"Because it's there" would be the answer most people would give when asked why they would want to climb a mountain. Perhaps the exhilaration and pride of conquering a mountain makes one speechless. Whatever the reason, mountaineering is a sport that is fast gaining popularity in Malaysia.  

Whoever visits this region should not miss the opportunity to engage in some mountaineering. No advanced mountaineering gear is necessary as even the tallest in South East Asia-are relatively easy to ascend. Most well known mountains are situated in gazetted national parks, which also offer other adventures like trekking and bird watching.  
Mountaineering may be conducted to suit your preference and ability. One may choose the easy route, with ready marked trails or go off the beaten track with a guide to help you reach the summit. This route may be more risky and difficult, but the reward is well worth the effort.  
A common feature noticeable throughout all the mountains, except Mount Kinabalu, is the difficulty in reaching even the base of the mountains. Virgin jungles swamps and rivers make the journey hazardous and visibility is always poor due to the thick vegetation in the tropical rainforest. Mount Kinabalu, however, has a rugged rock landscape at altitudes over 11,000 feet. Although the last glacier here disappeared over 3,000 year ago, there are some traces of ice information that cannot be found on other Malaysia mountains.  

Surveys conducted show that more than 24 mountains in Malaysia exceed 2,000 metres in altitude Mount Kinabalu can be scaled in 2 days, with an overnight stay at Panar Laban or Layang-Layang before ascending to the peak early the next morning to catch a glimpse of the beautiful sunrise. Climbing is easy since most paths are clear and well-tracked Kinabalu Park organises a Climbathon annually sometime in September and records show that most climbers can ascend and descend within 6 hours. The record time, however is 2 hours 15 minutes set by a Nepalese soldier.  

Gazetted mountains require that climbing parties be accompanied by a guide, while poterage services are available upon request. Engaging guides is compulsory for climbing Mount Kinabalu. Mount Mulu and Mount Tahan. The highest peak in Peninsular Malaysia is Mount Tahan, which can be conquered in 5 days. Other choices for mountaineering are Mount Ophir (Mount Ledang). Johor Mount Korbu, Perak Mount Mulu and Bukit Batu Lawi, Sarawak Mount Trusmadi and Mount Tambuyan, Sabah. Other mountains which are not on the list may be scaled with prior arrangements from the local authorities such as the police or the Forestry Department.   
 

Social/Commercial Organisations

Social Organisations  

	Mountaineering Association of Malaysia. P.O. Box 6571. Kampong Tunku Post Office. 47309 Petaling Jaya. SELANGOR. Tel : 03-93311911(President's House). Fax : 03-244423
	Taman Negara Resort. Pernas International. Suite 505A, 5th Floor. Jalan Sultan Ismail 50250 KUALA LUMPUR. Tel : 03-2634434. Fax : 03-262403

Commercial Organisations  

	Api Tours (Borneo) Sdn. Bhd. Ground Floor Lot G21-32. Wisma Sabah. 88000 Jalan Tun Razak. Kota Kinabalu. Sabah. Tel : 088-218658/218829. Fax : 088-2178339
	Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel. 33, 33M & 35M, Jalan Dewan. Sultan Sulaiman Satu. 50300 KUALA LUMPUR. Tel : 03-2925637. Fax : 03-2925209.
	Boskyn Udara Sdn. Bhd (Borneo Skyways). Bosky Udara Hanger. Miri Airport. P.O. Box 682. Miri. SARAWAK. Tel : 085-34242/31562.

 

Sites

 

	Sarawak : Mount Santubong, Mount Serapi, Mount Mulu, Mount Api, Mount Benarat, Mount Murud, Mount Batu Lawi, Mount Puih, Bukit Batu Iran, Mount Gading & Bukit Emas.
	Sabah :Mount Kinabalu & Mount Trusmadi.
	Kedah : Mount Jerai, Mount Raya & Mount Keriang.
	Pahang : Mount Tahan & Mount Gedong.
	Johor : Mound Ledang, Mount Belumut & Bukit Lambak'.
	Perak : Mount Korbu.