Any hikers or anyone living in Negeri Sembilan would surely know Gunung Datuk (Mount Datuk / Grandfather Mountain). It is a popular hiking spot that offers decent challenges with great views at the summit. While it is considered newbie-friendly, be prepared for the steep ascent and descent pretty much most of the journey.
Gunung Datuk Parking & Trailhead
Gunung Datuk Recreational Forest has built a rather large area for vehicle parking at the mountain foot. However, it can still get fully occupied on weekends during the morning peak hours. The best time to go during the weekend to secure a parking spot is either very early in the morning, or somewhere late morning when some hikers start to exit the area. While the open peak area can be hot and exposed in the afternoon, the trails are well shaded from the sun.
There are toilets, shower rooms and other facilities. Stalls selling food and drinks are open during the weekends.
9.08am: Starting point from the car park. There is a permit ticket counter on the way in (RM5 per person).
(+6)9.14am: Visual representation of the steepness. Around 700m elevation in ~2km.
(+4)9.18am
(+2)9.20am: Start of the rocky ascend.
(+2)9.22am
(+6)9.28am: Watch your footing as you climb over potentially slippery tree roots and rocks.
(+14)9.42am: A section of heavily eroded path.
(+3)9.45am: A checkpoint with some space. Someone hauled a bucket of popsicles-in-plastic-tubes to sell them to thirsty hikers here.
(+3)9.48am
(+49)10.37am
(+2)10.39am: When you reach this ladder next to the big boulder, you are very close to the summit.
Gunung Datuk Summit (884m)
(+3)10.42am: Arrived at the summit hangout area below the peak (855m).
Secured metal ladders are installed to reach the rocky peaks (884m).
The views from the summit. Please be careful on the rocky peaks. Don’t go too far off the edge as the surfaces are not flat. We saw someone’s phone slip off the rock down into the cliff.
Reality of a popular hiking spot. Expect a crowd on the peak on weekends.
Some nice looking boulders around the summit area.
Heading back down.
We exited the trail at 12.40pm.
A river near the exit.
Jeram Rekreasi Sungai Talan
Not far away on the drive back, we decided to cool off at Jeram Rekreasi Sungai Talan.
It’s quite a chill spot to hangout while soaking your post-hike legs in the cooling river.
There are also campgrounds available for booking here.
Resipi Grobok Salai
While in Negeri Sembilan, don’t leave before savouring the authentic salai masak lemak cili api meal! Resipi Grobok Salai would not disappoint! Try their signature smoked duck/beef in the fiery, creamy coconut hot sauce. 🔥
Have this guide helped you? Tag @meowtainpeople in your hiking stories & posts!
*Captain Planet passing by* Remember, please take care of our environment, and please don’t destroy the Nature. Leave no trash behind and take back only photos and memories (and also some trash if you can). Walk on the designated path and stay in the middle as much as you can, so that the exposed soil doesn’t spread/corrode further. BE ONE WITH NATURE *flies away*
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