Mt. Ledang (Ophir) - 4,186 ft

Mount Ophir, known in Malay as Gunung Ledang, is a mountain forest reserve located in northwestern Johor, Malaysia. The summit is located between the border of Muar and Malacca. Standing at 1,276 m (4,186 ft), with a clear trail leading to the peak, the mountain is a popular destination among amateur climbers. Mount Ophir is also the 64th highest mountain in Malaysia and arguably the most climbed mountain in the country, despite it having one of the higher climbing fatalities in the region of South-East Asia.

Origins of its name

There are a few popular opinions regarding the origin of the mountain's name. According to one opinion, ancient history points to the mountain being the site of rich gold deposits, luring traders from as far as Greece and China. The name ‘Ophir’ itself is thought to have originated from the Hebrew language. In the 14th Century, the Chinese seafarers plying the Straits of Malacca called it ‘Kim Sua’ meaning the ‘Golden Mountain’. Another source said that the Javanese during the period of the Majapahit empire named the mountain ‘Gunong Ledang’, which means ‘mount from afar’.

Ledang Trails

The legendary beauty of Mount Ophir (Gunung Ledang) has made it one of Johor's most popular attractions for hikers and birdwatchers. There two known ways of reaching the summit. One is from Sagil, a town in Johor, the other is through Asahan, Melaka. The shorter route is from Asahan. Gunung Ledang ( or Mount Ophir as it is otherwise better known ) is the most visited mountain in Malaysia. It is not peculiar to find people who has climb the mountain more than 10 times. The reason being, the place is easily accessible and suitable for beginners who wants to feel what mountains in Malaysia are really like. Some groups are using this mountain as a training ground for other challenging venues.

The Ledang trail starts from Gunung Ledang resort, near Sagil village is close to the Malacca and Johor border. The other way of reaching the summit is through Asahan trail in Melaka, an easier route. The paved road starts besides the river leading and leads towards a few staircases till an open gate, where the real climbing begins. If you want to trek up Gunung Ledang, it's about five hours to the summit from the park. Alternatively, one can arrange a 4WD transfer for a quick and easier trip which interestingly, offers an equally beautiful view of the surrounding Sagil area and a breathtaking sight of Gunung Ledang Dam.

Water Fall

Gunung Ledang is believed to have the richest flora species in the world. It has a 50 metres high waterfall with a wide drop of 50 metres. It has icy cool waters charge down upon large boulders, then break into rushing rapids before plugging into the large sandy pool below.

This waterfall, discovered some 50 years ago, is name the "Puteri Waterfalls" Over the period it has witnessed thousands of tourists almost every week, picnicking, backpacking or just bathing in the refreshing water of the pool. You'll see giant butterflies, brightly coloured spiders amidst wild tropical flowers of bright yellow, crimson and orange. Crickets and frogs singing song of the jungle, chirping sounds of birds become the music of this tropical wonderland. The summit was just beyond the boulders. There's a flat ground revealed at the summit of Gunung Ledang at 4187ft. Wide and flat, mystical and lovely. I can get a panoramic view of Segamat and Jementak town of Johor, and the historical Melaka.

Legend of Gunung Ledang

There is a popular Malaysian folklore which told of a Princess with magical powers who resided on the mountain. She was wooed to be the wife of the then Sultan of Malacca, Sultan Mahmud Shah. However, she set impossible conditions for him as a means to reject his proposal.

According to the legend, the princess was of slim build and medium height and had a stunning beauty. Further, she was also endowed with a sinuous movement, that accentuated every curve of her little body.
Men were naturally attracted to her but amongst the many, she was claimed to have spurned was the Sultan of Melaka. The legend tells us, that the princess eventually married one Nakhoda Ragam, a hero whose name unfailingly struck terror into the hearts of those, who had dared to oppose him. This hero was later to die at the hands of his princess-wife.

Ragam was found of tickling the Princess's ribs and one day, in an uncontrollable burst of reaction. The Princess stabbed her husband in the breast with a needle she was handling. Therefore the Princess returned to Mount Ophir and vowed never to set eyes on another man. Ragam's boat, not long after, was crushed during a storm and legend tells us that the debris of the wreck transformed into the present six islands off Melaka.

GET LEDANG TRAIL MAP HERE


GETTING THERE
Driving from Johor / Singapore to Segamat
Drive to Segamat from Tebrau Higway and proceed your journey to Segamat. It will takes about 2hours. The town is approximately km. Well you will never miss it as you can see the signboard to the town. It's easy when you use the highway!. From Segamat, you have to continue your journey to Sagil, a small town where Gunung Ledang is located. It will take about 45minutes from Segamat. From here to Gunung Ledang it's only 1km from the main road.

Driving from Kuala Lumpur to Tangkak
One of the common road to Gunung Ledang is by PLUS highway to the south and exit through Tangkak Toll. From Tangkak, just continue your journey to Sagil and finally, you will reach Gunung Ledang.