Gunung Raya
Gunung Raya
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4.0
478 reviews
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Devonw
Vancouver, Canada13 contributions
May 2022
We travelled to Langkawi in late April/early May. Not sure if the trail is typically better maintained when it's outside of Ramadan, but the trail was covered with lots of leafy debris and at least two fallen trees before we reached the halfway mark. As we got deeper into the woods, we noticed many leeches were climbing on and into our shoes(!!!!) We abandoned the trail at the halfway mark and made our way back down. Not recommended if it's been raining and you're not prepared with proper jungle trekking clothes/shoes!
Written 6 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chloe S
Auckland, New Zealand10 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Walked up- took us 1.5 hours up and 45 minutes down and felt every step of the 4300 steps…
Many leeches - read about what to do to avoid the panic when they land in you- and they will land on you ! Was a great walk and really good exercise but the leeches were off putting.
Our fitness would be just above average as a guide for timings.
Also note there is limited ability to stop and rest as if you stop then the leeches climb on to you. If you keep moving you significantly reduce leech attachment!
I’m maybe not selling it well. We enjoyed it but it was hard therefore rewarding. Take lots of water and it can be slippery as the stairs are mostly concrete so don’t go if you have dodgy ankles.
Many leeches - read about what to do to avoid the panic when they land in you- and they will land on you ! Was a great walk and really good exercise but the leeches were off putting.
Our fitness would be just above average as a guide for timings.
Also note there is limited ability to stop and rest as if you stop then the leeches climb on to you. If you keep moving you significantly reduce leech attachment!
I’m maybe not selling it well. We enjoyed it but it was hard therefore rewarding. Take lots of water and it can be slippery as the stairs are mostly concrete so don’t go if you have dodgy ankles.
Written 4 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kel T
Portland, OR45 contributions
May 2014 • Solo
I want to warn other female travellers to be careful in this area after today being stalked by a local man along the main road of jalan ulu malaka who then followed me up the mountain road, cornered me on my bike and both verbally and sexually assaulted me before threatening worse with a knife. I never got to the top. This happened just before the 2km sign from the peak. I really urge single woman not to travel here alone. In my 10 years of travelling solo this is the only horrible thing to ever happen to me. Be careful!
Written 2 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ErikKraft
Townsville, Australia201 contributions
Mar 2014 • Couples
Me and my girlfriend was in Langkawi a couple of nights, we read that it was possible to walk the 4278 steps to the top of the highest mountain on Langkawi. But when asking at the tourist agencies, on our guesthouse, even taxidrivers and waiters at the different restaurants, everybody said that it was FAR to dangerous to do, and we should just rent a car or a motorbike and drive the long way to the top... Well we insisted to give it a try anyway, so we got a good breakfast rented a scooter, and drove to the foot of the mountain... Here we,once again, got told, that it was very dangerous because of fallen trees, broken stairs, snakes, scorpions and wild boars... We went to the stairs and started our hike up, very nervous about what we would meet on our way!
We walked and walked, and everthing was in the finest order, only very few places was the railing broken, og a bit of a step missing... We didn't see any snakes, scorpions or wild boars, only some lizards, ants, birds and monkeys... The sign says that the duration of the 4287 steps is around 2 hours and 15 min. - we did it in 1 hour and 35 min. with a couple of longer breaks (would consider us as slightly better than normal fit)... When the steps end, there's a short 10 min walk by road to reach the tower on the very top of the mountain...
This was on a sunny day, but the view was still a bit misty... The best thing for sure, was the feeling after the hike, and not the view from the top... We hiked down the steps again, and it took 1 hour... But must say that eventhough we stretched out after both hikes (up/down), the following 3 days, was with very sore lower legs...
Remember to bring a lot of water, mosquito repellent, good shoes, maybe some kind of sugar, good mood, the believe in yourself and very important: STRETCH OUT!
We walked and walked, and everthing was in the finest order, only very few places was the railing broken, og a bit of a step missing... We didn't see any snakes, scorpions or wild boars, only some lizards, ants, birds and monkeys... The sign says that the duration of the 4287 steps is around 2 hours and 15 min. - we did it in 1 hour and 35 min. with a couple of longer breaks (would consider us as slightly better than normal fit)... When the steps end, there's a short 10 min walk by road to reach the tower on the very top of the mountain...
This was on a sunny day, but the view was still a bit misty... The best thing for sure, was the feeling after the hike, and not the view from the top... We hiked down the steps again, and it took 1 hour... But must say that eventhough we stretched out after both hikes (up/down), the following 3 days, was with very sore lower legs...
Remember to bring a lot of water, mosquito repellent, good shoes, maybe some kind of sugar, good mood, the believe in yourself and very important: STRETCH OUT!
Written 22 March 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jadamros
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia10,955 contributions
Local lore has it that Langkawi was once home to a band of Giants. Mat Raya and Mat Cincang were two Giants who were the best of friends. The son of Mat Cincang and the daughter of Mat Raya were both in love with each other and the two Giants gleefully agreed to the the union of their two children.
During the wedding ceremony, Mat Raya became angry when he noticed the bridegroom making eyes at someone else other than his daughter. As a result of his rage, the two Giants eventually became involved in a furious argument. Violence ensued and pots and pans became thrown at each other. The spot where a broken pot fell became known as the village of Belanga Pecah (broken pot), where the gravy fell, became the town of Kuah (gravy) and where the hot water fell became Air Hangat (hot water), where the present day hot springs are, and finally where the wedding ring fell became known as Tanjung Cincin (Cape of the Ring).
As the two Giants fought, a third giant Mat Sawar, tried to intervene between the two and separate them. Suddenly a bolt of lightning struck down from the heavens and as the giants looked up they turned to stone. Mat Cincang became Gunung Mat Cincang, which is now the second tallest peak on Langkawi (and infamously now home to the cable-car ride). Mat Raya bacame Gunung Raya, the tallest peak in Langkawi. And finally Mat Sawar became Bukit Sawar, a small hill in-between Gunung Mat Cincang and Mat Raya, still valiantly trying to separate the two.
At 881m, Gunung Raya is the highest peak on Langkawi island. A scenic winding road leads to the top, where there is a watch tower (entrance fee). Its a beautiful drive, the temperature is slightly cooler and the views at the top are spectacular, when it is not enveloped in clouds. You can see practically the whole island from up there.
During the wedding ceremony, Mat Raya became angry when he noticed the bridegroom making eyes at someone else other than his daughter. As a result of his rage, the two Giants eventually became involved in a furious argument. Violence ensued and pots and pans became thrown at each other. The spot where a broken pot fell became known as the village of Belanga Pecah (broken pot), where the gravy fell, became the town of Kuah (gravy) and where the hot water fell became Air Hangat (hot water), where the present day hot springs are, and finally where the wedding ring fell became known as Tanjung Cincin (Cape of the Ring).
As the two Giants fought, a third giant Mat Sawar, tried to intervene between the two and separate them. Suddenly a bolt of lightning struck down from the heavens and as the giants looked up they turned to stone. Mat Cincang became Gunung Mat Cincang, which is now the second tallest peak on Langkawi (and infamously now home to the cable-car ride). Mat Raya bacame Gunung Raya, the tallest peak in Langkawi. And finally Mat Sawar became Bukit Sawar, a small hill in-between Gunung Mat Cincang and Mat Raya, still valiantly trying to separate the two.
At 881m, Gunung Raya is the highest peak on Langkawi island. A scenic winding road leads to the top, where there is a watch tower (entrance fee). Its a beautiful drive, the temperature is slightly cooler and the views at the top are spectacular, when it is not enveloped in clouds. You can see practically the whole island from up there.
Written 27 October 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thesuzannachan
Hong Kong, China116 contributions
Sept 2011 • Couples
Gunung Raya, the highest peak in Langkawi Island. My husband and I took a nature walk from the mountain top of Gunung Raya to Lubuk Semilang. Took us 4 to 5 hours, at least. We did doubt, at first, whether we could finish the journey. Our Nature Guide, Wendy Chin, was very patient and did not rush us at all, totally different from the local tour operators. Walking down the 4,287 steps stairway leisurely, along with admiring the beauty of the forest, the flora and fauna, and snapping lots and lots of photos, will remain an unforgettable sweet experience for us. We could never forget how cooling it was walking under the canopy of some of the oldest trees in the region. Seeing all those tall old trees right in front of us, even at this very moment, overwhelms us. We felt safe too because Wendy brought along a PARANG! :) And she is VERY fit! :)
Wendy spotted a lot of animals for us, very observant. I guess, for the very first time, in a very long time, I learned to make use of my eyes and ears. I can still remember how the calls of the hornbills, the helicopter-like sound they make when they fly. Spotting a Ratufa Bicolor (see? that's the word she used, amazing!) at the beginning of the journey thrilled us too! ……….. and many more.
Wendy spotted a lot of animals for us, very observant. I guess, for the very first time, in a very long time, I learned to make use of my eyes and ears. I can still remember how the calls of the hornbills, the helicopter-like sound they make when they fly. Spotting a Ratufa Bicolor (see? that's the word she used, amazing!) at the beginning of the journey thrilled us too! ……….. and many more.
Written 23 September 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
llyrad
Singapore, Singapore206 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
We took the steps up to the top. All 4287 steps. We started at the bottom. It was a 5minute walk along the river to the start of the steps. It’s clearly marked out with a blue sign that means steps of a thousand memories. The hike is really just a very long staircase all the way to the top. If that’s not your idea of a hike, then maybe this is not for you. You can also hire a guide who will tell you about the flora and fauna along the way up, but we were just interested in the climb, so we did it ourselves.
The climb started okay, but quickly became steep. There is a makeshift signboard halfway up. The final ascent is a long and steep climb to the top that never seems to end. Probably around 1000+ steps with no ‘rest’ points. We came during the rainy season, so the route was wet and muddy, but still okay to climb. Even if it rains (which did for us), the canopy provides adequate shelter (we still got drenched). There are A LOT of mosquitoes and leeches, so ‘stop and rest’ at your own risk.
Guides out there say the climb takes around 2-2.5 hours. We took around 1.5 hours including breaks. But we’re pretty fit.
At the top of the steps, there is still a 800m walk to the viewpoint. The views are quite amazing. The tower and restaurants are closed when we went so we couldn’t do much.
To go down, either have your own mode of transportation, or you can walk back down the steps, or take the long scenic walk down the road. 13km, around 2-3hours walk. Luckily, we met some kind souls while walking who gave us a lift down the hill.
Tiring, but the feeling of accomplishment makes up for it. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a hiking experience in Langkawi.
The climb started okay, but quickly became steep. There is a makeshift signboard halfway up. The final ascent is a long and steep climb to the top that never seems to end. Probably around 1000+ steps with no ‘rest’ points. We came during the rainy season, so the route was wet and muddy, but still okay to climb. Even if it rains (which did for us), the canopy provides adequate shelter (we still got drenched). There are A LOT of mosquitoes and leeches, so ‘stop and rest’ at your own risk.
Guides out there say the climb takes around 2-2.5 hours. We took around 1.5 hours including breaks. But we’re pretty fit.
At the top of the steps, there is still a 800m walk to the viewpoint. The views are quite amazing. The tower and restaurants are closed when we went so we couldn’t do much.
To go down, either have your own mode of transportation, or you can walk back down the steps, or take the long scenic walk down the road. 13km, around 2-3hours walk. Luckily, we met some kind souls while walking who gave us a lift down the hill.
Tiring, but the feeling of accomplishment makes up for it. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a hiking experience in Langkawi.
Written 7 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
karoh h
Melbourne, Australia150 contributions
Apr 2014 • Couples
You can either drive to the top (the highest point of the island with a hotel and watch tower on top), or walk it. We walked it. The walk is a big staircase with a little more than 4000 steps. The incline varies between 15 and 25 %, so sometimes the steps are spaced further apart and sometimes you are really walking a massive staircase throughout the jungle.
The walk starts behind the waterfalls in Ulu Melaka. We started the walk just after a shower, so it was hot and humid. The first 2000 steps are not a problem. We saw some eagles, monkeys and a flying lemur. The staircase is relatively well maintained and has handgrips at the steeper ends. Unfortunately other guests leave behind plastic containers from drinks and where the stairs had been repaired we also saw lots of angle grinder discs and the old metal railings discarded at the side.
The second part of the walk is steeper, and there were a lot of leeches. I picked 7 leeches from my trousers and socks - leech guards would be a really good idea...The only advantage of the leeches was that they spurred us on: discovering them made me walk a lot quicker.
The whole staircase took us 1 hour 45 minutes - most guides recommend to count on 2 hours.
The last part of the walk you need to go via the road (around 800 meters)
We did not go up the tower because it was too cloudy, but were still very satisfied with our walk.
It is worth arranging the taxi driver for a pick up at the top in advance. We didn't and it took the taxi driver 45 minutes to get to the top.
The walk starts behind the waterfalls in Ulu Melaka. We started the walk just after a shower, so it was hot and humid. The first 2000 steps are not a problem. We saw some eagles, monkeys and a flying lemur. The staircase is relatively well maintained and has handgrips at the steeper ends. Unfortunately other guests leave behind plastic containers from drinks and where the stairs had been repaired we also saw lots of angle grinder discs and the old metal railings discarded at the side.
The second part of the walk is steeper, and there were a lot of leeches. I picked 7 leeches from my trousers and socks - leech guards would be a really good idea...The only advantage of the leeches was that they spurred us on: discovering them made me walk a lot quicker.
The whole staircase took us 1 hour 45 minutes - most guides recommend to count on 2 hours.
The last part of the walk you need to go via the road (around 800 meters)
We did not go up the tower because it was too cloudy, but were still very satisfied with our walk.
It is worth arranging the taxi driver for a pick up at the top in advance. We didn't and it took the taxi driver 45 minutes to get to the top.
Written 21 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
diyabeijing
Beijing, China47 contributions
Feb 2018 • Solo
I took an uber to the top and saw one of the best sunsets in Langkawi. I don't know why people bother to pay for the touristy experience at the cable carts when you get the same view if not better up here. It's also free! A fellow traveller hiked up in two hours so I think for hardier folks it's a nice hike as well. My uber driver was nice enough to wait for me otherwise coming down would be a problem. Have them wait or hitch a ride. There are lots of locals who come up here for the sunset too. In fact it was my guide at the zippiness that told me about it.
Written 22 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Asim Zafar
Lahore, Pakistan66 contributions
Jan 2018 • Family
Extremely serene mountain top offering the best / stunning views of Langkawi and surroundings. Don't know why people don't visit this place in numbers. Maybe because Langkawi Skycab and Oriental Village have more attractions for children. I believe Gunung Raya peak is the best place to visit in Langkawi.
Written 5 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HI when we reach to the top by car, we still need to walk up the stairs to see the view? if i have seniors would it be difficult?
Written 26 May 2018
There are views available all the way up,on some of them you can probably just sit in the car and admire the view at the top you can see the views from near your car the view tower was closed.
Written 31 May 2018
We paid RM10/person. (we've been there in December)
Written 5 March 2017
Bonjour Gilles,
J'aimerais savoir à partir de quel endroit à la base du Gunung Raya on peut emprunter l'escalier pour accéder au sommet de la montagne. Est-ce que cet escalier est en bon état ou du moins praticable?
Merci
Written 5 June 2016
You might want to edit your post. If you had seen Toucans it would be a world sensation. You must mean Hornbills?
Written 23 April 2016
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