

With the peak of the mountain located at the border of Selangor and Pahang, Gunung Nuang stands tall at 1,493 metres. As the second highest point in Selangor, certain runners can make the whole journey in just one day, while most make it a two-day adventure.

In addition to campsites and shelters located at intervals along the journey, there is even a waterfall to enjoy as you make your way to the peak.

Entrance fee:
RM1 for adults
RM0.50 for children

Coordinates:
3.2667° N, 101.9000° E

Be warned, you're unlikely to bump into Tiara Jacquelina.

Standing tall at 1,276 metres, Gunung Ledang is the tallest mountain in Johor. Located within a national park named after the mountain itself, the spectacular view from the top is accompanied by a waterfall along the way. This will be the perfect chance to live out your mermaid fantasy.

Entrance fee:
- RM2 per car (for parking)
- RM2 for adults and RM1.00 for children, to enter the Gunung Ledang Resort.
- RM3 for registration to climb the mountain
- RM13 per adult to climb the mountain

Coordinates:
2.3733° N, 102.6078° E

Breathtaking in every sense of the word, Mount Korbu is the largest mountain in Perak. Standing at an elevation of 2,183 metres, this mountain climbing journey will not be resolved in a day.

For what most consider a strenuous trek, make sure to pack a couple of changes of clothing, and tonnes of water. You might want to be careful along the way, as it's not uncommon for people to get lost in the captivating surroundings.

Entrance fee:
Two permits are required for the journey - a dam permit and a forestry permit - which can be registered online at the Forestry Department of Malaysia.

Coordinates:
4.6833° N, 101.3000° E

Just 8km away from Mount Korbu lies Gunung Yong Belar. Sitting on the border between Pahang and Kelantan, this beauty stands at 2,181 metres tall.

While good stamina and high endurance levels have seen fitness gurus complete the journey in one day, most people will end up spending a night in the cold forest before heading to the top of the mountain.

Entrance fee:
Register for a permit in advance at the Forestry Department of Malaysia.

Coordinates:
4.6500° N, 101.3617° E

As the tallest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia, Gunung Tahan is arguably one of the most challenging mountains to climb, standing at 2,187 metres tall.

Located within Taman Negara Natonal Park in Pahang, this mountain is popular among fitness junkies with a goal to concur one of the tallest peaks in Malaysia. It is said that at times, the temperature can fall as low as 7°C.

Entrance fee:
RM1 boat fare from Kuala Tahan to the entrance of the park
RM1 entrance permit to the park
RM5 fee for camera and video-taking
RM10 permit for fishing licence
(National park guides are mandatory)

Coordinates:
4.6330° N, 102.2350° E

Beginner climbers may find most of these mountains a tad intimidating, but this one is sure to whip up everyone's fascination.

As one of the smaller mountains on this list, Gunung Angsi stands at a ravishing 852 metres tall. Located in Seremban, this journey takes the average climber four to five hours to complete due to the pathway being muddy and slippery. This is one trail you may not want to underestimate.

Entrance fee:
RM5

Coordinates:
2.6986° N, 102.0481° E

At an elevation of 1,019 metres, Gunung Berembun is part of a primary forest reserve in Negeri Sembilan.

Holding great history, the mountain top of Gunung Berembun is the resting place of a World War II Royal Airforce bomber who crashed into the terrain in 1945.

Encapsulated in the forest leading to the mountain are thick trees with diameters of up to two meters long and even a river valley that acts as a gateway into the forest itself.

Entrance fee:
RM5

Coordinates:
2.8028° N, 102.0558° E

As one of the most challenging mountains on this list, Gunung Besar Hantu somewhat lives up to its name. Located in the Northern province of Negeri Sembilan, this 1,462 metre beauty would take you about eight hours to climb, and that is the easy part.

Known for being a little difficult to locate, be sure to determine all accessible routes to get to the mountain, as transportation to the location is not easy to come by.

Entrance fee:
RM5

Coordinates:
3.2272° N, 102.0125° E

At 1,217 metres tall, Gunung Jerai oversees bright, green paddy fields, and whisks you away into the cold breeze that will have you feeling like you're in a European country.

As the second highest peak in Kedah, most visitors choose to take this hike as part of their vacation due to nearby hotels that accommodate for those who need a refreshing getaway.

Entrance fee:
No permit required

Coordinates:
5.7875° N, 100.4339° E

Located in Bentong, Pahang, a day-trip to Gunung Rajah is possible, though not for everyone.

Described as the athletes paradise, Gunung Rajah opens on a journey to an Orang Asli settlement before gliding through the Lata Naning waterfall. With a long distance ahead and many aversions along the way, your mental strength needs to be as strong as your physical demeanour.

Entrance fee:
A permit is required for this trek, which can be applied for at the Forestry Department of Pahang.

Coordinates:
3.5494° N, 101.8053° E