Grandfathers Mountain

Last week I took the opportunity of Singapore’s National day holiday to head to Malaysia’s trail in Negri Sembilan with my buddy CK and Lil Sis. Initial plan was to hike up Gunung Nuang but due to the length and journey we decided not to.

CK had planned for a team of 6 person but all bailed out giving excuses such as too tired, no shoes, and even one never responded to the invite. How sad..

So instead of Nuang we selected, Grandfather Mountain aka Gunung Dato and I don’t know why its been given the title Mountain as its only peaks at about 830m. I think  “Hill” would  be a fair technical term instead of Mountain

Those wanting a good workout, this is a place to go, CK told me that he have seen kids as young as 7 or 8 yo on excursion hiking Dato,

We left at 5:30am where it took us 1hr 15min on highway to the foothill of Gunung Dato.  CK record from foothill to summit was 58min with Spooker and that I might say is a blistering pace.

Once on the foothill where we parked the car, we were greeted by the resident cats which are very friendly. Say hello to tiny.

Before Hike with our fresh faces and happy smiles , wonder what we will look like after the hike. I don’t think we will look too shabby will we ?

This little armored bug was walking and he dropped into a defensive position curling himself up.. maybe he heard my thunderous footstep ..

Natures beautiful roots and there was this very very big tree after the first checkpoint or was it before..hhmmm I cant confirm
but I have to say you need about 4 people holding hand to hand to encircled the tree, Darn, I didn’t take no picture of it.

Pit Stop fun, refueling some nutrition before we head up to the top. Li sis was carrying the reservoir bag as I told her its good training for her before heading to Mount Kota Kinabalu (KK) in the weeks to come.

Well we reached the summit, and see still happy smiles, but then with drenched clothes cause of the humid weather. Everyone is still fairly energetic.

If I knew it was such a good relaxing hike, I would have brought a picnic basket. with beers and food. All I had was a Kind Fruit and Nuts Bar.

Them enjoying the scenery while chilling by Tapak Hang Tuah (see carefully in between them) yup, some say that Hang Tuah was so angry cause he got conned into climbing this Mount Dato and found there was no Grandfather at the top of the hill, he stomped on the rock and he left his foot marks there (ok I was kidding) but yes, that little mark is named Tapak Hang Tuah.

When we were near the summit, Carl came from the back like a bat out of hell, he sure was fast climbing Gunung Dato,  He is going on his KK expedition (GOOD LUCK DUDE and in Swede, Lycka Till !!!

Couldnt even catch up with him after he descended, he really is too fast. Till next time buddy.

Oh wait, I think I have not mentioned to you guys that before you can reach the summit, you have to go through this obstacle. I named it “The ladder of Death” (abit too extreme) , if you are afraid of heights then I think you wont get to see the beautiful view. *tip* dont look down

Going up the ladder is definitely easier than coming down. Why ? cause this time you need to look down.

The Ladder of death, well not exactly this one, there is two ladder, this is for you to climb to the next one where it dangles to the summit. but if you do climb the ladders you will be rewarded for sure…

The reward you get when you brave it on to the summit !!

My 2 cents worth

Pros:

Beautiful summit view of Straits of Malacca (unfortunately hazy on my climb)

Technicality of route: 3/5  (some part of the hike up, you will need abit of a stretch)

There is a waterfall !!

Cons:

Weather was humid for first 350m.

Coming down from the summit ladder is a bit scary (for those afraid of heights, sad for you guys)

If you are interested to go there ? please see the below

Went on the low season, no waterfall but a small stream trickling down. 😦

Directions to Mount Dato

If you are coming from Kuala Lumpur, exit the North-South Expressway at Exit 223.

At the T-junction after the toll, turn left.

You will reach a round-about where you should turn right (3 o’clock exit) sign posted towards Rembau. From Rembau town you will see signposts directing you to Hutan Lipur Gunung Datuk (or Dato’) which will take you along route N111. After 15km or so you will see a turning to the left pointing to Gunung Datuk. After a short drive through a rubber estate you will arrive at the Gunung Datuk base camp where you can park your car.

You need to register at the office and pay fees.

GPS Coordinates: N 2 32.574, E 102 10.140

Facilities and Fees

Fees were increased in June 2011 and are as follows:

Climbing Fee RM5 per person

Camping Fee RM 3 per tent

Tent Hire (holds 4 people) RM5 per tent

If you want to call the office (Koperasi Gunung Datuk Rembau Berhad) their number is 06-4381046 and email: gunung_datuk@yahoo.com

As I always say Train Hard, Race Harder ! till next time !