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I am married to my loving husband for more than 40 years now. I am a mother to 3 beautiful children, until years ago when I lost my youngest son. Since then my life is forever altered but yet unbroken....

Sunday 18 March 2012

Pahang: Riding to Gunung Senyum…

"A pleasant companion reduces the length of the journey..." - P Syrus


Last night we were supposed to join the bikers 'Ride Right Clinic' organised by Tourism Malaysia but we have to cancel our plan last minute.

(The welcoming signage)
(Some of the caves entrances seen from below...)

So this morning, with nothing particular planned, we decided to go for a ride to Gunung Senyum Recreational Park, located on the Pahang River bank about 68 km away from Temerloh and is 1,549 metres above sea level.

(Venturing the many caves...)
(The start of the climb...)

The park is part of the Jengka Forest Reserve, which covers an area of 794 hectares. Surrounded by oil palm plantations of the Jengka Felda Scheme, there are two main mountains within the park, Gunung Senyum and Gunung Jebak Puyoh, popular sites for mountain climbers and cave explorers..

(Exploring one of the smaller caves...) 
(Beautiful rock formations...)

Gunung Senyum is made up of limestone and rock with at least 20 caves with historical and mythical cave complex and unique flora, fauna and rock formations. The magnificent cave chambers are among the most beautiful in the region.

(The hanging bridge to cross the pond...)

Without a map or a garmin, it took us nearly 3 hours to reach the park but on the way back to KL we took a shorter route which saved us an hour of riding time...

Total mileage: 400 km
Route taken: KL - Karak Highway - Jerantut - Jengka 9, 21, 23 - Gunung Senyum -
Rumpun Makmur - Kuala Krau - Karak Highway - KL

4 comments:

  1. Hi!

    I've been to Gunung Senyum before and love every bit of it. Unfortunately, my hubby had hot water scalded onto his feet on the morning we were to view the beautiful caves. Always wanted to make another trip. This time, on our own, if possible coz previously we paid the guide to bring us around.

    I'm wondering if you did it on your own. Also, we used to camp there but was told that the camping site full of mosquito. Wonder if you notice anything like that.

    Appreciate your feedback.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hai,
      This was our one and only trip to Gunung Senyum. It was only a day trip so we didn't have time to explore all the caves.

      The camping area looks ok but we have not tried to camp there yet.

      It's ok to explore without a guide but it is advisable to inform the guard of your intention. It's safer to go in a group and keep to the main track.

      Wear proper attire with confortable shoes as some areas the climb is quite steep and slippery. And don't forget bring enough drinking water...

      Delete
  2. Thank you very much for responding.

    One more thing b4 we decide to go ahead wt the trip. My friend told me there were lots of mosquitoes. Did u encounter that?

    Looking forward to hearing from you soon :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have no experience camping in this area but i think there's not much mosquitoes in the open and in bright day light. But towards the evening it may be a nightmare to stay outside your tent.

    Even when you are mountain climbing and exploring the caves, you may want to spray your body with insect repellant.

    I did to avoid leeches...

    ReplyDelete