Events - Southeast Asian

Upcoming Events 2009

Asean Expedition to Gunung Tapis, Pahang

Project:  Asean Expedition 2009

Destination:  Gunung Tapis, Pahang

Dates:  Wed, 22 July to Sun, 26 July 2009

Cost:  $250.00 per person

Group Size:  Up to Maximum 35 participants

Registration is now opened and will be based on a first-come-first-served basis.

The Asean Expedition is an initiative of the South East Asia Climbing Federation or SEACF to provide an opportunity for Asean climbers to interact and to explore the available climbing areas in Asean Countries.

The initiative was first started in 2008 with the Mt Rinjani Expedition hosted by the Indonesia Climbing Federation. The 2009 expedition will be hosted by the Malaysia Mountaineering Federation or PMM with expected participation from Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Brunei.

The expedition will be held from Wed, 22 July to Sun, 26 July 2009. Expedition cost is at $250 inclusive of all expedition meals, Coach transfer (Sin-Tapis-Sin).

Registration is now opened and will be based on a first-come-first-served basis. Limited to only 35 participants. 

About Tapis

About 16 kilometres from Sungai Lembing is Gunung Tapis, the 18th highest mountain in the peninsula at 4, 957 feet.

A favourite challenge for climbing and trekking enthusiasts while in Pahang, the immediate vicinity in which Gunung Tapis resides is a well-kept nature park with camping areas, hot springs, white water challenge in its fast-flowing rivers and great fishing, especially for the much-sought after kelah (Malaysian mahseer).

Although compared to other mountains, taking on Gunung Tapis may not be an overwhelming undertaking to the experienced climber, it is best not to underrate Mother Nature and take extra precautions. The trek to the summit is very challenging and is uphill all the way from the trailhead. High fitness level is necessary and trekking hours will be quite long through the undulating trail.

The view from the top is quite breath taking. Most of the time all you can ever see is a sea of white clouds obscuring the view of the lowlands, with occasional breaks to reveal the surrounding terrain. On a clear day, you can see Gunung Tahan in the distance. The temperature at the peak can range between 18 to 8 degrees Celsius, depending on the time of day.

The sunset from the peak is great and on the way up you will come across a grove of miniature-like trees dubbed by climbers as the bonsai garden. The stunted appearance of the treks and shrubs is due to the relentless gust of wind that blows against the hillside.