Gunung Tahan is one of my favorite mountains and also one of the toughest I’ve climbed so far. Since taking up the hobby in 2000, I’ve reached the summit 4 times – the last was in April this year (2009) with Team Santai.

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 forest, West Malaysia. 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 climbers are required.

So far, I’ve tried the following routes.

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

If you want to experience the best, 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 will be planning 3 trips to Gunung Tahan next year (2010) as follows.

• February – 4 days – Merapoh to Merapoh
• April – 7 days – Transverse – Merapoh to Kuala Tahan
• Either July or August

Email me if you are interested to join my trip next year.

Click here to view more photos.

Jailani@pactrex

For more information, drop us an email at info@pactrex.com.

Grading:

• Easy - Short Local / Day Hike
• Moderate - eg. Gunung Belumut
• Moderate to Strenuous - eg. Gunung Stong & Ayam
• Strenuous - eg. Gunung Tahan