Unleash Your Inner Alpinist: Introducing Malaysia's G7
If you're looking for a hiking challenge that tests your endurance, willpower, and love for the wild, the G7 peaks should be on your radar. These are the seven tallest mountains in Peninsular Malaysia, and climbing all of them is considered a major milestone for serious hikers.
Each mountain offers a unique experience, from thick tropical rainforests to mossy cloud-covered peaks. Here's a deeper look into each of these majestic summits:
1. Gunung Tahan – 2,187 meters
Location: Taman Negara, Pahang
Nickname: The Roof of Peninsular Malaysia
Gunung Tahan is the tallest peak in Peninsular Malaysia and arguably the toughest to conquer. The trek can take between 4 to 7 days, depending on your chosen route (Kuala Tahan, Merapoh, or a trans-Tahan crossing). Expect river crossings, leech-infested trails, steep ascents, and dense jungle. It is also a challenge in resourcefulness, especially when it comes to food.
The multi-day trek through dense rainforest, steep inclines, and unpredictable weather means every gram in your pack counts. Rationing food becomes a critical part of the adventure. The reward? A true wilderness experience and the satisfaction of standing on the highest point in the peninsula. It's a physically and mentally demanding hike — a must-do for adventure lovers.
2. Gunung Korbu – 2,183 meters
Location: Ulu Kinta, Perak
Feature: Second highest in Peninsular Malaysia
Part of the Titiwangsa Range, Gunung Korbu is known for its technical trail and unpredictable weather. The ascent is steep, often muddy, and covered with thick forest. The trail is filled with roots, rocks, and narrow ridges that require both strength and caution. Many hikers combine the Korbu hike with nearby Gunung Gayong in a single trip, creating a challenging 3- to 4-day expedition. It's a local favorite for those training for Gunung Tahan.
3. Gunung Yong Belar – 2,181 meters
Location: On the border of Kelantan and Perak
Feature: The third highest peak
Gunung Yong Belar offers a cooler, more pleasant hike with mossy forest landscapes and misty views. The trail is well-trodden and often begins from the Cameron Highlands area. While not the most technical climb among the G7, it still demands stamina and navigation skills. The mountain is rich in biodiversity and offers hikers a peaceful escape into nature, often less crowded than the more popular peaks.
Though it's a single-day hike, don’t underestimate the effort required—expect muddy sections, dense vegetation, and a fair amount of scrambling. But with proper preparation and an early start, reaching the summit and returning in a day is well within reach for fit hikers.
4. Gunung Gayong – 2,173 meters
Location: Perak
Feature: Usually paired with Gunung Korbu
Gunung Gayong is frequently climbed right after Gunung Korbu since they are connected by a short ridge (a few hours apart). Though slightly lower in elevation, the trail to Gayong still presents a significant challenge due to its steep gradients and overgrown paths. The double-peak expedition is demanding and not recommended for beginners. But for seasoned hikers, it's a rewarding chance to bag two G7 summits in one journey.
5. Gunung Chamah – 2,171 meters
Location: Kelantan
Feature: One of the most remote G7 peaks
Gunung Chamah is nestled deep within the Central Forest Spine and is known for its remoteness. Reaching the summit involves a 2 to 3 days expedition, crossing rivers, swamps, and endless ridgelines. The trail is wild and largely untouched, offering one of the most immersive jungle experiences in Malaysia. Due to its inaccessibility, you’ll likely go days without seeing other hikers — making it ideal for those craving solitude and raw nature.
6. Gunung Yong Yap – 2,168 meters
Location: Kelantan
Feature: One of the toughest technical climbs
Yong Yap is notorious for its demanding terrain. With narrow ridges, multiple river crossings, and steep, root-filled inclines, it’s considered one of the most technically difficult G7 peaks. While it's one of the G7 mountains, known for their challenging terrains, a day hike to its summit is achievable for experienced hikers with proper preparation. Some parts of the trail are so overgrown they require scrambling and bushwhacking. It’s a physically draining hike, but the panoramic views at the top are truly unforgettable.
7. Gunung Ulu Sepat – 2,161 meters
Location: Perak
Feature: Often climbed with Gunung Chamah
Gunung Ulu Sepat is a remote mountain known for muddy trails, dense undergrowth, and unpredictable weather. Often paired with Gunung Chamah for a week-long twin-peak trek, Ulu Sepat is slightly less rugged but still demanding. Among the G7 mountains, it offers a shorter and more accessible hike.
A highlight of this expedition is the chance to stay overnight in traditional Orang Asli huts. These simple shelters provide a unique cultural experience, offering insight into the indigenous people’s deep connection with the rainforest.
The G7 peaks aren't just about elevation — they're about endurance, spirit, and a love for exploration. Each mountain has its own character, and together they form a hiking challenge that rivals some of the best in Southeast Asia.
Whether you're slowly ticking them off or planning a full G7 journey, remember: the mountains don’t care how fast you go — just that you keep going.
