ROCK CLIMBING
ROCK CLIMBING
Rock climbing enthusiasts will enjoy conquering Malaysia’s rock faces and cliffs, of which there are many to choose from around the varied landscape. Limestone outcrops dot many areas of Peninsular Malaysia with limestone crags and sandstone mountains in Sarawak and some big alpine granite walls in Sabah. Other mountainous areas have various rock faces waiting to be discovered.
Rock climbing as a publicly accessible sport is relatively new in Malaysia, nevertheless, there is a small local community of aficionados. Thus, there are still many potential climbing venues to be explored. The same goes for rock climbing’s sister sport activity, abseiling or rappelling.
ROCK CLIMBING SITES IN MALAYSIA
Malaysia has it all: from small limestone hills and crags to mountains with sandstone or granite walls, and with all levels of difficulty. While an increasing number of sites are being discovered and enjoyed, potentially hundreds more are waiting to be found. Much of Malaysia is still covered in dense rainforests, hiding many good rock climbing sites.
The most popular climbing sites are still near or around Kuala Lumpur and Selangor state, namely the famous Batu Caves and Bukit Takun to the city’s north. Huge potential lies further north and east, in the states of Perak (around the scenic limestones of Ipoh and beyond), Perlis, Kelantan and Pahang where hundreds of limestone crags await exploration. With a few well known exceptions such as Gunung Kinabalu in Sabah and Gunung Mulu in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo offers enormous untapped opportunities for rock climbing.
Most of the known climbing routes in Malaysia are bolted sport climbs on limestone crags, with some exceptions on granite walls. The French grading system is commonly used here.
Indoor climbing gyms are increasingly popular, either at government youth and sports complex facilities or private operators.
WEATHER AND EQUIPMENT
The tropical weather is hot and humid all year long, making climbing possible anytime of year. While the normal monsoon season especially on the peninsula’s East Coast is from December to February, rains elsewhere are less predictable and in any case usually fall later in the day. Rock faces, especially limestone, dry fairly quickly even after torrential storms. Climbers used to moderate climates should be prepared for the high heat and humidity here.
In Malaysia, standard ascents use ropes, harnesses, belay devices (ATC) and karabiners for protection. For abseiling from the top of the face, individuals control their own rate of decent using the figure of eight –and suspended by a controlled safety line. Other necessary items are sun block, insect repellent and plenty of water.
As many sites involve some trekking beforehand, wear light attire and good hiking shoes. Bring a change of clothes in case it rains. Some local tour operators organise rock climbing expeditions throughout the country.
LIST OF POPULAR ROCK SITES AND INDOOR CLIMBING GYMS
PERLIS
- Gua Kelam, Padang Besar
- Bukit Keteri, Chuping
KEDAH
- Gua Kerbau, Kodiang, Kedah
- Gunung Keriang, Alor Setar
PENANG
- Jesselton Heights,
- Project Rock Penang, Batu Feringghi
- Penang Youth & Sport Complex, Gelugor
PERAK
- Lost World of Tambun, Ipoh
- Gua Cheroh, Ipoh
- Various other limestone hills and cave sites around Ipoh
KUALA LUMPUR AND SELANGOR
- Mad Monkeyz, Kuala Lumpur
- Gua Damai, Batu Caves
- Bolder Ventures, USJ Subang
- Shah Alam Extreme Park
- Rocky Basecamp, Shah Alam
- AEON Mall Shah Alam
PUTRAJAYA
- Putrajaya Challenge Park, Presint 5, Putrajaya
- District 21, IOI City Mall, Putrajaya
JOHOR
- Air Papan Beach, Mersing
- Pulau Pemanggil, off Mersing coast
PAHANG
- Teluk Cempedak Beach, Kuantan
- Petronas Highway Stop, Bentong
- Dragon Horns, Kampung Mukut, Pulau Tioman
- Kampung Juara, Pulau Tioman
- Nazri’s Place Beach, Pulau Tioman
- Paya Gunung, Jerantut
- Gua Charas, Kuantan
KELANTAN
- Kompleks Gua Ikan, Dabong
- Ethnobotany Camp, Gua Musang
SABAH
- Gunung Kinabalu
- Sabah Indoor Climbing Centre, Likas
- Batu Punggul, Nabawan
SARAWAK
- Batman Wall, Bau, Kuching
- Gunung Mulu / Mulu Caves, Miri
