Hiking at Gunung Datuk (Rembau, Negeri Sembilan)

Weekend Hiking Excursion to Gunung Datuk 

 

Summary & Highlights 

Gunung Datuk has a height of 885masl (meter above sea level) and trail distance of approx. 4.5km and offers a 360 panoramic of surrounding hills and forest of Negeri Sembilan. The trail is unique as you will encounters lots of big tree roots formation, rocky terrains and virgin jungle humongous vegetations.  The defining moment when you reached the peak, is to get the chance to climb on-top of the giant size granite boulders via mounted steel ladders.

What are you waiting for? Let's go into the details of the climb and get to know what to expect along the trail leading up to the peak of Gunung Datuk. Have fun!!!

Group of hikers at the base of the mountain

Big group of hikers lining up to begin to climb the steps of the steel ladders - to officially step into the virgin forest area.

(Note: There is a small "pondok" up ahead where you are required to register (sign-in) and show proof of payment of entrance fees to the park)

In the very beginning, one thing that strike me fast was the trail don't really give you any time to prepare for some light walking "warm up" time at all. The starting point of ascend is really step - with lots of big tree roots and rocks along the trail.

As you can see from the signboard, the elevation you need to ascend is quite steep and covers a long trail distance.

To give you a perspective on how the terrain look like (at the starting point of the hike).

Hence, you really need to know how to pace yourself well as the initial hike itself will zap all your energy and strength. 

Hiker ascending the rocky trail with the assistance of rope.

Passing through checkpoint 2

Do take note that there is a total of 3 checkpoints that you need to passthrough as you traverse the trail.

View of the trail terrain (with big roots protruding out of the ground)

Dense virgin forest and surrounding

Giant tree with bizarre looking trunks

There are lots of sound of insects chirping and large primate (aka Siamang monkey) howling loud in the distance, and they do sometimes give the creeps. I sometimes get the feeling that I'm in a Predator movie scene. Could be somewhere out there, someone or something is watching over me from the treetop afar... brrrr... it just my wild imagination.

Descending hiker passing through tree roots. 

Hiker using ladder to climb up the steep terrain.

Almost there ......reaching the peak of the mountain.

After 2 hours of continuous non-stop hiking and we finally reached the peak and come across the signpost (see below). Few meters away, you will get to see the magnificent boulders up close, and the massive size of the granite natural structures was really an eye opener. 

(Note: I give my 2 hands salute and gratitude to whomever that gives the ideas of setting up the steel ladders to climb this massive granite boulders).

Hikers ascending on the steel ladders to the peak of Gunung Datuk

Hikers reaching the peak of the mountain.

There's a yellow metal signage displaying Gunung Datuk and its magnificent hike. Do look for it and have a photo taken as a memory of your achievement :-)

View of misty forest at the peak

Picture of the peak forest areas with lots of mist even though is already close to 930am

Note: I read somewhere in the web that mentioned there is a legend behind this small cavity "footprint" on the rock surface. Someone say it was formerly Hang Tuah footstep.  

Group of dare devil hikers resting at the edge of the rocks at the mountain peak. 

It gives me the shivers knowing is a really big steep vertical drop from where they are sitting at.

Conclusion:

Personally, I must say that I enjoyed the hike even though is challenging and tiring. Simply love the view of the forest and the hilly surrounding mountain. Key highlight is definitely at the peak as this is where you get the chance to sit down on the giant boulders and enjoy the spectacular view and cooling air.

I highly recommend this place for fellow hikers to explore. I can assure you that it worth the time, efforts and every drop of energy and sweat you gave.  You get a million-dollar view as payback from here.

Sharing my lesson learnt:

• Be fit and prepared - I would rate this hike to be between moderate to difficult hike due to steep and challenging terrain. So, you need to be fit and have some experience in hiking before you to attempt this.
• Be extra cautious and stay safe - don't rush and keep safety at your utmost priority due to challenging terrain. 
• Have proper gear with you - for those that plan to use walking sticks, do ensure is retractable and can easily store as you need to use both your hand to climb/grab whole of the roots/rocks when passing through the difficult section of the trail.
• If it rains before you come, change your plan for another day - I can't imagine how slippery, difficult and dangerous the place will after rain. I don't recommend you try unless you are a hardcore hiker.
• Please keep your kids at home - don't bring along your small kids as some sections of the trails are really dangerous. (Take your kid to someplace else like Bukit Gasing, Wawasan or something easy)

Hike distance and duration:

• The trail distance is about 4.6km and will take approx. 2.5 to 3hours to complete (1 way)
• Do allocate about 4-5hours minimum for a roundtrip (rest, taking pictures and enjoying the scenery).

Getting here:

• If you are driving from Kuala Lumpur/PJ/Shah Alam, the distance is approx. 100+km and driving time of at least 1.5hours.
• Depending on your location, you can either use ELITE or NKVE highway and exit at Pedas/Linggi exit. Continue toward Rembau/Tampin road and you will eventually see the signboard of Gunung Datuk recreational park.

Basic Facilities here:

• Food and drinks - Local food stall selling simple food and drinks. 
• Toilet - As additional plus point, there are clean toilets and areas for bathing if you need to do so.  

Where to park:

• Carpark area is very limited. 
• 2 option to consider. 
• Option 1: you can either drive all the way into the park entrance and try your luck finding parking space here.
• Option 2: Otherwise, most likely you have to park alongside the narrow road leading to the park main areas.

Things to know and prepare for:

• Payment of RM5 as park entrance fee. 
• For payment and registration - You can do over the counter or do online registration in advance before you come for the hike. Here the link.
• Good pair of walking booths with strong rubber traction and retractable walking stick
• Plenty of water for hydration. I would recommend bringing at least 1.5L of water and some snacks to replenish your sugar level.