Mount Nuang (Gunung Nuang)

1,493 m (4,898 ft)

The most frequented trail starts in the village of Pangsoon/Pangsun and takes one very long day. The trek up takes about 5.5 hours and the trek down is usually slightly faster. The trail is roughly 27 km (16.5 mi). This is the trail we will be discussing in this article.

The alternate trail starts from Janda Baik village and takes 4-6 hours to complete. This trail is shorter and easier.

Some have called this trek the most difficult day hike in Kuala Lumpur. The terrain on this trek consists of five river crossings, bamboo forest, dense jungle with things like boulders and fallen trees blocking the way, and steep muddy inclines. 

The trail starts off on what people call the ‘never-ending road’ a wide dirt track that snakes its way through the dense jungle. There are multiple rest stops along this road. After about 5 km (3 mi) of incline, you’ll come to your first river crossing, after which, the trail gets narrower. 

The next section follows an old pipeline. You’ll come across a waterfall and the next few river crossings following after one another. There are white and yellow rectangles of metal nailed to the trees as indicators of the correct path. 

The second half of the trek is steeper and more difficult. You’ll climb up slippery steep sections where you’ll need to use a rope or a metal ladder to pull yourself up and you’ll climb over trunks and branches. The vegetation also gets more dense.

Just as you think you’ve reached the summit at Camp Pengasih, you realise you still have the final stretch to go. From here you’ll descend, scrambling down a steep slope for a short while, and then finally reach the summit assault section, which takes another 30-40 minutes of uphill climbing.

At the summit, you’ll find a triangulation station and a beautiful view through the branches of the surrounding vegetation. 

The descent goes down the same way. On weekends you may be able to catch a ride on a motorcycle taxi for the last stretch (the never-ending road) if the locals are stationed there.

The weather in this region is consistently humid, wet and overcast for most of the year. The temperature generally ranges between 19°C to 30° (66°F to 86°F). 

The best times to plan a climb for clearer skies, a more temperate environment and less rain, are between early June and late September as well as December to mid-March.

From March to June, it is particularly hot and humid. This is not a good time to plan a climb.

You need decent hiking boots for this climb and a torch for climbing in the dark. 

Poles may be helpful, however, in some sections, they may be a hindrance as you’ll need both hands free to grab onto things for climbing and stability. Gloves would be great to protect your hands.

Take 3 litres of water (0.7 gallons) if you don’t want to drink from the rivers.

There are 6 rest stops along the first 5 km (3 mi) of the trail and a few more campsites along the rest of the trail. The campsites do not have utilities, though some have rough shelters beneath which you can pitch your tent if you are doing the trek over multiple days. 

There are signs along the trail demarcating the distance you’ve completed and the remaining distance to the summit.

A guide is not required, and many people do go without a guide. Make sure to plan your route ahead of time and know where to go because there are places where you can veer off track and get lost. 

Guides are available if desired and are usually provided if you book your hike through a tour operator. 

A permit is required, and must be applied for two weeks in advance.

Gunung Nuang is a 1-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital, 4.5 hours northwest of Singapore City by road.

The peak can be found in Hulu Langat district on the border between the two provinces of Selangor and Pahang. The starting point of the hike is in Pansoon/Pangsun village within Gunung Nuang Park.

To get there one can travel by bus from Singapore, or fly into Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Hiking alone should be alright. You’ll likely encounter other hikers, especially on the weekend. Do be aware that if hiking in the dark on the way back, it can be dangerous as you exit the forest as there are no streetlights at all as you re-enter the more populated area.