Description
Background:
Journey into the remote heart of the Kedah-Singgora border range for an adventure defined by raw, untamed beauty and thrilling challenge. Gunung Batu Merah is the lesser-known neighbour of the popular Gunung Fakir Terbang, offering a more secluded and demanding ascent through a true primary jungle of giant trees, rattan, and wild orchids. Your reward is one of Kedah’s most spectacular vistas: a breathtaking 180-degree panorama where the shimmering expanse of Pedu Lake meets the rolling jungles of two countries—Malaysia and Thailand.
This is a serious, non-commercial trek requiring grit and preparation. The steep, often technical climb involves navigating eight distinct checkpoints and utilizing fixed ropes on near-vertical sections. The jungle here is pristine and alive, promising encounters with leeches and the distant call of wild elephants. Due to its sensitive border location and complex, unmarked trails, a certified local guide and a state forestry permit are mandatory for a safe and authorized expedition.
Conquer Bukit Batu Merah for the ultimate sense of achievement. It’s not just a hike; it’s a full-day expedition into a forgotten wilderness, culminating in a summit view that few have witnessed.
Hike Information:
📍 Location: Kuala Nerang, Kedah
📜 Permit: Mandatory
🧑✈️ Licensed MGP Guide: Mandatory
📏 Distance: ~ 9 km (Return)
⛰ Peak Height: 577 m / 1,893 ft
📈 Elevation Gain: ~ 500 m / ~ 1,640 ft
⚠️ Difficulty Rating: 6/10 (Challenging)
📍 Peak Coordinates: 6°12’11.6″N 100°51’16.1″E 👉 [View on Google Maps]
👥 MGP Guide to Hiker Ratio:
- The standard MGP guide-to-hiker ratio is 1:7.
- If your group has more than 7 participants, additional guides will be required to maintain the mandated safety ratio.
- This requirement ensures safety, compliance with forestry regulations, and a better hiking experience for all participants.
🔢 Ratio Examples:
- 1–7 hikers → 1 guide
- 8–14 hikers → 2 guides
- 15–21 hikers → 3 guides
- 22–28 hikers → 4 guides
💬 Next Steps After Payment:
- 📧 Confirmation: You’ll receive a booking confirmation within 10 minutes. If you don’t receive a confirmation email, please contact our customer support team.
- 📱 WhatsApp Group: All registered participants will be added to a dedicated WhatsApp group for final updates, reminders, and important hike information.
- 🎫 Voucher Type: Please present your mobile voucher along with your identification or passport on the day of the hike.
Tentative – Gunung Batu Merah
5:00 AM – Assemble at the meeting point 👉 KFC Kuala Nerang [Google Maps link] (Your MGP guide will greet you and accompany the group to the trailhead)
5:30 AM – Depart by transport to the trailhead.
6:30 AM – Arrival at the base of the mountain.
6:45 AM – Safety briefing, gear check & warm-up
7:00 AM – Begin the ascent.
10:30 AM – Estimated arrival at the summit of Bukit Batu Merah. Rest, enjoy the panoramic views, and have lunch.
12:00 PM – Begin the descent from the summit.
2:30 PM – End of hike & dismissal
Notes:
This tentative schedule is for guidance only and may change depending on actual conditions, including traffic delays, weather conditions, varying group pace, or delays by participants.
All real-time updates and changes will be communicated through a designated WhatsApp group.
Parking is free and available on-site.
Meeting Point
KFC Kuala Nerang
6,7,8,19 & 20, Jalan Semeliang Pekan Baru, 06300 Kuala Nerang, MY












