Gunung Tahan, Malaysia

Gunung Tahan is one of my favorite mountains and also one of the toughest I’ve climbed so far. It is one of the G7 mountains in Peninsula Malaysia. Since taking up the hobby in 2000, I’ve reached the summit 5 times – the last was in 2010 with Team Santai.

G7 Mountains (7 highest mountains in Peninsula Malaysia) list.

• G1 Gunung Tahan – 2187m (7175 feet) – Done
• G2 Gunung Korbu – 2183m (7162 feet) – Done
• G3 Gunung Yong Belar – 2181m (7156 feet) – Done
• G4 Gunung Gayong – 2173m (7129 feet) – Done
• G5 Gunung Chamah – 2171m (7123 feet) – Done
• G6 Gunung Yong Yap – 2168m (7113 feet) – Done
• G7 Gunung Ulu Sepat – 2161m (7090 feet) – Done

Gunung Tahan is the highest point in Peninsula Malaysia standing at 2187 m above sea-level. It is situated in the state of Pahang, within the Taman Negara National Park. There are 3 routes that you can take to reach the summit.

• Via Sungei Relau, Merapoh, Kelantan
• Via Kuala Tahan, Pahang (Taman Negara HQ)
• Via Kuala Kor (Closed)

I was also told that some years ago, there were climbers who tried the route from Tasik Kenyir, Terengganu but I could not confirmed the source. However, by looking at the map, it should be possible but definitely the journey would be longer than the current routes and experience trekkers and climbers are a must.

So far, I’ve tried the following routes.

• Merapoh to Kuala Tahan + Four Steps Waterfall (Transverse) – 9 days – Kelantan to Pahang
• Kuala Tahan to Merapoh (Classic) – 7 days – Pahang to Kelantan
• Merapoh via Merapoh – 4 days – Kelantan
• Merapoh via Kuala Tahan (Santai) – 6 days – Kelantan to Pahang

The following pictures were from my last trip in 2010 from Merapoh, Kelantan to Kuala Tahan, Pahang. 10 years has passed. But the memories will always be around…

If you want to experience one of the best mountain trails in Peninsula Malaysia, this is one mountain that I highly recommend. You do not have to be a seasonal climber to conquer Mount Tahan, but you definitely have to be mentally prepared. As for your fitness level, it depends on the days you will be taking. You still have to train.

I really miss this mountain. I’m thinking of going back again… But this time around, I will bring my sons and close friends. There’s no plan in mind at the moment; but definitely I shall return.

Jailani Mahmood

"Many years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did.  So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour.  Catch the trade winds in your sails...….  Explore the Dreams, Experience to Discover it"

PS. Pictures courtesy of Dok Dzul and Mojak.