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The climb of Gunung Ledang aka Mount Ophir is a challenging yet rewarding one. It is situated on the border of Muar and Melacca and it is the most expensive mountain to climb in peninsula malaysia. The average cost of climbing this mountain can range from S$190 to S$300 in total, depending on the number of people.
Standing at 1276 metres above sea level, it is known as the 6th hardest mountain to climb in Malaysia. We were lucky to have a fantastic weather and an excellent climbing guide.
Nonetheless, it is a beautiful climb and this is my third time climbing this mountain. Well, simply put, every experience is a different one.
We started off by taking the last bus to Tangkak which you will have to catch by 745pm. We missed it and had to take another bus, that stopped along the highway, thus requiring us to walk into the town of Tangkak, in the wee hours of the morning.
Passing by a food stall, we figured that some satay and a good football match won’t kill us. So…
Then, when we reached the entrance, we found out that there are two entrances. The one that they used to use no longer allows one to climb to the summit but it is just a place to chill at the waterfall. So we reached the correct entrance, where we spent a night just sleeping in the hut at the base of the mountain after paying a local rsident some money to drive us there.
This is where we slept overnight at the base of the mountain and got ready for our adventure the next day.
Along the way up, there is this famous part where most people have their photos taken. This slope is overrated in the sense that people always exaggerate the difficulty of this slope. But if one is careful, it is pretty fun and exciting to go through this component.
This is the part they call KFC or Killer For Climbers. It is one of the tougher components of the climb because of the steepness of the steps and also the height of each step. You will be required to scramble a bit.
Nearing the summit from checkpoint 7 called Bukit Botak, there will be a total of 6 ladders that requires one to climb to reach the summit.
Finally, we reach the summit after 5 hours. We started at 950am and reach the summit around 3pm.
This ladder has been in existance since the first time I climbed it. I still remember the first time I climbed it, I reached the summt via the other side and went down this ladder. But this time, we came up this this ladder instead. Due to the many deaths and the need for conservation in the area. Gunung Ledang has went through many changes but you can still camp there at checkpoint 4 if you want.
Using the Go-pro Hero 2, We managed to get a group shot of three of us on the summit. It felt really different as for this climb, we were the only people in the entire mountain. It was really beautiful to be so independent and knowing that if anything should happen to us, we would be solely responsible for ourselves.
This climb would not have been possible without our impromptu need to climb and also our luck to meet some great malaysian people who made this climb a successful one.
If you would like to climb Mount Ophir/ Gunung Ledang, contact me below as I run regular trips to this challenging weekend trip!
Allez!!
Official Website of Jeremy Tong 
Hi there 🙂
I am planning a trek up Ophir end of this month with some friends.
Would it be alright it if seek your advice with regards to transport?
– How did u go there? Saw from your post u wanted to take a bus to Tangkak but missed it. Were u trying to board the bus from Larkin? Do u know whether is it necessary to book in advance as I am not sure whether will we get the tickets if we only buy it on the day itself.
– U mentioned u has to board another bus which stops u at the highway. I did check out SG-Malacca bus which commutes from SG but will only stop us at highway. How far is the walk from highway to Tangkak? From the town of Tangkak, did u have to take a cab to the entrance of Ophir?
Really appreciate if you are able to advise me 🙂 thank u so much.
HI felinej,
I hope I’m not too late in replying you. I missed the last bus. So the bus i took stopped me along the highway.
From the highway, its just another 15 to 30 minutes walk to Tangkak Town.
And yes, with regards to the taxi, I met an uncle at one of the night food shop who help me ask another uncle to drive me to the base of the ophir for a small fee. A taxi would also suffice.
Please remember to go to the right entrance since one is only for the waterfall and the other is for climbing to summit.
Cheers,
Jeremy Tong Zhi Hao
hi, is there possible to camp overnight there now? for the guide, we are compulsory to hire 1 right?
Hi Hun Kok,
The last time I went in 2013 Feb, there was a campsite but it was towards the other route. My guide told us it was possible to camp but I suggest doing a thorough check with the ranger at Ledang Office before setting off for your plan!!!
Safe trips!!!
Allez,
Jeremy Tong
And yes, You need 1 guide for 10 – 12 people.
Ask for Fakrul, he was a part time guide who was very patient and fit.
Thank you for the story. The satay looks good!! Which stall and where?. Tks
Hi Leslie,
The food stall was at the start of the twon of tangkak. Just after you enter the toll part of the road. The stall will be on your left.
Cheers,
Jeremy
hi jeremy!
My family and I will head to KL this April. And I am looking at climbing this mountain. Do you think it’s possible to do this climb coming from KL? Or do you have any suggestion/s that may help me do this. Thanks in advance!
Hi, its definitely possible to come in from KL. From KL though you have to take a bus or train to the town of tangkak before starting the climb. When will you be in Malaysia, maybe I could help you with some arrangements.
How old are your children by the way? Mount ophir is a pretty tough climb within one day. You might wanna do some camping.
Cheers,
Jeremy Tong
Hi Jeremy,
I am planning to do this in just one day, and I believe you did the same thing when you did this. It excites me every time I look at your photos! How long was the hike? And how much did it cost you? guide, entrance fee…etc. perhaps you could give a rough estimate of the expenses in climbing this mountain. Thanks in advance!
Hi Leonard Francis,
Thanks for the comments. Yeah I did it in one day. One hell of an adventure.
The total duration was about seven to eight hours. We started around 10am. Reached the summit around four and ran down in about two. Would be better if you can book a guide in advance so you don’t have to wait for the guide on the day itself.
Total costs was about. Singapore $100 for per person for a total of two packs for the
guide.You need one guide for about 10 people. Other costs like permit was about Singapore $10. There was a rubbish deposit fee too.
Hope this helps,
Allez,
Jeremy Tong
Hi Jeremy,
My friends and I are planning to climb G.Ledang this Saturday. Do you think you can assist us on providing the contact number of the person in charge there to assist us? We’ll be driving, is it safe to park there? We’re also planning to camp up there. Your hiking photos looks fun! 😉
Regards,
Izzat
The main guy in charge is eddie. His number is +60197772057 or +6069631030.
Alternatively, you can contact the Gunung Ledang head office at +6069772888.
Yes, it is safe to park there but you might have to pay a parking fee. Camping is now possible if I’m not wrong but definitely, the costs might increase due to the guide having to stay an extra day.
Cheers and Allez,
Jeremy Tong
Hi jeremy.. could u contact me back thru email.. i wanted to go there n know more of the prices n itinerary.
Hi Rafael,
May I have your email address. Thanks.
Jeremy
hello jeremy,
Can I check that if its only the two of us, we won’t require a guide to climb ophir then?
Thanks.
Hi Chiam, similar to Mount Kinabalu, Mount Ophir also requires a guide. If you are interested, I can organize one climb with the other friends that are intending to go and we can go together. 🙂
Cheers,
Jeremy Tong
Singapore Mountaineer
Hi Jeremy, me and my friends want to climb G.Ledang but unsure of how to go about it.
We will probably drive there.
Can you email me the contact no of person who i can get in-touch?
We have climbed Mount KK and several small mountains like Belumut and Lambak with the help of malaysians friends in JB but this time round we are gg on our own.. all gals , mayb we’ll get 1 guy to go with us. We intend to climb within a day over a weekend.
Thanks!
Hi Jalilah,
Great to hear from you. My guide that I always use is Abang Fakrul and you can request for him through Mount Ophir HQ.
In addition, I can also organize this climb for you with other friends if you are really interested as well.
But up to you, self organizing is gonna be super fun for you as well.. Hope to hear from you soon.
Jeremy Tong
Singapore Mountaineer.
We are planning to go and climb on 2nd may 2015. Do u mind helping to organise? Like the guide costs and transport to get to the base from singapore? Was thinking whether it will be better to stay one night over there? What do u think?
Hi Victoria, Priya and another group would also like to go one the same dates. I’ve sent you an email. Please let me know whether you are okay if we combine the group and can share the costs of mini van and hostel as well.
Thanks,
Jeremy Tong
Hi jeremy
We are actually students and thus we would like to know the rough cost before we sign up for this.
How much would it cost us?
Lakshmi
Hi Lakshmi,
For your group of 5 people plus maybe another two from Priya’s group, each person is around SGD$250-290. This would include the mini van and all transportation, all food (except for day 1 breakfast and lunch and day 2 dinner), one nights stay in local guesthouse, and guide and park fees.
Please let me know. Thank you.
Warmest Regards,
Jeremy Tong
I am also planing the hike on 2nd may 2015 , would appreciate details on transport and stay . As of now planing to leave Singapore on 1st may and stay overnight to start the climb next day early morning , do you think thats better ?
Hi Victoria and Priya,
I emailed victoria and awaiting her reply. I’ll be free to plan and organise your climb together with victoria if you do not mind, because its the same dates. I have been running ophir for 3 times for fellow friends and clients and would be a pleasure to lead you and your friends. Would appreciate a quick reply as I have to do booking for the bus and slots. It will also be a great warm up climb for my Nepal trip to Everest Base Camp and Loboche East peak.
Warmest Regards,
Jeremy Tong Zhi Hao
Singapore Mountaineer
hi Jeremy ,
Yes we would be interested . As of now there are two of us interested ,please let me know the itenary , cost and logistics so that I can check with my friends also.
Regards Priya
Hi jeremy
Me and a few other friends around 5-6 of us would be interested to climb Mt Ophir on May 2nd or 1st. May I check what are the bus timings to reach gunung ledang national park?
Best Regards
Lakshmi
Hi Lakshmi, Would you be interested instead to join me and Priya on the same dates since it might be easier to organize for everyone then. Please let me know or reply me on Facebook via jeremytongclimbs. Thanks.
Hi Jeremy,
My friends and I (a group of four) are planning to climb Mt Ophir at the end of October. We are planning to drive there ourselves and do a day hike. So I guess we will only need a guide right? How do we go about arranging for the guide? Is there an email?
Thank you so much!
Hi Si Huan,
Thanks for sending me an email! Anyways, sounds great and yes you will need a guide compulsory for climbing gunung ledang. For the guide, make a call to the gunung ledang human lipur – (+60 6977 2888) Or eddie at (+60 1977 72057)/ (+60 6963 1030).
Hope this helps, if you decide not to climb mount ophir, I’m leading a group to Mount Belumut this October 3rd on saturday, one day trip, or you like to hop in for a warm up trek before your Ophir, I believe that will be good as well.
Warmest Regards,
Jeremy Tong
Thanks Jeremy. Is there an email? I tried calling but there was no answer…
Hi Jeremy, I’m planning to do a trip to Ophir on the weekend of 12/13 Dec in a group of about 8. I know it’s rainy and the school holidays – is that a terrible decision? Do you think the best option is just to go with a package (no need to worry about transport) or to call one of your guys direct and try and arrange transport myself?
Hi Jasmine,
Thanks for the msg. I’m also planning a trip there for a group. But the group size is currently 3-4 pax. If you join me, that would be great and I cam arrange for your guys and my friends as well. It is the monsoon season but it will be still possible to climb. Let me know ya!
Warmest Regards,
Jeremy Tong
Thanks for replying so quickly. We’re actually thinking of doing an overnight camp (more fun lah) – are you doing a day trip? Let me work out what my guys want to do and I’ll get back to you – can you leave me an email or something?
Hi Jasmine,
Sorry for the late reply. My group has increased to 7 people and still can accommodate. I’m doing a day trip and according to my guide’s recommendation since it’s the monsoon, not possible to camp on top due to lightning risk. But I believe the park will still allot it if you insists, but their guides might not be too happy.
My email is jeremytongclimbs@gmail.com and let me know as we start training tomorrow!
Regards,
Jeremy Tong
Dear Jeremy,
My friends and I are planning to climb Gunung Ledang the week end of 6 december. We are planning the 1 day trek. We didn’t book for the moment and i ‘m looking for a guide by mail.
Regards
Marc
Hi Marc,
Nice to meet you. I don’t have a contact for a guide but if you call the park office, You will be able to get a guide.
Otherwise, I’m leading a group this coming Dec 12-13th and I’m looking for last two members.
Email me at jeremytongzhihao@gmail.com if you are interested.
Regards,
Jeremy Tong
hello , can anyone guide me..
How does one get a permit? Can i buy it on the day? Where from?
Who to contact to arrange guide?
resort booking, guide booking, permit paying, shuttle service details.
How can i manage this all ?
Hi Jeremy,
Is this the good timing to climb up there ?
We are a group in early 60 and we had climb Mt. Kinabalu last year before the disaster.
Please advice .
Hi David,
Now is currently a good timing to go and climb Mount Ophir. As long as it is before december.
If you have climbed Kinabalu, Ledang is definitely within your reach. 🙂
I have a group leaving next week but I’ll not be leading it as I have another expedition to Tajikistan. Instead my friend will be leading it.
Please email me if you are interested to join my group o the 16-17th July. The oldest participant is 55 years old and its a lady.
Regards,
Jeremy Tong
i am going to Ledang 17Jul too, guess i will meet your group there..
Hi Hun Kok,
Nice to meet you. Are you with David as well?
Yeah, You’ll probably meet my group there. 🙂
Regards,
Jeremy Tong
not with david~ another group . They are big group also?
Hi Jeremy,
Your video was helpful. A group of 8 to 9 of us (young adults) are thinking of hiking there (one day trip) early Sep. Is that the rainy season? Is it dangerous to hike when it rains? Also this will the be the first time I hike a mountain. I have preparing for it by basically trying to build my thigh muscles via squats and lunges and hiking a small hill in my hometown (it’s quite steep). Is this enough? What else do you suggest?
Also what do you suggest we bring up there? How much water, food, equipment etc?
Hi Melissa,
I have sent you an email. Let me know if you have further questions.
Regards,
Jeremy Tong
Singapore Mountain Explorer
Hi Jeremy
I would like to know how you get there by public transport, and how you get back home from Gunung Ledang like did you book a taxi so that they wait for you and your friends at the base right after you descend or something?
Also, how did you apply for hiking permit and a guide?
Thanks!!
Hi Aidah,
To get there, you can take a bus to Tangkak Town.
There are many buses in Tangkak but make sure you do check the latest one that returns to Johor Bahru before you start so that you know what time u need to come down by.
For the taxi, you can ask the guides to call a taxi for you provided you are not too late. Or another option is to take the same taxi and get the number of that uncle so that you can call him when u come down.
In previous threads before this message, I might have provided the number for the HQ. So please check there. Otherwise, if you need a contact for a guide, this is the number. +6012 628 3458 – Abang Fairus.
Hope this helps! Ciao
Regards,
Jeremy Tong
Singapore Mountain Explorer
Hi Jeremy.. i m planning a trip to Ophir this coming dec 6 2016 Get the information from website that the mount will close from dec to jan time. Is that true? Wait for reply.. thank you.
Hi Beeli,
Yes, the mountain is closed in December. However, you can still check as I have been there before in December leading to the top!
Regards,
Jeremy Tong
Singapore Mountain Explorer
Hello Jeremy, I was wondering if you could provide me with some details on Mount Ophir.
1) Do you know of any reliable guide who could bring me and three other friends up on the 11th August?
2) Do you have any transport recommendations from SG to Mt Ophir?
Thanks!
Alicia
Hi Alicia,
I’m leading a trip on September 1-2nd for 5 other friends from Singapore. Do let me know if you are interested. Costs is S$290 inclusive for hostel, private land vehicle, food for whole trip except second day dinner, guides, park fees and conservation fees.
Do let me know if you are interested. You can contact me via 94356356 on whatsapp.
Thanks,
Jeremy Tong
Contact me bro. I would like to go with my buddies. @+6593882909