The Highest Mountain in Perak
Gunung Korbu, reaching a height of 2,183 meters, is the highest mountain in the state of Perak. It is also the highest peak in the Titiwangsa Range.
Gunung Korbu features Hill Dipterocarp forest, Upper Dipterocarp forest, Montane forest, and Ericaceous or mountain forest. To climb this mountain, you must apply for a permit from the relevant authorities. Below are the steps to apply for a permit to hike Gunung Korbu:
- Write an application letter to the Kinta/Manjung District Forest Office for the attention of the District Forest Officer.
- State the date of the climb, details, and the number of participants involved in the letter.
- The application letter must be sent at least one week before the climbing date.
- Fax a copy of the letter to the Kinta Manjung District Forest Office (Batu Gajah) at 05-3651679.
- Contact the Kinta Manjung District Forest Office (Batu Gajah) at 05-3661228 to confirm receipt of the fax.
- The original copy must be sent by post or delivered directly to the Kinta Manjung District Forest Office (Batu Gajah).
- Make a payment of RM10.00 per person via Money Order made out to the Perak State Treasurer.
Although the permit application process is somewhat complicated, it is for the benefit of the climbers, especially to avoid any obstacles during the expedition and to prevent questions from certain parties in the event of an accident. Upon reaching the peak of Gunung Korbu, climbers can continue to Gunung Gayong and then to Gunung Yong Belar before descending in Cameron Highland, Pahang. This expedition is better known as Trans Titiwangsa V1. The expedition takes 5 to 7 days. Additionally, climbers can continue their journey through this forest trail to Gunung Yong Yap, Gunung Chamah, and Gunung Ulu Sepat, which takes over 21 days to complete the climb of 6 out of the 7 highest mountains in the Titiwangsa Range.
From this peak, you can clearly see the city of Ipoh, the Kinta Valley, Bukit Keledang, the Strait of Malacca, the transmitters at Bukit Larut, Taiping, Penang, Gunung Gayong, Gunung Yong Belar, and Gunung Brinchang in Cameron Highland. Gunung Yong Yap is also clearly visible. The original trail has now changed. Developers have created another track on the upper side of the hill for climbers heading to Gunung Korbu. Traveling through this logging trail is very exhausting, especially at noon, where climbers are exposed to the scorching sun, which can lead to dehydration due to a lack of water in the body. There is an old trail to this mountain that is rarely used by climbers. This trail will take climbers through Sungai Seno'oi (passing through the indigenous villages of Kg Cadak & Kg Makmur), Kem Balak, Kem Singapura, Kem View, and Kem Permatang, as well as Puncak Bonsai Tonggek. Climbers will not pass through Kem Seroja, Kem Kijang, or Puncak Botak because this trail follows a different ridge to the peak of Gunung Korbu.
It is encouraged for every group of climbers wishing to enter the trails around the Titiwangsa Range to engage the services of a licensed/registered mountain guide, especially those registered with the Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia. Although these trails have been available for a long time, there are many junctions that can confuse climbers and cause one to lose their way. There are now many operators who provide mountain guide services.
