Gunung Datuk for The Amazing View

  

Gunung Datuk – A must place to climb for Hikers

 

Gunung Datuk is one of the two most popular mountains (beside Gunung Angsi) in Negeri Sembilan.  It is very popular with many hikers, both locals as well as from the Klang Valley especially every weekend and public holiday. It is located about two hours’ drive from Kuala Lumpur, the mountain is 883.92 meters above sea level, attracting enthusiastic climbers for its beautiful scenery in Rembau district, besides being able to see the Straits of Melaka from its peak if the weather is good.

According to history, the top of this mountain was used by Datuk Perpatih Nan Sebatang, an important figure who compiled Adat Perpatih in the state, as a gathering place for all customary chiefs and the declaration of titles and the name of the incumbent Datuk Lembaga Adat in 1372.

For some climbers, this mountain is one of the 'collections' of mountains that need to be climbed to add to the list of peaks that have been conquered, just for personal satisfaction and add experience. Mount Datok has Hill Dipterocarp forest and Upper Dipterocarp forest.  Hill dipterocarp forest is the most extensive forest type in Peninsular Malaysia and exists at 300 to 750 meters a.s.l. The main species found are Shorea curtisii (Meranti seraya), Dipterocarpus (Keruing), and other Meranti’s. The forests in Malaysia are mostly dominated by trees from the Dipterocarpaceae family, hence the term ‘dipterocarp forests’. The dipterocarp forest occurs on dry land just above sea level to an altitude of about 900 meters. The term “dipterocarp” refers to most of the largest trees in the forest that belong to one plant family known as Dipterocarpaceace. It was so-called due to their fruits having seeds with two wing – di = two, ptero = wing, carp =seed

 

There is much flora on this mountain that has medicinal value. The distance covered is around 3 – 3.2 km each way and normally takes about 2 to 3 hours to reach the top depending on your speed and experience and somewhat less coming down. The entry track will go through a river that needs to be crossed before starting the climb. The track is not too extreme. The track is quite straight and clear with signs making it easy to follow without the need for guide services.

 

The start of the climb for the first hour begins by going up a steep track which is quite a challenge for every climber before taking a more steep and relaxed track. You need to be mentally and physically prepared. You need to have enough carbo before you go there as well as enough water supply and simple food with high energy. The first half of the journey is very tiring as you have to climb steep terrain with natural big stone and tree. You need to be highly motivated to overcome the challenge. If you have not been climbing any mountain or hills before, it is advisable not to go alone. You will be easily giving up and struggle there. The mountain is categorized as an extreme trail but at the top, once the path emerges from the thick jungle, hikers are rewarded with excellent views and a cooling breeze.

The first time I climbed this Mount Datuk which was on 18 November 2017, there were several steel ladders that enable us to climb up the massive boulders which dominate the peak of the mountain. The ladders looked a bit unsafe but they were not as scary as it looked.

 

My second visit was on 22 July 2018 with my son Ariff Mustafa. At the entrance, we met my hiking buddies Kura-Kura Hikers Akmal and his cousin. After about one hour climb, suddenly we experienced heavy rainfall and luckily it was at a pitstop but with no shade. We had a 50-50 decision on whether to proceed with the climb. When the rain started to subside, we decided to continue the climb up till the top and it was a good decision especially when you reach the top with the amazing view. 

 

Once you reached there, all the struggles were paid off. The scenery was so beautiful and the amazing view up there will make you forget the difficulties you have had the first  1.5 to 2 hours before. At the summit, you can rest on the flat boulders, enjoy the magnificent views, and feel the cooling breeze. But be prepared with the crowds in which sometimes it is very hard to find a good spot for you to rest or for some photos. You are supposed to be able to see the Straits of Malacca on a clear day but it was partly hazy on our visit.

 

When going down, it tests your muscle strength as it will make you so helpless as though you cannot continue to maintain the step-down. Coming back down is easier on the heart but hard work for the knees and leg muscles

 

Sharing some amazing views during my recent visit to Gunung Datuk with my eldest son Azmi Shafiq on 15 August 2020.

Verdict

I enjoyed the hike which was short but strenuous. In my opinion, Gunung Angsi is good to start as a family-type activity since the climb is somewhat easier but longer. I would recommend Gunung Datuk for its superior views despite the hard work.