Mount Tahan
| Mount Tahan | |
|---|---|
|
Gunung Tahan ڬونوڠ تاهن | |
 Gunung Tahan | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,187 m (7,175 ft) [1] |
| Prominence | 2,140 m (7,020 ft) [1] |
| Listing | Ultra |
| Coordinates | 4°37′57″N 102°14′03″E / 4.63250°N 102.23417°ECoordinates: 4°37′57″N 102°14′03″E / 4.63250°N 102.23417°E [1] |
| Geography | |
  Mount Tahan Malaysia | |
| Location | Taman Negara National Park, Pahang, Malaysia |
| Parent range | Tahan Range |
Mount Tahan (Malay: Gunung Tahan), at 2,187 m, is the highest point in Peninsular Malaysia. It is located within the Taman Negara national forest, in the state of Pahang. The mountain is part of the Tahan Range in the Tenasserim Hills and is popular with local climbers.
In the Malay language, ‘gunung’ means ‘mountain’, while ‘tahan’ means ‘endure’. Thus, the name of the mountain suggests that a certain level of physical endurance is required to conquer it. Gunung Tahan is considered by many to be one of the toughest treks in Peninsular Malaysia.
Trails
There are three trails to the summit, commonly referred to as:
1) Kuala Tahan-Kuala Tahan
2) Merapoh-Kuala Tahan or Kuala Tahan-Merapoh
3) Merapoh-Merapoh
The Kuala Tahan classic trail is the oldest and most scenic trail. A return trip on this trail typically takes seven days. Climbers have to trek across undulating ridges and make several river crossings before finally reaching the foot of the mountain to make the final ascent. Climbers without adequate physical fitness or training are not advised to attempt Gunung Tahan.
The other two trails are from Merapoh (Sungai Relau). The Merapoh-Merapoh trail is significantly shorter than the other two. A return trip on the Merapoh trail takes 3–4 days. A traverse from Kuala Tahan to Merapoh (or the other way around) takes around 5 days.
Temperature
Mount Tahan can be very cold in night. In December to January, its temperature can be from 4 °C to 18 °C. And in June to September, its temperature can be from 7 °C to 27 °C. Frost can sometimes appear at the summit.
Gallery
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River crossing near Kuala Juram
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Sunset near Kem Botak
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View at dawn near Kem Botak
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Unnamed lesser peak, snapped from Kem Botak
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Wooden signboard at the peak. The roof has been torn off due to severe weather in recent years.
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Lembah Teku, snapped from somewhere above Kem Gedung
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Kem Gedung
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Steep descent via a series of metal ladders at Gunung Tangga Lima Belas
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Rats will plunder your food at Kem Botak
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Plenty of Usnea near the peak
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Plenty of orchids, too, near the peak
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Rafflesia spotted near Wray's Camp, on the way down to Kuala Teku
See also
References
- 1 2 3 "Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and Peninsular Malaysia". Peaklist.org. Retrieved 2014-05-28.