Formerly known as "Kedah Peak", this forest-clad Gunung Jerai is a massive limestone outcrop that rises 1200m above sea level. As the highest peak in the state, it adds a touch of variety to the scenic flat plains seen throughout the area. There are a number of legends and historical facts attached to this mountain. During the Hindu-Buddhist era, it was a sacred mountain. Ruins of Hindu and Buddhist temples were discovered at the foot of the hills. Varied tales of a "Raja Bersiong" (the King with Fangs) also abound. He had once held power over an ancient kingdom near the mountains. Recent archeological findings revealed the existence of the "Temple of the Ninth Water Pool"; many believe that it was Raja Bersiong's private pool. Amidst such majestic surroundings, it is indeed difficult to separate fact from fiction.
Today, its cool fresh mountain air is matched by the quiet serenity of its natural surroundings. On clear days, different vantage points on this mountain offer breathtaking views of Kedah's padi fields, which stretches to Perlis in the north, the emerald seas surrounding Penang in the southwest, and the legendary island of Langkawi in the northwest. The mountain also offers a unique selection of plants, which make it even more intriguing for the botanist. The Sungai Teroi Forest Recreation Park houses an endless variety of herbs, ferns, flowering plants, and climbers. Picnic sites are scattered all over the park, offering sweeping views of lowland plains and padi fields. Hiking trails that are interspersed with flowerbeds of vivid hues provide opportunities for leisurely strolls. Trees along the path are labeled for easy identification. Part of the mountain stream has even been dammed to provide cool clear pools for swimming. For the more adventurous, overnight shelters have also been provided. At the peak of the mountain, the Museum of Forestry houses a wealth of information and artifacts on Malaysian forestry.
The mountain also offers a unique selection of plants, which make it even more intriguing for the botanist. The Sungai Teroi Forest Recreation Park houses an endless variety of herbs, ferns, flowering plants, and climbers. Picnic sites are scattered all over the park, offering sweeping views of lowland plains and padi fields.
Hiking trails that are interspersed with flowerbeds of vivid hues provide opportunities for leisurely strolls. Trees along the path are labelled for easy identification. Part of the mountain stream has even been dammed to provide cool clear pools for swimming. For the more adventurous, overnight shelters have also been provided.
The main vegetation is the dipterocarp forest which consist of hardwoods such as keruing, cengal and meranti. Going up the landscape changes dramatically from lowland to montane conifer forest. Typical species of the conifers include Agathis dammara and Podocarpus imbricatus. Several rare orchids are found on Gunung Jerai including the Bulbophyllum longiflorum. Pitcher plants of the Nepenthes species are also quite common.
The famous Alur Naga waterfall is located about 200m from the resort, which is a magnificent spot. The hike down a path of steep boulders was well worth it as one could spend the whole day enjoying the serenity and beauty of the falls.
The water was clear and the 30m high waterfall simply breathtaking. The pool beneath it is waist deep and safe for swimming. The name was derived from a legend where a dragon was believed to have lived in the cave behind the waterfall and occasionally came out to bathe in the pool.
Room is available for tourist. Suitable for team building or school activity.
Accommodation:
Gunung Jerai resort
Jalan Kaki Bukit, Lebuhraya Gurun,
Kedah Darul Aman.
Tel : 04-423 0599 Fax : 04-732 9788
On a clear day at top of the peak, the cool, refreshing mountain offers spectacular views of the rolling paddy fields of Kedah stretching up to Perlis, and the islands of Penang in the south and Langkawi in the north-west. The cool fresh mountain air is matched by the quiet serenity of it's natural surroundings. Good for spending time for reading, drinks & rest there. Or just doing nothing, free yourself from all kind of hazards.
Camping Site & Jungle Trekking
The beauty of Gunung Jerai is best experienced while jungle trekking through the natural splendour of this rainforest treasure. For the move adventurous, camping sites, are provided along the trails. Basic camping facilities are available at a nominal fee of RM3 per person
Flora & Fauna
A haven for a variety of unique mountain flora and fauna. Orchids, rhododendrons, pitcher plants grow abundantly within the park.
Getting to Gunung Jerai
If you are travelling from Penang along the North South Expressway, take Exit 170 at Sungai Petani North. From there, take the Old Trunk Road driving northwards till you see the sign pointing out the turning to Gunung Jerai. If you are coming from Alor Star, take Exit 173 at Gurun, and similarly take the Old Trunk Road driving south till you see the sign pointing to Gunung Jerai. Ask for directions if necessary.
Today, its cool fresh mountain air is matched by the quiet serenity of its natural surroundings. On clear days, different vantage points on this mountain offer breathtaking views of Kedah's padi fields, which stretches to Perlis in the north, the emerald seas surrounding Penang in the southwest, and the legendary island of Langkawi in the northwest. The mountain also offers a unique selection of plants, which make it even more intriguing for the botanist. The Sungai Teroi Forest Recreation Park houses an endless variety of herbs, ferns, flowering plants, and climbers. Picnic sites are scattered all over the park, offering sweeping views of lowland plains and padi fields. Hiking trails that are interspersed with flowerbeds of vivid hues provide opportunities for leisurely strolls. Trees along the path are labeled for easy identification. Part of the mountain stream has even been dammed to provide cool clear pools for swimming. For the more adventurous, overnight shelters have also been provided. At the peak of the mountain, the Museum of Forestry houses a wealth of information and artifacts on Malaysian forestry.
The mountain also offers a unique selection of plants, which make it even more intriguing for the botanist. The Sungai Teroi Forest Recreation Park houses an endless variety of herbs, ferns, flowering plants, and climbers. Picnic sites are scattered all over the park, offering sweeping views of lowland plains and padi fields.
Hiking trails that are interspersed with flowerbeds of vivid hues provide opportunities for leisurely strolls. Trees along the path are labelled for easy identification. Part of the mountain stream has even been dammed to provide cool clear pools for swimming. For the more adventurous, overnight shelters have also been provided.
The main vegetation is the dipterocarp forest which consist of hardwoods such as keruing, cengal and meranti. Going up the landscape changes dramatically from lowland to montane conifer forest. Typical species of the conifers include Agathis dammara and Podocarpus imbricatus. Several rare orchids are found on Gunung Jerai including the Bulbophyllum longiflorum. Pitcher plants of the Nepenthes species are also quite common.
The famous Alur Naga waterfall is located about 200m from the resort, which is a magnificent spot. The hike down a path of steep boulders was well worth it as one could spend the whole day enjoying the serenity and beauty of the falls.
The water was clear and the 30m high waterfall simply breathtaking. The pool beneath it is waist deep and safe for swimming. The name was derived from a legend where a dragon was believed to have lived in the cave behind the waterfall and occasionally came out to bathe in the pool.
Room is available for tourist. Suitable for team building or school activity.Accommodation:
Gunung Jerai resort
Jalan Kaki Bukit, Lebuhraya Gurun,
Kedah Darul Aman.
Tel : 04-423 0599 Fax : 04-732 9788
On a clear day at top of the peak, the cool, refreshing mountain offers spectacular views of the rolling paddy fields of Kedah stretching up to Perlis, and the islands of Penang in the south and Langkawi in the north-west. The cool fresh mountain air is matched by the quiet serenity of it's natural surroundings. Good for spending time for reading, drinks & rest there. Or just doing nothing, free yourself from all kind of hazards.
Camping Site & Jungle Trekking
The beauty of Gunung Jerai is best experienced while jungle trekking through the natural splendour of this rainforest treasure. For the move adventurous, camping sites, are provided along the trails. Basic camping facilities are available at a nominal fee of RM3 per person
Flora & Fauna
A haven for a variety of unique mountain flora and fauna. Orchids, rhododendrons, pitcher plants grow abundantly within the park.Getting to Gunung Jerai
If you are travelling from Penang along the North South Expressway, take Exit 170 at Sungai Petani North. From there, take the Old Trunk Road driving northwards till you see the sign pointing out the turning to Gunung Jerai. If you are coming from Alor Star, take Exit 173 at Gurun, and similarly take the Old Trunk Road driving south till you see the sign pointing to Gunung Jerai. Ask for directions if necessary.
