Hiking the Highlands

June 13th, 2002 at 12:00am

I climbed a mountain today! Feeling really good… Name of the mountain is Gunung Beremban, elevation 1840 meters (just over 6,000 feet). It was a great climb! The trail guide says it takes 3 hours to get to the summit, so I decided to head out early and give myself all day. There are many different trails running through the highlands; I opted to take Trail No. 5 up and try Trail No. 3 down. Going up No. 5 I saw one group of tourists doing a lowland loop.

‘Are you hiking ALONE? Wow, you are very brave.’

Some things are universal (more memories of my AT days…).

They were the only people I saw all day. It was a steady climb to the summit, but the trail was in good condition and graded well. From the trailhead to the summit it took me 1 hour 21 minutes, not that I was counting or anything. So much for 3 hours.

No one else at the top except for me and a few bugs. I spent about 45 minutes reading my book and enjoying the view. Headed down on the different trail to get a change of scenery. Still saw no one – I couldn’t believe it! Guess all the tourists opted for tea plantation and strawberry field tours. Just as well, I was quite happy to have it all to myself.

An hour and a half later and I was at the road. I started to eat the roti I had left over from breakfast and headed back to town via the 2.5-3 mile road walk. It was just starting to drizzle and I was considering whether or not to hitch-hike when a taxi pulled over and the guy said’Free ride, no problem.’ Great! I jumped in and 5 minutes later I was back in town. What a good day. More hiking in store for tomorrow.

Yes, this is the trail, a bit steep in spots

Jungle of the Cameron Highlands

View from the summit of Gunung Beremban, 1840 meters

Entry Filed under: Cameron Highlands,Hiking/Trekking,Malaysia