Kedah: Monsoon Ride to Gunung Jerai...

"You'll be surprised to know how far you can go from the point where you thought it was the end..."

(Cool fresh mountain air...)

Gunung Jerai or formerly Kedah Peak is the highest mountain in Kedah with the height of 986 metres (3,235 ft). Within Kedah itself, the mountain stands at the border of Kuala Muda and Yan districts. The mountain is a massive limestone outcrop and is a lone feature from the surrounding geography of the area. There is an information board on top of the mountain stating that it used to be an island called Pulai Serai before the sea levels receded letting it form a mountain, but this fact has no research or historical basis.

The height of Mount Jerai relative to its surroundings allowed traders and seafarers to use the mountain as a navigational point more than 1500 years ago. The mountain was considered sacred by the ancient Malays so they built temples from the foothills up to the summit. Hindu-Buddhist priests would pray at these stupas for the safety of Bujang Valley, the richest archaeological site in Malaysia located on the southern reaches of the mountain.

(Staying a night at Golden Nasmir Hotel, Juru) 

(Riding through Gurun to the mountain...)

(A photo shot at the foot of the mountain)

(An abandoned cafe, an imposing landmark)

(The start of the uphill winding road)

(A lot of hair pin and switch back curves)

(A rest area with panoramic view along the route)

(Muzeum Perhutanan Gunung Jerai) 

(More winding road uphill)

(Signage to the many tourist attractions)

(Riding uphill, the road getting narrower)

(Drinking cool spring water at Perigi Tok Sheikh)

(Continue riding to the peak)

(Stopping at Padang Tok Sheikh and Batu Shaft)

(Enjoying the tranquility of the forest)

(Narrower and slippery road uphill)

(No entry sign, bad road conditions)

(Cloudy sky but no rain...)

(The Regency Hotel entrance)

(Panoramic view of Kedah rice bowl...)

(Highest mountain range in Kedah)

(A restaurant overlooking the scenic view)

(Lamb chop and grilled chicken for lunch)

(Moist chocolate cake and fruit cocktail ice-cream)

(Solat break, the surau at the background)

(The Royal Chalet, only for the VVIP)

(Comfortable cozy chalets for rent)

(Students hiking 11km downhill...)

Total mileage: 850 km

Route taken: KL - Juru - Gurun - Gunung Jerai