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Towering edifices that eclipse entire landscapes, mountains are truly some of the most magnificent natural features that humans have ever laid their eyes upon.
Malaysia is blessed to be home to many beautiful mountains, some of which are ancient and possess unique qualities.
Whether you are an avid climber or just a trivia buff, this list featuring Malaysia’s magnificent mountains is just for you.
Mount Kinabalu, Sabah
Is it really possible to compile a list of Malaysian mountains without including the one which towers above all? Mount Kinabalu stands at over 4,000m, looming over the Sabahan capital of Kota Kinabalu, 50km away. Geologically, Kinabalu is actually considered to be a youngster of a mountain, having formed a mere 10 million years ago. That fact should not be surprising, as the oldest mountains tend to be stouter than newer upstarts, which have not experienced erosion for as long. Here is an interesting fact: In the 1920s, the mountain was actually named Mount St Pierre or Mount St Pedro. Some local Kadazandusun people know the mountain by Gayo Ngaran, or the Great Name. The name Kinabalu itself likely refers to Aki Nabalu (Grandfather Nabalu), believed by animist people to be the guardian spirit of the mountain.
Mount Mulu, Sarawak
Sarawak’s second tallest peak has a whole national park named after it, which has since been named a Unesco World Heritage site as of 2005. Mulu is the tallest mountain in the park, and its neighbours are Mount Api and Mount Benarat. For those geologically inclined, it might be of some interest to you that of the three, only Mulu is a sandstone mountain whereas the others are limestone. Reaching the peak often takes a four-day trek, with the trail leading up there measuring at 28km. The mountain was only ascended in the 1920s by a local rhino hunter who would eventually lead a group of scientists up the same path. Pitcher plants of all sorts can be found growing on the peak of Mulu, drawing the attention of many a botanist.
Mount Murud, Sarawak
Standing at 2,424m, Mount Murud is Sarawak’s tallest peak, dominating the Kelabit Highlands. Formed during the Miocene period, which lasted from 23 million years ago to five million years ago, the sandstone mountain stretches over 4km. According to local legend, the mountain was created when a longhouse succumbed to fraternal strife, resulting in stones falling from the sky and burying it and its inhabitants. One supposes mountains and tales of people being divinely punished with rocky fates go hand in hand together. But Murud also had another episode of violence, during the first attempted ascent in 1914 by zoologist John C Moulton, who saw his native guides killed by Dayak warriors. It was only in 1922 that Swedish zoologist Eric Mjoberg managed to make his way to the top, collecting animal and plant samples. Murud is home to various species found nowhere else, including a type of frog and pitcher plant.
Mount Mat Chinchang, Kedah
Though not the highest peak in Langkawi or even in Kedah, Mount Mat Chinchang holds another claim to fame. The mountain and its sedimentary rock formations are actually the oldest in Malaysia as well as Southeast Asia, dating back to over 500 million years ago. During this time, the Australian tectonic plate would have been colliding with Asia, resulting in much geographic activity. Fossils from the Cambrian period have also been found in other parts of Langkawi, showing just how old the island and its rocks are, predating the dinosaurs. Largely dominated by sandstone and shale, Mat Chincang is rightfully one of Langkawi’s three Unesco World Heritage Geoparks. As to its name, it can be attributed to a local myth that speaks of a fight between two giants, Mat Chinchang and Mat Raya. During their fight, the pair was struck by a bolt of divine punishment, turning both giants into the stone edifices visible today.
Mount Jerai, Kedah
Throughout human history, explorers have used natural features to act as landmarks during their travels. Mount Jerai, visible from the Strait of Malacca, is one of these features, used by ancient sailors as a sign they were entering the strait. It is not a coincidence that the Bujang Valley archaeological site is in the shadow of the mountain. Once upon a time, the shoreline was much closer to the foot of Jerai, allowing the ancient Kedahans to establish bustling harbours here. Close to the peak is an interesting rock formation called Padang Tok Sheikh, almost as old as Mount Mat Chinchang. This formation was once a sandy seabed that was hardened and then pushed to where it is today by geological movements. Interesting stuff for nerds to know!
Mount Tahan, Pahang
Not counting the East Malaysian mountains, Mount Tahan is the tallest peak in all of Malaysia, reaching heights of 2,187m. The mountain is one of many peaks contained within the perimeter of Taman Negara, which itself is worth a visit. For context, the 130 million-year-old rainforest that grows here and on the mountain itself is older than even the mighty jungles of the Amazon. Despite Tahan being shorter than Kinabalu, Tahan is generally considered to be a tougher climb, due to the differences in terrain type. To get to the top, you have to wade through rivers, march through forests and of course, climb steep inclines. Along the way, you might spot a variety of local flora and fauna, including tigers, elephants, monkeys and bears.
Mount Ledang, Johor
Speaking of legendary mountains, Mount Ledang likely has the most name recognition among Malaysians, thanks to a famous legend. Standing tall over the rest of Johor, Ledang is an inselberg mountain, a mountain formed when a rock erodes very slowly while the rest of the landscape grows lower. For the non-scientific aspect of the mountain, Ledang is most famous for its association with Puteri Gunung Ledang, or Princess of Mount Ledang. According to the tale, the princess was blessed with a near-supernatural beauty, drawing the attention of Sultan Mahmud Shah of Malacca. She set out seven impossible tasks for him to complete, resulting in his attempts at wooing her ending in failure. The mountain is also tied to the legend of Hang Tuah and his brothers, who supposedly trained under a silat master at the peak. As for the name of the mountain, it is mostly believed to originate from the Javanese word ledang, which means show-off.
Mount Batu Brinchang, Perak–Pahang
The only mountain on this list that straddles a border between two states, Mount Batu Brinchang stands at just over 2,000m and is the second highest peak in Cameron Highlands. What makes Batu Brinchang special is that unlike the other mountains, which require you to hike your way up, there actually is a road leading all the way up! In fact, that particular road snaking its way up Batu Brinchang, aptly named Jalan Gunung Brinchang, is the highest paved road in Malaysia. At the top of the mountain is an observation tower which grants visitors an astounding view of the surrounding highlands. For folk who prefer to walk all the way up, there is a trail that starts near Brinchang town, offering a challenge for the brave adventurer. Driving provides a more touristy experience, with several attractions along the way, including tea plantations and strawberry farms.
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