Over the weekend, a few of us decided to try hiking up Gunung Bunga Buah. One of my friends has hiked up a few times while the other did this a long time ago. This mountain is definitely not for the faint hearted and you must be fit.
The Peak
Gunung Bunga Buah is located on the Selangor/Pahang border, part of the trail sits on both sides of the state. The height of this mountain is 1430m and is considered part of Genting Highlands. Although the height of the mountain is 1430m, the starting point is at 900m, hence the climb is another 530m.
We met at the shophouses in Gohtong Jaya, which is on the way up to Genting Highlands. There are ample car parking at the shop areas and relatively safe to park.
Ample Car Park
Having loaded all our gear we made our way to the starting point located at the end of the shops and at the rear portion next to a shrine. This is not the trail head and we have to hike up this starting point to walk to the trail head
The starting point
From the starting point, after about 5 mins to 10 mins you will come to a junction, take the right turn to continue. It takes approximately 20 to 30 mins to reach up to the tarmac road. It's quite a steep climb and the trail is wet and muddy. There are ropes along the trail to assist in climbing up.
A small stream crossing at the start and part of the steep climb
Once we reached the top, it's a tarmac road and apparently, this was the original road to Genting Highlands. Make a left turn and just follow the road to the trail head. The hike along the road was fairly easy with a gentle downward gradient. The hike will take about 1 hour along the tarmac road
Top of the first climb exit to reach the Old Genting Road
Along the way, we encountered a Blue Scorpion crossing the road. An amazing sight and very fortunate to come across it
Blue Scorpion or Forest Scorpion
The huge rock cliff face and the viewing point along the way
At the end of the rock cliff, you will come across another junction, take the left turn towards the trailhead. Once you reach the trailhead (about 1 hr hike) look out for the turn off on the right. There is rather small sign that points you in the direction. I have heard of hikers who missed the trailhead.
The sign pointing to Gunung Bunga Buah and the start of the trailhead.
From here on, the trail starts to get interesting and this is where your perseverance, stamina and endurance is tested.
From the trailhead and after about 5 minutes you will come across a junction, turn left here to continue
Take the left turn and follow the trail
There will be a series of short climbs until you start to descend down a very muddy track. There are some ropes to assist but it was still a steep climb down. you will then come to a small stream (only when it rains). we took a short breather here
Short break after our descend
After a short break it was uphill all the way to our next destination - Rock Gardens. The hike up to Rock Gardens is quite steep, though muddy but not as muddy as the early part of the trail. The total time taken plus rest from the trailhead to the Rock Gardens took about 1 hr 45 mins including rest stops. Along the way we came across a water point but not knowing the source, I wouldn't refill my H2O at this point. We also came across the boundary marker for Selangor - Pahang.
The boundary marker and the waterpoint sign.
Part of the mossy forest at Rock Gardens
We took a short break at the Rock Gardens and unfortunately being a weekend, this place was quite crowded. The weather was cool but due to the clouds and mist there was not much view. The summit from here will take us another 1 hr to reach but the hike gets easier though you will be required to crawl under or over some fallen trees and some shorter steep climbs to the peak.
The Peak
Finally reached after almost 4 hrs 30 mins which is longer than our expected timing. The space at the peak is not very big but comfortable enough. We managed to have our lunch and coffee, just in time before the skies opened up
The Victorious Trio....sheltering from the rain
On our descend, it was raining intermittently, albeit light showers. The time taken to to reach the car park was the same 4 hrs 30 mins, partly due to the rain and the trail was muddier and slippery.
There is a tap at the start of the hike and you can clean yourself after embracing all the mud during the hike
Overall, I would say it was an adrenalin hike, moderate to difficult and not for the faint hearted. Though we were the last team to reach the summit, but as we descended we passed a few hikers who left earlier.
Overall: Moderately Difficult
Time: 9 hrs in and out including rest and photoshoots
Notes: Be prepared for wet weather, bring sufficient food and water
Good stamina and endurance required
Reference: Gunung Bunga Buah on AllTrails https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/activity-july-24-2022-287e041--2?p=-1
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