Located near Pangsun, Ulu Langat, Selangor, Gunung Nuang is the 5th most difficult mountain in Malaysia to summit. At a height of 1493 meters, Gunung Nuang is indeed a challenging trek. Some say you can't ascend and descend the mountain on the same day. Yet some say you need at least ten hours to ascend and descend. I took up the challenge last Sunday. I went solo on this attempt and was amazed that I was able to complete the task within 6 hrs and 40 minutes. Of course, pushing me to my limit has a price. I twice suffered cramps on my left leg. My ascend took me about 3 1/2 hours.
Starting point. The starting point for the climb is located just outside the ranger office. The first part of the trek involved a 5.2 kilometers walk on a jeep trail. This jeep trail, on most parts, is very steep and pushing me to complete this walk in forty five minutes has in some way contributed to my cramps later. I was told by the ranger Encik Iram that this walk should take anywhere between one hour to one and a half hours. At the end of this walking trail, you start your hike walking a small trail until you see the main water pipes running across a stream. This is the begining of 14 km hike to the peak of Gunung Nuang, giving you a total distance of 19.2 km from the carpark to the peak of Gunung Nuang.
Crossing Streams
Cross this stream and followed the main water pipes until you reached a small "dam" known as Lolo camp. Crossed the dam on your left and continue for about ten minutes until you reached what local called "hut camp 1". Proceed on the immediate left trail. Do not follow the right. Continue this trail until you see another stream. Crossing this stream will lead you to "hut camp 2". This stream will be the last water hole. Once you reached "hut camp 2" make a quick left turn and continue up to "kem pacat". Here is where the ascend actually starts.
The Ascend.
From here onward you will find the trails quite steep. For the first part of this trail, you will be trekking on slippery red clay slopes. I was told if it rain the difficultly of the trail increases by many folds. The second part of this trail, though equally difficult, will see more solid trail of mixture of clay and stones.
Bukit Pengasih.
Like Gunung Belumut, Gunung Nuang also has a false peak known as Bukit Pengasih. Once you reached Bukit Pengasih, turn left and continue to the peak of Gunung Nuang. This journey should only take about 30 to 40 minute. However, it is not a pleasant 30 minutes as this trail is muddy and wet and the first part is a descending trek before requiring you to ascend again.
The peak.
However once you reached the peak, you will find the view worth the pain and suffering you just endured. Some say, in good weather, one might even see Genting Highland. But all I could see that day was Ulu Langat dam and more neighbouring mountains and perhaps Genting Highland is one of them.
More information.
If you need more information on climbing Gunung Nuang, you can contact
Pejabat Hutan Daerah Selangor Tengah,
Pangsoon, Ulu Langat43200 Cheras,Selangor, Malaysia
Phone no.: 03-90752885
Or you can contact the ranger Encik Imram at 012 2767724.
