5 Majestic Peaks Outside Of KL That Are Worth Exploring
An escape from the city.
By Celine Low — 25 Jul 2024, 05:52 PM
1. Mount Tahan, Pahang
Looking for a hiking adventure? Gunung Tahan, or endurance mountain in English, is definitely a test of your endurance. Standing at 2,187 metres in Taman Negara, Pahang, this majestic peak is the highest in Peninsular Malaysia.
Although it's not as tall as Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, the challenge of scaling Gunung Tahan is on another level. The journey involves navigating thick foliage, crossing rivers, and trudging along muddy trails. Expect a gruelling trek that can take up to a week to complete. Along the way, you can spot diverse flora and fauna, including orchids, bonsai, and unique ping-pong ball shaped mushrooms.
2. Mount Kinabalu, Sabah
Situated in Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Mount Kinabalu rises to 4,095 metres, making it Malaysia's tallest peak and the third-highest island peak globally. The mountain is a biological treasure trove, housing over 5,000 plant species, 326 bird species, and over 100 mammals, including the famous Rafflesia flower and rare hornbills.
It is typically a two-day, one-night journey to scale this majestic mountain, with rates starting from RM1,380 per person. Visitors can also stay in the park or in chalets in nearby Kundasang.
Visit this website for more info.
3. Mount Ledang, Johor
Mount Ledang, also known as Mount Ophir, is the tallest peak in Johor, rising at 1,276 metres. This mountain is also steeped in local folklore, particularly the legend of Puteri Gunung Ledang, which is about a mystical princess who spurns the advances of the Sultan of Melaka by setting seven impossible demands for her hand in marriage.
The mountain attracts between 15,000 and 20,000 visitors annually. According to Tourism Johor, Mount Ledang is the sixth most difficult mountain to conquer and takes 10 to 11 hours to complete the climb. Those who manage to reach the top are rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree view of the surrounding plains. Additionally, Gunung Ledang National Park, which is located near the mountain, is an ideal getaway for less strenuous activities such as a picnic or camping trip by the river.
4. Penang Hill, Penang
Penang Hill is a collection of peaks standing taller than 700 metres above sea level, offering the best vantage point of the entire island. As part of the UNESCO-recognised Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve, the hills are home to more than 2,000 flora and 500 fauna species.
Penang Hill is also home to the Penang Hill Railway, a funicular railway that climbs to the peak. You can catch gorgeous sunrise and sunset views at the top, with trains scheduled between 6.30am and 11pm.
Want a panoramic view of the Pearl of the Orient? Purchase your tickets here.
5. Taming Sari Tower, Melaka
Standing at 110 metres, Taming Sari Tower is Malaysia's first and only gyro tower with a rotating observation deck that provides a panoramic view of Melaka, including A Famosa, St. Paul's Hill, and the bustling Jonker Street. The deck accommodates up to 66 people and tickets cost RM20 for adults, RM15 for children, and RM11 for senior citizens above 55 years old.
More info here.
Fun fact: the tower is named after the legendary Taming Sari dagger, a mythical weapon associated with the legendary warrior Hang Tuah.
