GUNUNG TAHAN FROM KAULA TAHAN
Gunung Tahan at 2,187 metres (7,176 feet) above sea level is located in the Tahan Range and is the largest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia. There are three routes up Gunung Tahan: from Kuala Tahan, from Merapoh and from Kuala Koh. The Merapoh access is described later. Details of the Kuala Koh – Gunung Tahan – Kuala Koh Trail (constructed by Operation Raleigh) are best obtained from the Ranger Station at Kuala Koh.The Kuala Koh to Gunung Tahan return walk normally takes 16 days.
These are arduous treks demanding good physical fitness and mental determination, in addition to well maintained equipment, thorough preparation, and sound leadership if a large group is involved. Weight is crucial when it has to be carried for many days, so food should have minimal packaging and moisture content. To protect the forest, timber fires are not permissible and cooking gas or fuel must, therefore, be carried as well. All rubbish must be accounted for, except for materials that can be burned. It is best to eliminate all non-essential packaging before leaving Kuala Tahan.
The 110 kilometre (70 mile) return walk from Kuala Tahan to the mountain summit normally takes eight to nine days. The trail passes several river crossings, sometimes hazardous, and traverses long dry ridges demanding rationing of every last drop of water. The climatic extremes are daunting, as conditions on the Gunung Tahan plateau can be very cold, whereas in the lowlands, the high humidity is debilitating. Rains can be very heavy and prolonged.
All groups are required to employ the services of a guide as the path is not always apparent. Each guide accompanies a maximum of 12 trekkers. Porters and guides receive a weekly fee and payment of this is shared by the group. If you are travelling in a small group it may be possible to join others to share these costs. Because of limited space at some campsites and increasingly heavy use of this trail it is suggested that there should be no more than twelve people in a group.
All groups should report to reception on arrival in Taman Negara, to arrange a briefing by DWNPPN park staff.
The recommended schedule for this trip covers eight days, allowing time for walkers to replenish their energy, relax and absorb the superb natural surroundings. A faster pace is possible, but tends to result in exhaustion and diminishes appreciation of the route.
Day One Kuala Tahan to Sungai Melantai
Day Two Sungai Melanti to Kuala Puteh
Day Three Kuala Puteh to Kuala Teku
Day Four Kuala Teku to Wray’s Camp (or further on to Skeat’s Ridge)
Day Five Wray’s Camp/Skeat’s Ridge to Padang Camp
Day Six Padang Camp to Gunung Tahan and descent to Kuala Teku
Day Seven Kuala Teku to Kuala Puteh
Day Eight Kuala Putah to Kuala Tahan
KUALA TAHAN TO MELANTAI RIVER.
Allow five hours for this section. The main inland trail from Park HQ to Kuala Trenggan (Rentis Tahan to Trenggan) is followed for about two hours through undulating lowland forest. Lubuk Lesong, about 90 minutes out, is a good resting spot and a place to swim.
After leaving the Rentis Tahan to Trenggan trail, the path leads up the headwaters of Sungai Wa and then crosses a fairly steep divide before dropping down to a comfortable campsite at about 200 metres (650 feet) above sea level.
Food dumps for the return journey may be made at this and subsequent camps on the way up. It is best to bury the food in watertight containers or hang it high up out of reach of animals, especially monkeys who are able to get into almost anything.
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