We finally decided to get back to the nature!
This time, we visited Gunung Datuk!
Located at Rembau, Seremban, Gunung Datuk is famous for its rocky peak and sunrise view!
To get here, simply Google or Waze 'Gunung Datuk' and you will be led directly to the entrance!
Also, once you exit toll (Pedas/Linggi), you will see signboard leading you to Gunung Datuk along the way.
It is around 1 hour and 10 minutes drive from KL. Pretty near I will say =)
One advise for those who keen to hike here, do CARPOOL if you are going in groups.
The parking space is very limited near the entrance.
You might need to park further a bit and walk to the entrance if needed.
Be reminded, DO NOT BLOCK THE WAY!
You might block the way of ambulance or fire truck in case of any emergency.
*where we parked our car - along the roadside*
*us walking towards the proper carpark a.k.a. entrance of the trail*
*the carpark*
*the entrance with sun-rays through the trees!*
*another view of the entrance - it suggested that the trail to peak is around 2km. In fact, according to my team's tracking, it's around 4km per way*
The trail starts with descending a well maintained flight of stairs as seen in the photos.
Enjoy your time here, as it will be the last nice scene before the start of the nightmare (ok lah it's not that scary but the trail after this is not easy either).
*the view which welcomes you after that flight of stairs*
*small bridge*
*the view from other side at the start of the trail*
*the start of ascending? No, not quite yet*
After crossing the small bridge and hike up a bit, you will get to a cottage, where they collect the entrance fee/permit here.
You will need to register yourself here.
For big group, it is recommended to get ready a name list of participants containing names, IC and contact number, and just pass the list to the ranger to save your time.
Permit is RM5 per pax.
*the emergency contacts*
*the map of the trail*
I've read most hiking blogs mentioning that the challenging uphill part is only like for one hour, and the rest is more of flat ground.
But NOOOOOOOO.
It turns out that the trail is ALL THE WAYYYYYYYYYYYYY UP until the very peak.
Yeap, it is that challenging.
For those who aren't too fit, please take your time and just follow your own pace.
Do not rush things. The peak is always there.
*a super huge tree where you can see on the way*
*uphill*
*still uphill*
*more uphill*
*forever uphill*
Though the trail is challenging, but it is very clear.
Direction of trail is marked with red paint along the way (on the rocks and trees as you can see from the photos).
There is no need to fear for lost in the woods as there are many other hikers along the way as well.
Just need to be careful and take one step at a time.
Do not lose your balance or you will fall straight down!
After around one hour hike, we have reached the rest point.
This is the only proper rest point for this trail.
We took a 10 - 15 minutes break here before continue ascending to the peak.
*the starting trail from rest point is still uphill*
From this point onward, we did not take much photo of the route.
We are tired, and the trail is all uphills.
Well there are 2 short distance where the trail is of flat ground, but it is superrrrrr short.
So do not expect you will get much rest there.
After around 3 hours of hiking uphill, we are finally at the peak of Gunung Datuk!!
Despite of the hot sun above us, the peak is super windy!
All the tiredness and sore gone away just like that once we reached the peak.
However, there is no view at this place.
*the must-have group photo with the signboard of the peak*
The adventure does not stop here.
You can still go up further for stunning view!
But first, you will need to climb few flights of stairs installed by previous hikers.
*Long and tall stairs*
*the view of the same stair from above - quite high isn't it?*
After climbing those stairs, you will reach the middle and this view welcomes you.
Stunning?
To get to the highest peak, you will need to climb up these stairs.
*the last two flights of stairs before reaching the highest peak*
And TA-DA!!!
The breathtaking view awaits you!!
We stayed at the highest peak for around an hour, just for taking photos.
After we are satisfied with all photos and as the peak become hotter and hotter, we decided to descend to the initial peak to get some rest and recharge ourselves.
Another reminder here, take turn and be patient when using the stairs.
Everyone wants to get to the highest peak, and everyone wants to go back down.
After we rested for around half an hour, we started to descend.
While we thought descending will be much more easier than hiking up, we are WRONG.
As the hill is very steep, descending becomes harder as it requires more knee and muscle strength.
We took around 1 hour 30 minutes to descend, but our knee and leg muscle are sore and tired. Our legs feel squishy at the end of the trail.
So our advice, wear knee support if required, and bring hiking poles with you to reduce the stress on knee.
Summary of the hike:-
1. Moderate to difficult hike. Not recommended for beginners, unless you have strong physical and stamina
2. Limited parking, recommend to carpool (carpark normally full at around 7am)
3. Hiking permit at RM5 per pax
4. Bring minimum 2 litre of water per pax
5. Knee support and hiking pole is strongly recommended for those who have weak knees
6. Around 3 hours (slow pace) hike up; 1 hour 30 minutes hike down
7. Be patient and take turn to climb stairs to avoid accident
That's all for today's update.
Till the next hike, ciao!!
