Gunung Raya
Gunung Raya
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- DablooWSingapore, Singapore71 contributionsInteresting drive up to if you have a rental car... nice views, not spectacular, or hike up 4,287 stepsGunung Raya is the tallest peak in Langkawi. The drive up is windy but there is not much traffic. You can hire a local taxi for around RM 90 to take you up. Takes about 30 minutes. If you have a rental car, just put in Gunung Raya in Google Maps, easy to follow. The views from the top are very beautiful. However the views are mostly blocked. The building are not accessible. There used to be an Italian restaurant, but it is permanently closed now. There are no other shops at the top. The best place to see the views are from an observation platform just below the top, so you can see views from only one side of the mountain. The best time to see views from Gunung Raya are early in the morning at 7 or 7:30am when the sun is behind your back, standing at the observation platform. The colors are magnificent. During the day, once the sun is up, particularly in the afternoon, the light is not good to enjoy the views. ALTERNATIVELY, you can hike up 4,287 steps - there is a straight staircase up to the top, to the observation platform that I talked about above. WearefromLatvia has a helpful write up on the climb. The distance is around 3 kms, and should take around 2 - 2.5 hours. Take plenty of water (atleast 2 liters per person, and packed lunch or snacks). There are no shops at the top. The hike starts at the Lubok Semilung Recreational Park at the base. There is a parking lot at the start. Then walk for about 10 minutes to reach up to the stairway. There is a large blue board at the start of the staircase saying 'Tangga Helang Seribu Kenangana' meaning 'Steps of thousand memories'. Enjoy!Visited December 2019Traveled with familyWritten January 11, 2020
- ChattyPeaPanglao, Philippines38 contributionsLookout SpotWe scootered to the top about 15km from the bottom. It was an amazing ride, there are several monkeys along the road so be careful not to run them over and please do not try and play with them as they can be aggressive when feeling threatened. On the bike, you feel that it gets so much cooler on the descent, so bring a light jacket. There are 2 lookouts, one before Gunung Raya, we went here as GR was closed, not sure til when or due to Covid. Nevertheless, the view is still breathtaking. If traveling with kids and elderlies or frail, the first lookout would suffice as at GR you have to climb up a few more steps.Visited September 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten September 24, 2020
- NoorAmirah@SEU338EPenang Island, Malaysia34 contributionsFirst Hiking ExperienceTangga Helang Seribu Kenangan has a path to the submit with a height of 4287 steps. The first stairs are built at 55.4 m high while the highest stairs at 787.8 m high with 3.1 km. This trekking trail is very different from any other mountain in Malaysia. The Thousand Eagle Eagle Stairs were built in March 2000 and completed in February 2001.Visited November 2019Written June 3, 2020
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.
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Devonw
Vancouver, Canada15 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 May 6, 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.
Kel T
Portland, OR46 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 June 2, 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, Australia209 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 March 22, 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, Malaysia10,552 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 October 27, 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
Sep 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 September 23, 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, Singapore219 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 July 7, 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.
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 March 22, 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 February 5, 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.
PFogg2013
Singapore, Singapore57 contributions
Sep 2017 • Solo
Decided to walk/trek up Gunung Raya from Lubuk Semilang forest reserve. The forest reserve has a car park & is frequented by locals who delight in picnics & swimming in the stream
Gunung Raya stands at 881 meters asl & the trail head starts from the bottom of the staircase of “Tangga Helang Seribu Kenangan “ ( Eagle stairs of a thousand memories) & is very well marked .
The trail is very well marked - just follow the stairs (4287 steps) & turn left at the end of the trail . The forest was very pristine with wild boars, monkeys, slow lorises, hornbills & the occasional eagle as well as plenty of leeches .
Take note of the dead leaves which can be slippery at some parts of the stairs as well as several tree trunks blocking the path.
Unlike Mat Chinchang, the trail here does not seem to be frequently hiked as I came across only one solitary hiker during the entire hike .
The entire hike will take approximately 2 to 21/2 hours & you will be rewarded with excellent views as well as cool weather at the peak . The hike should not pose much of a challenge for someone who is moderately fit .
A word of warning :- make sure you arrange for a cab or some form of transport to meet you at the peak as it’s difficult to hail a cab up at the summit
Gunung Raya stands at 881 meters asl & the trail head starts from the bottom of the staircase of “Tangga Helang Seribu Kenangan “ ( Eagle stairs of a thousand memories) & is very well marked .
The trail is very well marked - just follow the stairs (4287 steps) & turn left at the end of the trail . The forest was very pristine with wild boars, monkeys, slow lorises, hornbills & the occasional eagle as well as plenty of leeches .
Take note of the dead leaves which can be slippery at some parts of the stairs as well as several tree trunks blocking the path.
Unlike Mat Chinchang, the trail here does not seem to be frequently hiked as I came across only one solitary hiker during the entire hike .
The entire hike will take approximately 2 to 21/2 hours & you will be rewarded with excellent views as well as cool weather at the peak . The hike should not pose much of a challenge for someone who is moderately fit .
A word of warning :- make sure you arrange for a cab or some form of transport to meet you at the peak as it’s difficult to hail a cab up at the summit
Written October 3, 2017
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.
Samuel H
Singapore, Singapore188 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
4287 steps up past the waterfalls will find you near the top of Gunung Raya, a paved trail of stairs provided. Some railings are a little dodgy, and the rain can get certain spots pretty slimy, so tread with care. Good shoes are definitely recommended for this hike.
Once on top, the view on offer lets you see down across Langkawi, truly quite a sight. But there's more.
Turn left and up the hill to the Gunung Raya Viewing Tower (RM10 entrance fee gets you all the free herbal tea you want) where you'll have a spectacular 360 view of the island.
Head back down and reward yourself with a nice soak in the waterfalls. Whole climb took us almost 3 hours up and down, so do cater about half a day including tea drinking and waterfall swimming.
Once on top, the view on offer lets you see down across Langkawi, truly quite a sight. But there's more.
Turn left and up the hill to the Gunung Raya Viewing Tower (RM10 entrance fee gets you all the free herbal tea you want) where you'll have a spectacular 360 view of the island.
Head back down and reward yourself with a nice soak in the waterfalls. Whole climb took us almost 3 hours up and down, so do cater about half a day including tea drinking and waterfall swimming.
Written May 13, 2017
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.
Eve L
1 contribution
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?
superblue63
Bristol, UK147 contributions
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.
dohaelleithy
Qatar284 contributions
how much the entrance fee?
kahiromijp
Tokyo, Japan286 contributions
We paid RM10/person. (we've been there in December)
PBellefleur
Bouctouche, Canada23 contributions
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
Pirjo L
Costa Rica21 contributions
You might want to edit your post. If you had seen Toucans it would be a world sensation. You must mean Hornbills?
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Frequently Asked Questions about Gunung Raya
- We recommend booking Gunung Raya tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 6 Gunung Raya tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Gunung Raya:
- Private Return Transfer : Langkawi Airport (Airport-Hotel-Airport) (From $24.90)
- Private Day Tour of Langkawi with Cable Car and Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls (From $76.93)
- Discover Rain Forest of Langkawi (Dawn or Dusk) (From $91.60)
- Private Arrival Transfer : Langkawi Airport to Langkawi Hotel (From $12.90)
- Langkawi Adventure Tour : Mangrove Kayaking (From $123.90)
- Hotels near Gunung Raya:
- (2.50 mi) Sunset Valley Holiday Houses
- (7.27 mi) Ocean Lodge Langkawi
- (8.38 mi) Casa del Mar, Langkawi
- (8.11 mi) Ambong Ambong Rainforest Retreat
- (5.38 mi) Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, Malaysia
- Restaurants near Gunung Raya:
- (4.12 mi) Alhamdulillah Restaurant
- (2.76 mi) Pia's The Padi
- (3.98 mi) Haroo+
- (8.70 mi) Langkawi Kitchen
- (5.74 mi) Kayuputi Langkawi
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