Gunung Datuk

Rated: 4.0/10 

Gunung Datuk, with a height of around 885m above sea level, this mountain offer a very nice panoramic view of Negeri Sembilan and all the way to Strait of Melaka under good weather condition. The hike up of this mountain do require some physical stamina but it can be done by anyone who has at least some form of physical healthy lifestyle. To get here, "Hutan Lipur Gunung Datuk, Kota, Negeri Sembilan" or "2°32'36.8"N 102°10'08.9"E" can be set in Google Map. There are general public facilities well prepared here such as public toilet, car park (RM2) and cabin. The hiking fee is RM3 registration.

A map to Gunung Datuk from Monash University Malaysia

A zoom in map

The entrance to the hiking path is after the main entrance, pass through all the "pondok" house and right after the river crossing (There will be plenty of people there, so don't afraid to ask around if not sure). The path up to the top of the mountain would take around 1.5 - 2.5 hours approximately depending on fitness level. This mountain is fairly short in term of distance as the mountain gradient can be quite steep. Not only that, it remain quite steep the whole journey but it wouldn't be a problem for experienced hiker though. There one river crossing (bridge) and one mini stream crossing and the rest of the hike will be dry. On the side note, there is a fairly huge tree (for people like me is very huge) on the left after around 10-15 minutes hike up.

The view up here is spectacular and amazing and the best part, the hike up here can be done even by hiker who starting to love hiking. On the clear blue sky with no cloud in the sky, you can see the Strait of Melaka at the far end of the horizon. Though, to get up to the view, hiker have to overcome the fear of height since you will need to climb ladder up. But nevertheless, it all worth it. Don't let your fear pull you down and miss the awesome view this mountain provide. A few to note, the top of the mountain might become slippery during raining season but I not so sure about it since I have not been there during raining season.

A very huge tree

Hiking up the mountain

Hiking up the mountain

Almost there

Start of the ladder climbing

More ladder climbing

Last part to the highest top

Gunung Datuk

Gunung Datuk

At the top of Gunung Datuk

At the top of Gunung Datuk

At the top of Gunung Datuk

At the top of Gunung Datuk

In my opinion, this mountain has one of the best panorama view especially for a mountain that can be done by almost everyone. Though, it has a very long drive journey if you are from KL, which is a turn off. Nevertheless, it still a mountain to go if you want something new from the mountain in KL.

Edited: 13/9/2014