Have you ever tried climbing Gunung Datuk? Brace yourself for a short but strenuous climb and be rewarded by priceless, breathtaking view at the top.
Last weekend I had the opportunity to join a group of adolescents to climb the fabled Gunung Datuk in Negeri Sembilan for the second time in 3 years. We embarked on our journey quite early at around 6a.m. and reached our destination at about 7a.m. By the time we arrived at the foot of the mountain, there were already lots of cars lining the sides of the narrow entrance. Guess a lot of people were really interested to hike this mountain huh! As usual, do not forget to prepare all your hiking supplies prior to your climb ok!
Reminders to all climbers of Gunung Datuk:
- Bring plenty of water to get yourself hydrated (minimum 1.5 litre of water)
- Wear proper hiking boots (either the expensive ones or "Adidas Kampung")
- Bring some food to keep you going as the climb will burn lots of calories!
Stretching our muscles! Hiyeak!
Our photo before we make our climb!
After doing some stretching to prevent any unwanted injuries and cramps, we started to make our move. Honestly, I was really worried about these kids as Gunung Datuk might be a tough one for them to challenge, let alone conquer. Though I was told that they had hiked Bukit Beruang Hill and Broga Hill before, this "Grandfather" mountain served as a different test altogether. Apparently, the mountain got its name in 1372 when Dato' Perpatih Nan Sebatang organized a meeting among the leaders to elect the Dato' Lembaga (Chief of the Clan). Guess it was the de-facto place for the chief back then.
The entrance into the unknown...brace yourselves little ones!
On paper, Gunung Datuk stands at a height of 884 metres or 2900 feet. Then again the actual distance covered on foot by a climber is expected to be around 4.7km on a one-way journey; So it will be around 9.5km for your trip up the summit and return to the foot of the mountain again. Though this distance is nothing to professional climbers, I fear the kids under my supervision might find it a bit too strenuous. Let's find out how did they fare, shall we?
Honestly I am quite happy to be here again after 3 years. LOL :D
NOTICE that I was wearing "Adidas Kampung" which cost me only RM6 at Mr. DIY
NOTICE that I was wearing "Adidas Kampung" which cost me only RM6 at Mr. DIY
After paying for our "permit" or admission fee of RM5, they started to venture into the unknown. Once you have crossed the bridge, your trail into uncertainty begins. Ok a little bit dramatic but you have to expect the worst, don't you? Honestly speaking, the first hour of the climb was relatively brutal especially for amateur climbers who had to weather the bumpy routes which were dominated by twisted tree roots, rocks of different sizes, gaping holes which threatened to sprain your ankles! Yikes! If you are not careful and vigilant, you might end up on a stretcher. Honestly yours truly me kinda sprained one of my foot as well.
You can see how STEEP the climb was!
Gotta keep on moving!
We needed to hold on to ropes to make our climb not that difficult
Don't forget to take a break if you are a little bit tired. LOL :D
A lot of other avid climbers were here as well. :)
We are almost there...almost...
During my first ascent 3 years ago, it was drizzling during the whole journey which made it almost impossible for us to move forward. So I was really glad that it did not rain last weekend, otherwise it would be even more difficult to guide these young fledglings up the mountain. Ha :D After weathering the tormenting terrains for almost 2 hours, you would start to feel that the climb had begun to be more tolerable...in other words it is not as steep as the beginning. Finally you would arrive at an open area which essentially means you have almost arrived at the summit. ALMOST. Here, we rested for a while before making our final move to conquer the peak of Gunung Datuk.
Ta~da~we made it to the TOP of Gunung Datuk!
When we were ready-after eating some bread, we started to make our ascent to the TOP of Gunung Datuk which was made of several gargantuan boulders. I was happily surprised to know that they had replaced the old, unstable ladders with proper steps and staircases which were obviously more sturdy and safer. Slowly and orderly, all the young ones climbed up the boulders one-by-one to reach the top.
It's good to be at the top again after 3 years
Bask in the ambiance, enjoy the magnificent sight!
Breathtaking, isn't it?
Once we were up there at the peak, all of us were visibly very, very happy not just because we had conquered the mountain but also because we got to witness the magnificent view which unfolded right before our naked eyes. It was really breathtaking and magical at the same time with the gentle, cold breeze slowly caressing our faces as if to acknowledge our endeavours to the top. Sitting on the flat boulders while enjoying the beautiful scenery is the culmination of all our hard work. After taking tonnes of photos, we were finally willing to start our descent down the mountain.
You really need to be here! :)
All smiles after conquering the top of the mountain
Priceless memories, right?
One for the album
One last photo of all of us before we go down.
On the way down, everything appeared to be faster but that did not mean that it was easier. The boys who were more agile could easily manoeuvre around the protruding rocks, sturdy trees and sneaky holes! On the other hand, those who were terribly exhausted took cautious steps down the tormenting path with their joints and muscles screaming in pain. Still, adrenaline and endorphins kept all of us going. And in no time (around 1 and a half hours) we had made it back to where we started.
And down we went...it was not easy...but TOGETHER-we can do it! :)
Nothing beats a bowl of chilled cendol after our climb!
The whole climb took us around 5 to 6 hours and all of us were all smiles as our sweat and pain had translated into our sweet victory that we would savour for the rest of our life. By the way, we rewarded ourselves with a bowl of deserving cendol, brimming with coconut milk and brown sugar. Yummy! So should you climb this Gunung Datuk in Negeri Sembilan? It is a definite yes from yours truly me who had conquered it twice. :)
Admission: RM5
How to get to Gunung Datuk
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