If you’re a beginner hiker curious to experience what a mossy forest looks like, Gunung Bubu is the perfect place to start. As you near the peak, you’ll pass through a section where the ground is blanketed in lush green moss, a “teaser version” of Cameron Highlands’ famous Gunung Irau, but without the mud marathon or heart-pumping steep climbs.

And the peak?

Gunung Bubu offers a beautiful view of the valleys around the small town of Gerik. On a misty morning, if luck is on your side, you might witness the breathtaking awan karpet, a sea of clouds blanketing the valleys below, the kind of view that makes you forget how much your legs hurt after the early morning hike.

• Location: Gunung Bubu, Gerik, Perak (619m)
• How to go: Drive and Waze to the small town of Gerik, Perak.
• Stay: Gerik D’KCC Campsite. Contact number: 013 521 9956
• Attraction: An introduction to a mini mossy garden before you reach the peak of Gunung Bubu.
• Difficulty: Beginner level. Leisure walk in the park
• Distance out and back: 5 km
• Time spent: Half-day trip
• Caution: Plan your hiking date to avoid overcrowding at the peak. Only a total of 70 pax allowed per day
• Tips: Start your hike early in the morning to enjoy the view of sunrise from the top of the mountain.
• Leech level: None
• Entrance/ 4×4 Fees: Yes
• Require Permit: Yes
• Estimated Cost: RM525 for 1 Guide/ 7 pax
• Local Guide: Mat Gerik 019-809 0057 (MGP)
• Hiking date: 07 February 2025

I’ve come to realise that one of the toughest parts about hiking in Malaysia isn’t the steep climbs or the leeches or the unpredictable weather, it’s the ungodly early start times. Some hikes begin as early as 3:00 a.m., which means dragging myself out of bed at least at 2:00 am while my brain is still in deep sleep mode and my body is trying to file a complaint. At that hour, even coffee gives up on me.

The logic behind it makes sense. Starting early helps avoid the heat and gets you to the peak in time for sunrise. But honestly, I’ve never quite mastered the art of pretending to be fully awake before sunrise. Half the time I’m hiking with my headlamp on, questioning my life choices and wondering why I thought this was a good idea. It feels like joining a midnight zombie parade, except everyone’s wearing hiking boots and carrying trekking poles.

Personally, I’d much rather start in the afternoon, enjoy the golden light filtering through the trees, and take my time soaking in the views along the way. Reaching the peak just in time for sunset, cooking a simple meal, and sleeping under the stars, now that’s my idea of the perfect hike. Waking up to a sunrise above the clouds after a good night’s rest beats fighting sleep on a pre-dawn trail on any day.

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A post shared by Matsuda Mashimaru (@sallymatsuda)

After a long negotiation with our guide (and several attempts to delay the inevitable), we finally started our hike at 4:00 a.m., a small victory compared to the dreaded 3:00 a.m. start. We climbed onto the back of a transport lorry, half-asleep and clutching our backpacks, bumping along the dark, chilly road for about 15 minutes until we reached the Gunung Bubu trailhead.

Once we started walking, the trail turned out to be surprisingly kind. Gentle slopes, cool air, and the sound of crickets still singing their night songs. We took our time, hiking leisurely through the forest for about two and a half hours, our headlamps cutting through the misty dawn.

Just before you reach the peak, you’ll walk through a small mossy garden. Keep an eye out for a heart-shaped patch of moss. It’s a lovely little spot worth a quick stop. The moss is delicate, so step carefully and avoid walking on it. Let’s help keep this tiny garden healthy so others can enjoy it too.

We reached the peak just in time for Subuh prayers. No awan karpet that morning, but the sunrise didn’t disappoint … absolutely gorgeous! The morning light changes really fast up here, so it’s best to snap your photos quickly before it fades. Enjoy the view while it lasts, as that golden glow is always the moment I look forward to the most.

There are a thousand and one reasons why hiking has suddenly become everyone’s new obsession. Maybe it’s the call of nature, maybe it’s the thrill of reaching new heights, or maybe it’s just the social media hype that makes everyone want their own summit photo. These days, when you finally reach the peak, don’t expect to have it all to yourself.

When I hiked Gunung Bubu, I found out there were about 70 people on the trail that day, the maximum number allowed. The once quiet, peaceful summit is now filled with chatter, laughter, and the constant click of cameras. It’s lively, for sure, but sometimes I miss the calm that used to define these mountain tops.

Some blame social media for exposing beautiful moments of hiking activities and later creating groups of people who hike for the FOMO, not the forest. Maybe that’s true, but honestly, even if you came for the photos, nature has a funny way of humbling you. By the time you’re sweating halfway up, the only thing you’re thinking about isn’t ‘likes’, it’s “when do we reach the top?”

No matter what brings us to the mountains, whether the views, the challenge, or the photos, I hope we never forget to respect the very nature that welcomes us there. Because at the end of the day, the mountains don’t need us … we need the MOUNTAINS.

Let’s protect the beauty of our trails so others can experience the same magic, too. Keep these friendly reminders close whenever you head outdoors:

1️⃣ Stay on the path – I know some of us have the urge to deviate from the path. Please be reminded that trails exist for a reason. Don’t trample the plants!
2️⃣ Pack it in, pack it out – No trash left behind. Even tissue counts! Our wet tissues too. I suggest we bring our personal trash bags on each hike and pack out our own trash.
3️⃣ Take photos, not souvenirs – Rocks and flowers belong in the wild, not your bag. 📸
4️⃣ Be fire smart – Use proper spots, and never leave a fire burning.
5️⃣ Respect wildlife – Watch from afar, no feeding or chasing please.
6️⃣ Keep it quiet – Nature’s music > loud music
7️⃣ Leave No Trace – Take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints
8️⃣ Honour local customs – Some spots are sacred. Be mindful and respectful.

Let’s all be the kind of hiker Mother Nature smiles at.

If you’ve come all the way to Gerik for the mountains, make the most of it! Stay a little longer and hike a few more peaks. Skip the rush … slow down, enjoy the views, and let every step remind you why nature is the best workout there is.

I’ll see you in my next post. Thank you for stopping by.

Cheers

Sallymatsuda