Gunung Pasir - Sri Menanti, Negeri Sembilan - The Ascending of Torture

 

Gunung Pasir located at Sri Menanti, Negeri Sembilan standing 892 metres above sea level.

It is a rare mountain to climb as only a few (and brave like us) who dare to take up the challenge.

Searching via google there were less information about this mountain - the trail condition, difficulty and characteristics.

Since this is the second time attempting to conquer, we treat this hike as a revenge hike due to failure attempt a month ago.

Summary of hike

4.7km in 3 hours and 6 minutes (one way)

8.8km in 5 hours 17 minutes (return)

Trail condition - 100% dry.

Trail difficulty - Hard 

(How hard? - 4km of hard inclination (98%)

2% or few hundreds metres are a brief downward and flat 

Leeches - It was present and visible...hahaha...but not that many, few times I stopped and checked, there weren't any. But at one time, there were a few stuck at my socks

Mountain Characteristics : 

• It's all hard inclination right from the start
• The chances of getting deviate off course are less compared to last time as we have set up more trail markers 
• Be careful on what looks like a clear trail but lead to elsewhere
• Trail markers are aplenty but still you might end up looking for the correct trail path
• GPS navigation is a must (wikiloc on handphone, gps device, wrist watch gps) it will navigate through and alert if you gone off-course
• Without GPS navigation is also possible as the trails markers are sufficient to direct you to the peak but be extra alert on your next trail marker
• Thorny plants are thriving which can rip your shirt off or even scratch your pretty face until it bleed
• on the ground, there are creepy crawly plants that can tangle your feet and make you fall
• In case of lost, always retrace back your steps backward since you last saw the trail marker and check left or right for the next
• Somewhere few kilometres from the start is the last water point (just in case) but carrying with you a 1 or 2 litres of fluid should be sufficient

The GPS location via Google map

It will take you straight to our parking spot

Please enjoy parking area photos : 

The road where we came from.

The parking is free and can park at the roadside.

Since this is a remote area, we thought of having our discussion at the middle of the road...haha

At the end of the road, there is a small bridge

A sturdy and strong bridge

Side track moment;

On early August 2020, me and 3 brave souls attempting to conquer Gunung Pasir. Mr Sega was the culprit to drag us along. Mr Chan being a supporter rarely refuse on such "rentis" (opening and clearing up trail).

This was at KM4 mark, where we decided to put a halt in our hiking (and tree chopping) as we were too tired plus I didn't prepare well enough (more plus...didn't bring my power bank...hahaha)

(Apparently on second time we were here, the trail ended here after we cut the tree branches...and the actual trail was on our right handside....very-very elusive)

Yes, I recorded the abandoned mission at 4th Kilometre...and 1.1km to the peak.

setting up trail marker for others 

The spot where we celebrate our failure 

At the beginning of the trail

Mr Chan with his parang that can cut the whole jungle in one day

OK, Back to current hike

after crossing the bridge, on your left, you will see some sort of agricultural activity going on 

the agricultural thingy

Turning on your right is the trailhead 

in we go

Here at 440 metres from the parking

be careful...though the clear path is straight, the actual trail is on the left with arrow sign.

the 440 metres sign

Another wrong turn...after we walk a little bit further, our navigation were off-course...so we retrace back and follow the correct trail.

There were many trail markers - just search for it and you will be fine

Just to show how suunto ambit 5 and its navigation point

The trail difficulty - you will have to endure a long and hard inclination mostly like this

only one section that you will go down for a brief moment

There were no resting point or camp, all it has are hills and more hills to climb

and finally after 3 hours of a grueling hike, we made it to the peak 

1. Mr Chan

2. Mr Mike

3. Mr Daniel

4. Mr Sin (i hope no sin)

5. Mr Lew

6. Mr Sega

7. Mr Mikel

8. Mr Kenji

9. Mr Miguel

10. Mr Eddie

and number 11 is the tasteless wild Longan  

The peak is a flat surface covered with fallen leaves.

The leeches are thriving here but not as many as Bukit Repin.

Still a few managed to bite but nothing to be alarmed (unless you're a leech-a-phobic)

After 4.7km and 3 hours 6 minutes later, we reached the peak of Gunung Pasir

Tips to maximize the length of your caution tape as trail marker...cut it into half.

You can cover more ground with trail marker

Mr Chan with his godzilla backpack that can bring the whole house fridge

Savouring the success at the peak

We descended down around 12.45pm

and reach the parking 1 hour 30 minutes later with 8.8km in 5 hours 17 minutes of total journey

Wikiloc gpx/fit map : 

Gunung Pasir

Gunung Besar Hantu

Gunung Besar Hantu located in Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan standing 1,462 meters.

The distance is 5.3km (one way) and 10.6km (return) – from the trail head.

Few notes on the distance as it’s all depending on your location as follows :

·         From Kampung Chennah Police Station to Kem Bukit Perjuangan is 4.8km

·         As per current practiced and for my journey, we parked our car at Kem Bukit Perjuangan for our 4 wheel drive vehicle. From Kem Bukit Perjuangan to Guard Entrance is 12km

·         From guard entrance to trail head is 1.32km

·         From trail head to peak of Gunung Besar Hantu is 5.3km

·         There were other group of hikers who normally use the roundabout to hop on 4x4 or lorry. It is just less than 400 meters from Kg Chennah mosque (if I’m not mistaken).

GPS Coordinate :

Kg Chennah police station : 3.089851, 102.078155

Kem Bukit Perjuangan : 3.089928, 102.078173

Guard Entrance : 3.175166, 101.988590

Trail Head : 3.175166, 101.988590

Please be reminded that the above GPS coordinates are based on google maps and may vary when importing the data to gps device. My car’s GPS navigator unable to trace any of the gps coordinates above, except kampong chennah.

Travelling and Transportation

The best transportation solution to get here (Kg Chennah) is by car. . It took almost 2 hours from Kuala Lumpur to Kg Chennah.

4 wheel drive vehicle is even better – as it can go straight to guard entrance/or trail head

It is recommended to hop on 4 x 4 vehicle towards the trail head as the road leading there is under construction (as at mid may 2017). They are building new set of road to improve mobility and connectivity. I heard it will be completed in July 2017.

Accommodation

Searching via google may guide you to homestay kenaboi or homestay Kuala Kelawang. It’s perfect if you wish to stay overnight.

Meals and eatery

Kampung Chennah has its own eating outlet but may be limited. There is no 24 hours grocery shop and I would advised to stock up your food & drink ration beforehand.

Toilets and Getting Ready

We parked our car at Kg Chennah mosque for our toilet break and freshen up. The mosque is kind enough to allow us to use their facility.

Joining a Group of Hikers

I decided to join an open trip of hikers named "Kaki Daki" suggested by a friend. With a fee of RM40 which inclusive of permit, 4x4 to & fro pick up, guide and lunch at the top. There were 35 of us and 3 pick up trucks to ferry us. 
You may find more info in their FB Page : kaki daki adventure and their instagram : kaki daki instagram

The Hike

The journey on 4x4 vehicle from Kem bukit Perjuangan took around 40 to 45 minutes to trail head.

There will be 3 pit stops for a breather along the way – Kem Sungai Kering, Kem Orchid and Simpang Y.

From Trail Head to Sg Kering

Distance : 3km

Time taken : around 2 hours plus

Trail Difficulty : easy, Moderate incline at certain section

Trail Condition : dry clear trail

From Sg Kering to Kem Orchid

Distance : 1km

Time Taken : around 1 hour

Trail Difficulty : moderate incline, hard incline at certain section

Trail condition : dry trail. River crossing. Narrow trail

From Kem Orchid to Simpang Y

Distance : 800 meter

Time Taken : 1 hour 40 minutes

Trail Difficulty : Hard and long incline!

Trail Condition : Dry trail

Notes : Simpang Y is a junction leading to 2 location, Gunung kecil Hantu and Gunung Besar Hantu.

Gunung Kecil Hantu was closed due to landslide. We can’t make it on that day.

We continued to Gunung Besar Hantu (on the right)

From Simpang Y to Summit

Distance : 500 meter

Time Taken : 30 – 40 minutes

Trail Difficulty : Hard and long incline!

Trail condition : Dry trail

This is Cik Assila a.k.a "Luruh", one of the leader 

En Faris (stirring the fried chicken) another leader for this team

Nice view of valleys and mountains here (if you were lucky).

The team, lead by Faris, luruh and their team member are performing a tremendous effort ensuring the safety, motivation, esteem and not to forget, preparing a nice meal set consisting of fried chicken, nuggets and sausages. We thank you for their relentless responsibilities.

Ascending down become easier as the trails are 95% downhill and less effort of using energy (or what left). We reached the trail head within 2 hours. Another 18 minutes (1.32km) to guard entrance. Another 2 km reaching Kampung Orang Asli through rubber tree plantation before hitch a ride to Kem Bukit Perjuangan, 12km away. We offered our rider a sum of cash for their valuable service.

We ended the journey and back at Kem Bukit Perjuangan nearly 6.00pm, before heading home.