Gunung Rajah - Certification hike - Rating 5.0

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We'll start the new year 2012 with a BANG! The first 5.0 rated hike for KL Hiking is finally here!

With its 1683m altitude Gunung Rajah towers almost 200m above Gunung Nuang. So this is definitely a new challenge for KL Hikers!

This is by no means an easy hike, as it contains all the elements one may expect from a challenging hike: gradual, modest, steep and rocky ascents/descents - wide and narrow trails, fallen trees, slippery rocks and roots - a river crossing - and let us not forget the total distance which, with is more than 32km in total, is in fact worth a six star rating.

The first 45 minutes of the hike will follow a wide old logging road which we will walk in the dark, but in group, until we reach the trailhead. By daybreak we'll let smaller groups form naturally. Latest by 2:00pm we'll leave the summit and head back to the cars. The sweeper will instruct hikers who didn't make it to the summit, to start their descent as soon as he meets them. This should give us ample time to leave the jungle before nightfall. There might be a chance that the last 45 minutes of the hike also will take place in the dark as we want the sweeper to be back at the carpark latest by 8:00pm.

This hike is not a race. The purpose is to give hikers the chance to see how far they can stretch their limits. We want as many people as possible to set foot on the summit - and we are convinced that the group dynamics will be of quite some importance - however, we want a safe hike for all so every hiker's potential and capabilities will be respected.

Physical fitness is more than a prerequisite. Even if you are a less-experienced hiker, you can join us, and enjoy the beautiful hike with its dozens of waterfalls and rapids, while putting your stamina to the test. Please also read the “Beginners” hike message on the message board to avoid all misunderstandings...

We're also looking for a responsible sweeper for the ascent who doesn't have the ambition to summit and will encourage and support the hikers in front of him/her.

In order to allow me to communicate directly with the participants, no guests are allowed. At many occasions in the past, guests were not properly briefed by their respective hosts. If you want your guests to participate, ask them to sign up as a member; it's free. They can cancel their membership after the hike if they want to.

Hopefully carpooling can be arranged and pick-up places will depend on the residence of the participants. If you have confirmed your participation, and only if you have answered ALL the questions, I will send you a link so you can consult and edit the carpooling details. Those who are looking for a ride have to contact a driver in their neighbourhood, not the other way around! For this hike, the carpooling fee is fixed at RM15.00 per passenger. Passengers, please don't wait for your driver to ask for the fee...

IMPORTANT: When you confirm your participation you will be asked for 1- your mobile phone number and e-mail address 2- your location (eg USJ 11) 3- whether you need transport 4- whether you, as a driver, are willing to participate in the carpooling and how many people can travel along with you 5- your own perceived hiking level (beginner, less-experienced, medium, experienced) as this will aid us organising a safe hike.

Those who participated in earlier hikes and have given the information requested sub 1 and 2 can ignore the first two questions, but still need to answer the next three questions.

It would be nice if you could change the hometown in your profile to the location of your residence (eg USJ 11, Damansara Perdana, SS 7, Sentul, Seksyen 5 Shah Alam, Bandar Puteri Puchong, Ampang, etc...). This will make carpooling efforts much easier.

Besides the classical hiking tips, please note the following:

wear shoes with profile (a pattern on the soles to prevent slipping and gliding); adidas kampung is okay to start with...

rain gear is recommended; bring also something warmer to wear at the summit

a headlamp will be necessary - no headlamp, no hike we have to cross 1 stream (one way) of max one foot deep

a pair of gloves doesn't weigh that much (thorns, roots, trees, mud)

bring enough drinks and snacks (carbohydrates). For this trip isotonic drinks are not a luxury. Dried fruits are preferred over chocolate... Proper nutrition will be a key to your success!

leech protection will be necessary

please be responsible and don't litter – be sure not to leave any rubbish along the track and on the top

Closing date: If you confirm your participation before Thursday 05/01/12 - 7:00pm we will try to accommodate carpooling if you are in need of transport.

Certificates for the hikers who reached the summit will only be issued the days after the hike.

Likely schedule:

05:00am Meet at McDonalds - Genting Sempah

05:15am Set off to Bentong

06:00am Start hiking

11:00am - 02:00pm Reach summit

04:00pm - 08:00pm Reach carpark once again

Hike rating:

Height: 5

Terrain: 5

Distance: 5 - should be in fact 6 - but that doesn't exist... :)

Average: 5

More info on the rating system can be found in Mark's post on the Message Board (hover over Discussions on the website)

Update:

Several hikers are worried about the difficulty of the hike. If you think you won't make it to the top, you can still enjoy this wonderful hike and return when you feel like it or when you meet the sweeper on his way down. In order to allow you to get a picture of the rating, have a look at the graphic below. You can see for example that for a total distance of 10km the hike's rating is 3, for a total distance of 20km slightly above 3.5 etc.

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