Jungle Trail 1 (Gunung Brinchang)

Call or whatsapp me now for hike to Mount Brinchang Barat at Cameron Highlands

Been here at least 4 times within a span of 10 years. Used to be the virgin mossy forest, authentic with the resemblance of nearly an untouched forest. Unfortunately, due to the increasing number of hikers and visitors, the condition of the trail deteriorated and cement concrete structures was built. Well, it will take a while before the moss grow on the structures to restore the feel of nature.

Did a hike on Path No 1...ended up at the WaterTank with gate locked n warning notice by Water Dept...require permission to enter.

Feb 2020, We hiked down the trail to Brinchang town from the mountain side after we visited Mossy Forrest. The trail was a bit challenging with fallen trees and muddy ground till we got to Brinchang Barat but was OK after that. Amazing with lots of plants, mushrooms and flowers.

Moderate walk (2.2km) up a steep slope tar road. Although a number of 4x4 jeeps ignored the "Do Not Enter" sign, it's best to park below at the boom gate and walk up and back. Observation tower at top no longer exists. But views are nice on a clear day. Otherwise just a pleasant walk in the midst of some jungle. Mossy Forest wooden step path was closed to visitors when we were there (Jan 2018) ?

There is a lot of mixed information about this trail online, its quite hard to find out anything with accuracy. The entrance we used is very easy to miss - its a few hundred meters before the one marked on google maps. As you walk up the hill there is a huge amount of new construction happening on the left... after about 900 meters along this road up from McDonalds there is a newish house in a more modern style on the left (think big bare concrete square and big windows - but its already kind of mouldy) - about 100m after this look on the right hand side of the road for a quite overgrown yellow sign - a local guy pointed it out to us. You can follow a pretty clear trail from here that will join the main trail that starts further up this road. If you are used to hiking, can think and are reasonably fit then its not especially difficult - its a few km and up about 400 meters. It can be very muddy, there is climbing up roots and over obstacles regularly - if its recently rained then it will be very slippy so you need decent shoes. Be aware of the weather, in heavy rain or storms some areas would be impassable or dangerous. Some organisation has attached big yellow reflectors on almost every 5th tree along the route (which to be honest is a massive violation of nature and detracts from the beauty), so unless you are completely unable in life, its very easy to find the way - just make sure you are following the trail and don't wonder off. Towards the end it gets harder as you constantly are going up and down. Use the app Maps.me to help with navigating as it has the route marked. I have no idea why you would need a guide, for most Europeans this is just a walk in the forest - be aware of your own capabilities and especially the weather. Didn't see anyone else all day on the trail, just lots of birds, insects and interesting plants. For the love of whoever it is that is important in your life, montane forests like this are rare, delicate and in decline - TAKE ALL YOUR RUBBISH HOME - yes, everything - even tissues and fruit peal - let alone all the bottles, plastic plates,, face mask, beer cans etc - if you bought something this far you can take it back. The ground and vegetation here is fragile, stick to the path and worn areas - respect whats left of the natural environment. At the top you can either go into the mossy forest walkway, walk down the road or hitchhike down/pay for a ride in a jeep.

There are at least 2 entrances to the trail. One towards the end of the road , next to a rubber hose bringing mountain water to the village and one perhaps 100m before that. You actually need a permit to hike the mountain areas classified as permanent forest reserves. You can apply on the Pahang State foresrry department website for the permit BUT you will be rejected because they only allow people to hike with their "approved" guide. Well, that is Malaysia for you. The hike can be treacherous on wet weather which is most of the time. Slippery paths and some thorny plants. You may need to climb over or under fallen logs etc. But the steepness is mild and you dont need to be very fit for this. You just need to be brave and sure of your steps. Otherwise you will slip multiple times. The air is fresh and the place is beautiful. Pity that you need to hire guides. Cheaper if you are in a group to share the cost. The peak of the so called "Gunung Brinchang Barat" is not a real peak. It does not have a good viewpoint. Despite the cost of hiring the guide, these guys do not actually bring you to the real peak which is where the telecom towers are located. As you can see on the signpost, CP Brinchang Barat is not the end. There is another CP Kak Ros which the guides will not bring you further.

Amazing trail, one of the best hikes I’ve ever done! Make sure to download maps.me as the trail shows here is closed. The new trail starts off pretty much in the same spot - just 10 metres back from metal fences there’s a small path to the right. The trail is very well marked with yellow markers on trees every 10m or so. It leads to Brinchang Barat mountain top and then to the entrance to the Mossy Forest. It took me about 2.5 hours to the Mossy Forest entrance and then I walked down on the road for about 1.5h to get to somewhere where I could grab a taxi. It’s quite a challenging route, muddy, slippery and steep, but definitely worth it!