MOUNT TAHAN IN BRIEF
Mount Tahan is the, highest peak of the Peninsular Malaysia (7,175 feet [2,187 m]), in the Tahan Range. Mount Tahan is the central feature of Taman Negara National Park and a destination for mountaineers who begin their ascent from Kuala Tahan in Jerantut or Sungai Relau in Kuala Lipis.
Trek with magnificent views, experiencing all the terrains encountered in a forest treks and top it off with a view of the sunrise at the highest peak of peninsular Malaysia. Gunung Tahan is possibly the best and one of the toughest treks in peninsular Malaysia. Stands at the border of Kelantan and Pahang, larger wild life such as elephants and tigers still inhabits this primary forest. Multiple river crossings, rope obstacles, highland ridgeline trek, physical and mental endurance are all found and experienced on this trek. "Tahan" means "Endure" in Malay and as the name suggests, is not an easy trek. Given the physical and mental challenge of Gunung Tahan, to have completed Gunung Tahan trek is recognition of one's trekking endurance and strength.
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Taman Negara Sungai Relau will be the based for the Mt Tahan Climbathon 2018. Taman Negara Sungai Relau is approximately 7km from the small town of Merapoh, which is at the halfway point along the main road from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu, Kelantan. The nearest towns are Gua Musang (30km) and Kuala Lipis (100km).
Brief History of Gunung Tahan
Gunung Tahan is known by various names in up till the early 1900s. On the western side of the mountain, it is known as Gunung Rotan (that side of the mountain is filled with rattan which was a valuable resource) or Gunung Ulu Tanum, northern side of the mountain, it is known as Gunung Siam, while the name, Gunung Tahan comes from the southern area of Pahang. In the past, local folklore is that the peak of Gunung Tahan had two wells guarded by giant cannibal apes which contained magic stones that were able to change objects into gold and silver. Giant creatures such as mosquitoes as large as fowl, gigantic serpents and spirits were also thought to inhabit the area around Gunung Tahan. This had prevented most locals from climbing to the peak of Tahan although two unsuccessful expeditions were sent by the Sultan Ahmad of Pahang to search for the magic stones in 1880s.
The first recorded successful summit bid is by Herbert C. Robinson, Che Nik, Mu'min, Mat Aris and Bulang at 10:15 a.m on July 16, 1905. The 65-man expedition team comprising mainly of local Malays took nearly two months after leaving Kuala Tahan to reach the summit. This was after numerous unsuccessful attempts in the 1890s by the Europeans. Local gatherers might have reached the summit of Gunung Tahan before Robinson in 1905 but there are no records of it. ( Source: Yaakob S S N and Amri S. Journal of Wildlife and Parks 2009-2010; 26: 953.)