Gunung Batu Merah

10 hours

Challenging

A challenging border-ridge hike offering a rare 180° panorama of Pedu Lake and the Thai jungle.
Background:

Journey into the remote heart of the Kedah-Singgora border range for an adventure defined by raw, untamed beauty and thrilling challenge. Gunung Batu Merah is the lesser-known neighbour of the popular Gunung Fakir Terbang, offering a more secluded and demanding ascent through a true primary jungle of giant trees, rattan, and wild orchids. Your reward is one of Kedah’s most spectacular vistas: a breathtaking 180-degree panorama where the shimmering expanse of Pedu Lake meets the rolling jungles of two countries—Malaysia and Thailand.

This is a serious, non-commercial trek requiring grit and preparation. The steep, often technical climb involves navigating eight distinct checkpoints and utilizing fixed ropes on near-vertical sections. The jungle here is pristine and alive, promising encounters with leeches and the distant call of wild elephants. Due to its sensitive border location and complex, unmarked trails, a certified local guide and a state forestry permit are mandatory for a safe and authorized expedition.

Conquer Bukit Batu Merah for the ultimate sense of achievement. It’s not just a hike; it's a full-day expedition into a forgotten wilderness, culminating in a summit view that few have witnessed.


Hike Information:

📍 Location: Kuala Nerang, Kedah

📜 Permit: Mandatory

🧑‍✈️ Licensed MGP Guide: Mandatory

📏 Distance: ~ 9 km (Return)

Peak Height: 577 m / 1,893 ft

📈 Elevation Gain: ~ 500 m / ~ 1,640 ft

⚠️ Difficulty Rating: 6/10 (Challenging)

📍 Peak Coordinates: 6°12'11.6"N 100°51'16.1"E 👉 [View on Google Maps]

👥 MGP Guide to Hiker Ratio:
  • The standard MGP guide-to-hiker ratio is 1:7.
  • If your group has more than 7 participants, additional guides will be required to maintain the mandated safety ratio.
  • This requirement ensures safety, compliance with forestry regulations, and a better hiking experience for all participants.

🔢 Ratio Examples:
  • 1–7 hikers → 1 guide
  • 8–14 hikers → 2 guides
  • 15–21 hikers → 3 guides
  • 22–28 hikers → 4 guides

💬 Next Steps After Payment:
  • 📧 Confirmation: You’ll receive a booking confirmation within 10 minutes. If you don’t receive a confirmation email, please contact our customer support team.
  • 📱 WhatsApp Group: All registered participants will be added to a dedicated WhatsApp group for final updates, reminders, and important hike information.
  • 🎫 Voucher Type: Please present your mobile voucher along with your identification or passport on the day of the hike.
What's included?
    • 🧑‍✈️ Licensed MGP Guide
    • 📜 Forestry Permit
    • 🧭 Trip Management & Coordination
    • 🩹 Basic First Aid Support
    • ⛑️ Hikers’ Personal Accident (PA) Insurance
    • 🏅 E-Certificate
    Exclusions
      • 🎒 Porter Services
      • 🍽 Meals (Breakfast / Snacks / Lunch)
      • 💼 Personal Expenses
      • 🛂 Malaysia Visa Fees
      • ➕ Any items not specifically mentioned above
      Please note
        1. 🔒 Personal Data:
          We collect your personal information (name, ID, phone number and contact details) for permit and insurance purposes as required by local authorities. For details on how your data is used, please see our Privacy Policy .

        2. 🏥 Health & Eligibility:
          This hike is not suitable for children under 5, seniors above 65, pregnant women, or individuals with serious medical conditions or limited mobility. Please ensure you are medically fit before joining this hike.

        3. ⚠️ Safety & Risks:
          Hiking involves inherent risks such as slips, falls, fatigue, wildlife encounters, and changing weather conditions. Follow all safety instructions from your appointed MGP Guide to minimize risks.

        4. 🛡️ Insurance & Liability:
          All participants are covered under Hiker’s Personal Accident (PA) insurance. In the event of an incident, claims must be made directly with the insurance provider. JomHiking and its team shall not be held liable for injuries or losses beyond the coverage provided.

        5. Attendance & Refund Policy:
          Please arrive at the designated meeting point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled activity time. No-shows and latecomers will not be eligible for refunds.      

          For complete details, please refer to our General Terms & Conditions .
        What to bring

          🔴 Essential Gear (Must-Have):

          • 💧 2–3 litres of drinking water
          • 🍱 500 ml–1 litre of isotonic drink
          • 👕 Food, snacks, or energy bars
          • 🥾 Comfortable hiking attire (quick-dry shirt, trekking pants, hiking shoes)
          • 🎒 Hiking daypack (10–20L)
          • 🔦 Headlamp / torchlight with extra batteries
          • 🧥 Raincoat / poncho / windbreaker
          • 🩹 Personal medication & first aid kit
          • ♻️ Trash bag (“Pack In, Pack Out”)
          • 📱 Fully charged phone & power bank
          • 🛡️ Waterproof or dry bag (for electronics)
          • ⚠️ Emergency whistle & blanket
          • 🔥 Lighter / fire starter
          • 🆔 Personal identification (MyKad / passport)

          🟡 Optional but Recommended Items:

          • 🧂 Himalayan salt or electrolyte tablets
          • 🔪 Small knife or multitool kit
          • 🦟 Mosquito or leech repellent
          • 🧻 Wet / dry tissues
          • 🧢 Sun hat / cap & sunscreen
          • 🧤 Gloves
          • 🦯 Hiking poles
          • 🍴 Personal cup & reusable utensils
          • 🍳 Cooking equipment

          🟢 Post-Hike Essentials (Leave in Your Vehicle):

          • 👕 1 set of clean clothes
          • 🧼 Toiletries / towel
          • 🩴 Sandals or slippers
          • 🥤 Extra drinking water (for refreshment or cleaning)
          • 🛍️ Plastic bag for dirty clothes

          💡 Pro Tip: Pack light but smart — every item should serve a purpose. Adjust your gear based on trail difficulty, weather, and hike duration.