Mount Ophir (Gunung Ledang)

1,276m (4,186 ft)

There are four trails to choose from to climb Mount Ophir – Lagenda Trail, Asahan Trail, Ayer Panas Trail and Jementah Trail. The first two are the most popular and both take less than a day up and down.

The Lagenda Trail starts from the entrance of the Johor National Park (or the Gunung Ledang National Park) and is the most frequented. It takes one full day to do the circular route, including rests.

The Asahan Trail starts at the Asahan Rangers Office at 300m (984 ft) on the Malacca side of the mountain. This is considered a shorter but considerably more difficult route than the more popular Lagenda Trail.

The Ayer Panas Trail also known as the Sagil Trail, starts at the Mount Ophir Resort. This is a longer route as compared to the two above but is thought to be slightly easier on the legs and offers a far more spectacular view of the lush mountain vegetation, including pitcher plants. This trail merges with the Lagenda Trail after Check Point 5.

The Jementah Trail is marked as a trail on the map of Gunung Ledang National Park on the Government website, but is seldom used and is easily the longest, taking a full two days to get to the summit.

Regardless of which trail you choose, it is best to start the trek no later than 07:30 as the park rules stipulate that at 14:00 you must turn around and start the trek home.

Mount Ophir ranks #6 in terms of climbing difficulty among mountains in Malaysia, according to a board at the park entrance. It offers a good mix of difficulty and doability, which explains its popularity among tourists. Steep rock faces, gnarled tree roots, ladders and ropes are all part of the experience of climbing Mount Ophir on whichever of the available trails you choose. The trek does not require any special mountaineering skills, but still has its difficult moments and may not be one for complete novices.

Expect some gruelling stretches and factor in plenty of time for rest both ways. Because of the steepness of the mountain, climbing down is every bit as exhausting as climbing up. Hence, climbers who are physically fit and have some exposure to trekking will find it easier.

The Lagenda Trail, which is the most popular, starts off simply at the Park Office with a flight of stairs and has many distinct sections. This trail consists of some pretty steep slopes and near-vertical rock faces but is clearly marked and divided into sections each with a different topography and climbing experience.

The first stretch from Park Office to CP1 consists of about 500 steps, not too steep but can still leave you a bit winded. On this stretch you find yourself surrounded by tall trees until you reach a clearing with some logs laid down for you to rest your legs.

From CP1 to CP2 is a fairly easy stretch with more or less flat ground until you reach another clearing for a quick rest.

The topography from CP2 to CP3 remains the same as you navigate another fairly flat stretch of leaf-strewn pathway until you reach your third point of rest.

After CP3, the nature of the path changes as it starts to get steeper and you find yourself walking on a natural stairway of intertwined tree roots offering footrests for the climb up.

At CP4 the path bifurcates, and you have the option of turning left to Triangle Lake or right to Kolam Gajah (Elephant’s Pond). Guides normally turn right at this point.

From CP5 to CP7, you will encounter boulders and ladders that you need to clamber over.

From CP7 onwards, the last section of the climb resumes. After some more boulder climbing and ropes and ladders, you reach what is called the ‘false summit’. The actual summit is another short but steep climb away over a further series of tall ladders. From there, you follow the same route back home.

The best time to climb is from April to September. The mean temperature throughout the year is 27°C (81°F). What you really need to watch out for is the rain. It is best, therefore, to avoid the rainy season between mid-October and March.

No special equipment is needed for Mount Ophir. A good pair of hiking shoes however will go a long way in helping you navigate the challenging parts of the trail.

At the trailhead, you will find a registration kiosk, toilets and potable water.

Along the trail, you will find rest-stop shelters, such as huts, pavilions, etc. It is a “groomed” trail, with built steps, raised or concrete paths, etc, where needed. Built-in hand-holds, guide ropes, and hazard markings at technically difficult sections and publicly displayed trail maps. For the most part, there is no water along the trail, however, at CP5 there is a spring where you can refill your water bottle.

Guides are required for this trek by local regulations and will help you navigate up the more difficult sections of the climb. Porters are optional since you won’t need to take any camping equipment for overnight stays on the mountain.

The nearest airport is the Malacca International Airport in Malaysia. Many tourists also drive from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. Malacca to Johor (where Mount Ophir is situated) is a one-and-a-half-hour drive. If you want to take the Lagenda route for a one-day trip, make it a point to start early from your hotel or spend the night in the neighbouring town of Tangkag, close to the Park.

Being one of the most popular trekking destinations in Malaysia, it is unlikely you will ever be too lonely on this mountain. It is considered a safe trek for women, and many make this trek every day.

With all the clambering over rocks, you can expect some amount of bruising on the trek, so it is advisable to have a basic first aid kit in your backpack. If you suffer more serious accidents or get a sprain, you may need to ask your guide to help you down the trail. It is advisable to use insect repellent. If there have been rains prior to your visit, also watch out for leeches.