Gunung
Sweattenham (1961m)
Gunung Sweattenham is in Cameron Highlands , Pahang. It is actually along the
Kelantan - Pahang border and the trek was cleared by the border markers when
laying the border stones. Even though the mountain is quite high, it is not
difficult and takes only one day to reach the peak. This is because the starting
point , Blue Valley in Cameron Highlands is already quite high. The trail is
something like the trek to Gunung Irau , except
that this trail is not so frequently used , therefore more natural. There are
lots of rotan leaves which dangle dangerously along the trail , waiting to hook someone's
cheek or nose. As the trail is not very frequently used, there are lots of
fallen trees across the trail and bringing a machete would be a good idea. The
trail starts from The Yakin tea plantation in Blue Valley, which is accessible
by 4WD.
First day
From Kampung Raja or Blue Valley , you'll have to look for a 4WD to take you to
the Yakin tea plantation. Once at the tea plantation, you'll have to climb up
the steep tea plantation slopes , into the jungle. You should meet the trail
after looking around a bit. Take the trail on the left and follow it.
You'll pass some clearing where some big trees have been felled to make way for
more tea plants. Continue walking and you will enter the forest again. After
about 2-2.5 hours slight uphill and downhill walking, you'll reach a small
peak . Stop here and have a rest. If the sky is clear, you can see some nice
views from here. Continue on , and you will come to some steep descends, which
will bring you to a campsite in about 2-2.5 hours . The campsite here is quite
big , maybe about 7-8 tents can fit comfortably. There is a huge fallen tree
trunk across the campsite. There is a small stream about 5 minutes down a steep
slope on the left . Collect the water for the peak if you are spending the night
there , here. The peak is about 1.5 hours away. when you're about to reach the
peak, you'll pass a dense patch of small pencil like bamboo clumps. A short
steep part, and you're on the peak of Gunung Sweattenham. On the peak,because of
the metal contraption, there is little space for tents. A fly sheet would
be more useful. The peak is very small , and can only fit about 5-6
people. Behind the peak, there is a small flat ground, where another 3-4
people can fit.
Second day
You can start your journey back a bit later, as it should take about 4-5 hours
to get to the tea plantation. Make sure you carry all your rubbish out, and
leave the place cleaner than you found it. Make sure you arranged with the 4WD
to fetch you. Otherwise, you'll have to walk from the tea plantation all the way
to Kampung Raja.
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