Mount Tahan

Mount Tahan
Mount Tahan
Gunung Tahan; ڬونوڠ تاهن
	Gunung Tahan
Highest point
Elevation	2,187 m (7,175 ft)
Prominence	2,140 m (7,020 ft)
Listing	Ultra
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

River crossing near Kuala Juram
Sunset near Kem Botak
View at dawn near Kem Botak
Unnamed lesser peak, snapped from Kem Botak
Wooden signboard at the peak. The roof has been torn off due to severe weather in recent years.
Lembah Teku, snapped from somewhere above Kem Gedung
Kem Gedung
Steep descent via a series of metal ladders at Gunung Tangga Lima Belas
Rats will plunder your food at Kem Botak
Plenty of Usnea near the peak
Plenty of orchids, too, near the peak
Rafflesia spotted near Wray's Camp, on the way down to Kuala Teku