Gunung Ledang via Sagil trail

Gunung Ledang beckons with an irresistible allure—where the legend of the mystical Puteri Gunung Ledang meets wild, rugged terrain that dares the bold to conquer it.

I hiked Gunung Ledang via the Asahan trail two years ago and have always been curious how it compares to the route from Sagil. After two long years of waiting, I finally got the chance—and now, I can make my verdict!

One thing I’ve come to realize, spending the night before in Tangkak is by far the best choice. From Tangkak town to the trailhead takes 13 minutes with many breakfast options! #gunungledang

It spares you the exhausting journey in the ungodly hours of the morning and allows you to start the hike well-rested and mentally prepared.

Starting point: Gunung Sagil Recreational Park

Hike Duration: 6.5km one way

Stream Crossing: One

End Hike: Backtrack

Hike Difficulty: 3.5/5

Toilet & shower facilities: Available at the office area

Break it into 4 parts,

• CP1- CP3

• CP5

• CP 6-7

• CP8 - PEAK

  
  

Note: A permit and a guide is needed to hike Gunung Ledang, with one guide to 7 hikers ratio. We had a very attentive guide who is a teacher by profession, Ckigu Tan, DM me if you need his contact.

What to bring

1. Basic first aid stuff such as disinfectant, ankle guard in case you sprain your ankle, band-aid.

2. Walking stick

3. Raincoat and Poncho,

4. Cap, the summit is exposed

5. At least 2l of water, pack lunch, snack!

6. Change of clothes

7. Good pair of hiking shoes is absolutely necessary

8. Gloves, many rope climb

Inventory check before the hike! Don't leave anything behind, or pay 50RM per missing item

Checkpoint 1 to Checkpoint 3

The trailhead shares the same path as the route to the waterfall, starting with a series of flat, wide steps. At the junction, the trail splits: straight ahead leads down to the waterfall, while the path to Gunung Ledang is on the right. From here, "Tangga Mahligai" or the "Palace stairs" grow narrower and begin to rise in a steady cadence. After about 10 minutes of climbing, the concrete stairs ends and you’ll reach Checkpoint 1, Bukit Semput 260m. "Semput" meaning wheezing in Malay truly describes the state of the group as we arrive at this point.

The Stairway to the Palace, totaling of 738 steps

From Checkpoint 1 to Checkpoint 2, the trail continues with a moderate ascent leading to 'Hentian Meranti' at 358 meters. This rest stop is surrounded by towering meranti trees (genus Shorea), known for their reddish hue and impressive height—some reaching up to 100 meters. Highly sought after for their timber, many meranti species are now listed as endangered. We took around 20 minutes from Checkpoint 1 to get to this point.

Checkpoint 2, Hentian Meranti, surround with Meranti trees

From Checkpoint 2, the trail is moderately steeper, weaving past massive boulders—some so striking they feel almost otherworldly. It’s a 30-minute ascent to Batu Orkid at 540 meters (CP3). The air was damp and heavy, aggravated to our exhaustion.

This enormous boulder, towering roughly 10 meters high and stretching about 15 meters long, has its top draped in wild orchid plants, giving the spot its name.

We regrouped here for a quick water break, taking a moment to soak in the serene surroundings. Overhead, we heard the heavy flapping of hornbill wings, the faint calls of gibbons, and the cheerful morning chirps of forest birds. Sunrays pierced through the misty jungle, casting golden shafts of light around the jungle.

Note: From Checkpoint 1 to Checkpoint 3, it was relatively moderate 1 hour uphill hike.

Checkpoint 3 Batu Orkid, with the top of the enormous boulder full of wild orchids

Checkpoint 3 to Checkpoint 5

From Checkpoint 3 to 5, the trail meanders through some flat sections, dips slightly, and crosses a small stream before ascending once more. Around the midpoint, we reached a fork known as ‘Simpang Bukit Satu Dua’—the right path leads to Checkpoint 4 (Kolam Gajah) by the Sungai Ayer Panas, while the main trail continues straight toward Checkpoint 5 and the summit. We stayed on course and pressed uphill toward CP5. It tool us one hour to reach CP 5, Sungai Setiga, 630m.

We took a break to refuel and catch our breath at Sungai Setiga, washing our sweat-drenched faces in the pristine refreshing spring water—so clean and clear it’s said to be drinkable.

Note: There have been a few changes to the Sagil route since 2008 with the Lagenda trail replacing the earlier Ayer Panas trail. Only the initial part of the trail is being affected and the path converges just before the KFC (Killer for Climbers)

Notorious KFC section (Killer Fitness for Climbers) to Checkpoint 6

Roughly 15 minutes after leaving the Sungai Setiga checkpoint, we reached the infamous section known as KFC—a nickname for a stretch that's steep, narrow, and brutally inclined. But despite its reputation, KFC wasn’t as punishing as expected. As the path was cramp, we had to ascend in single file to Checkpoint 7 Gua Kambing, perched at 925 meters. It took us around 50 minutes to clear this section.

Checkpoint 7 - Checkpoint 8- Summit

From Gua Kambing onward, the temperature dropped noticeably. A gentle breeze ushered in low-hanging clouds, and fine raindrops began to fall, lightly misting the trail.

Soon, a series of aluminum ladders came into view—propped upright at steep angles between 70 to 90 degrees—clinging to the rock face like rungs to the sky, marking the beginning of a vertical ascent, and where the fun begins.

After the series of ladders, we arrived at Batu Hampar, where two sheer rock faces rose dramatically, towering toward the mountain ridge with some ropes hanging looses to aide hikers climb.

The first boulder, tilted at about a 75-degree angle, appeared intimidating but was relatively short and manageable—less challenging than it looked. However, my friend, who has acrophobia, froze at the sight of the sheer rock and had a nervous breakdown.

After this teaser “boss” climb, the true challenge emerged—a second, steeper boulder slanting at nearly 80 degrees with a bulging top that added to the difficulty.

Before attempting this section, it's highly recommended to pause and visualize your climb. If you're carrying hiking poles, stow them in your bag to keep your hands and legs free for the ascent.

This stretch requires a fair amount of upper-body strength to navigate the vertical scramble. For those less keen on going full 'Spiderman', a narrow dirt trail skirts the side. Reaching the top rewards you with breathtaking views that stop you in your tracks. After that heart-pounding climb, you’ll need a moment to catch your breath—and your thoughts.

The difficulty of the rock climb is more challenging on the Sagil side, but more dramatic from Asahan

After the sheer rock cliff, the forest appears more dwarf, gnarled branches and roots twisted and curled into mysterious shapes. Although the rain had ceased but the drifting mist created an eerie vibe. Different species of moss coated every rock with a velvety green hue. #mossyforest

Transitioning from tropical rainforest to the mossy forest

We navigated through the labyrinth of low hanging ferns, orchids, on soft, bouncy topsoil before arriving at Checkpoint 8 Bukit Botak, 1130m.

A few series of stairs before finally arriving at the false peak

As the name suggests, Bukit Botak, is uncovered with patchy barren areas. This site was used as a camp ground years ago, but no longer. The trail descend slight from here, before a series of ladders few stories in height towers to the false peak of Puncak Mahligai (Palace peak). The views from the false peak has unobstructed vantage points of the surrounding Sagil area.

The view from the false peak is surely more scenic than the actual peak, with

The Gunung Ledang peak of 1276m with the stone marker, is a flight of stairs upward toward the north of the false peak. The area is unshaded and it's absolutely scorching under the midday sun! We snapped our obligatory summit photo in haste before retreating to a nearby shady spot to enjoy our well-earned celebratory lunch. The full climb to the peak took us roughly four hours.

Return

We took our time to savour lunch before beginning our descent.

Fortunately, we didn’t need to navigate the steep ladders again. Instead, there was an alternative Pendita Trail, that links the peak directly to Simpang Pendita (before checkpoint 3)

The Pendita Trail winds gently through the mossy forest. The path was alive with epiphytes, pitcher plants (Nepenthes), orchids, ferns, and layers of moss—each still glistening with droplets from the lingering morning mist. It felt like stepping through a living terrarium, hushed and untouched. It took around 2 hours to reach Simpang Pendita, and another 1 hour to exit.

Time reference Checkpoints

Asahan Sagil

0800 - Start Hike stairs 0800 Start hike,

0838- CP1 0900 CP3 Batu Orkid

0915- CP2 1000 CP5 Sungai Setiga

0950- CP3 1115 Bukit Botak

1000- CP4 1200 Summit

1040- CP5 Batu Berlumut

1110- CP6 Padang Batu Campsite

1145- CP7

1215- Summit

Habitats

This species of nepenthes was sighted above 1000m

Blooming jungle orchids

Reflections

The Gunung Ledang trail is undoubtedly one of the most pleasant and scenic hikes in Peninsular Malaysia. It’s also exceptionally well maintained—unlike some trails where it feels like you have to sign your life away just to begin! Rich in flora and fauna, the mountain rewards trekkers with diverse forest climate zones and a mix of terrains, from dirt paths to rope sections and towering ladders.

Both the Sagil and Asahan routes offer equally rewarding and scenic experiences. But if I had to choose just one—I’d choose Asahan in a heartbeat!

Thank you to all the beautiful and handsome hikers that shared this brilliant hike together!

Is Gunung Ledang from Asahan or Sagil easier?

Any peak over 1000m is never easy, but Asahan is surely the easier trail but longer flat area.

Were there many leeches?

None.

If it is my first time hiking Ledang, should I start from Asahan or Sagil?

Whichever side you start from, this is not a newbie hike. It is best to train on 10km trails before doing either one. However, Asahan trail appears easier but longer. It does bring your endurance to the test, especially on the return.

Which side is more scenic?

The Asahan trail is more scenic and has a more dramatic boulder view.

If I can only hike once to Gunung Ledang, which trail should I do?

Do Asahan. It is incredibly scenic, but less mossy forest.

Date visited: 14th June 2025