Hiking Mount Irau

Mount Irau which is located in Cameron Highlands Malaysia stands at 2110 metres. It is famously known as the Mossy Forest - because all the trees are covered with moss.

On 18th October 2016, my-everything buddies (Hidayah and Thiru), Azhar and I went on an expedition to conquer Mount Irau. This is the first mountain hike for Thiru, Hidayah and I. Azhar has hiked Mount Kinabalu some time ago.

We applied for the hiking permit from Jabatan Perhutanan Cameron Highlands. The permit needed to be applied at least 2 weeks before the planned date.

The hiking permit

We took a package with Tebing Tinggi Backpackers. They could actually applied for the permit for us  but we didn't know so we had applied for it ourselves. The package includes a 4WD to the hiking starting point, walkie talkie, first aid kit and a mountain guide.

It was an 8 hours hike. We brought drinking water and packed some lunch to eat up on the mountain. There was no water point anywhere during the entire hike. So if you are planning to hike Mount Irau, please pack enough water for drinking and bring along some wet wipes, they were very useful to us that day. 

Before the hike. From left : Epul the guide, Azhar, Wani, Hidayah, Thiru

It was a tough hike, especially for newbie like us. It rained during the hike making it more challenging than it already was. I remembered shivering as it got too cold and I was not wearing a wind breaker that day. Everywhere was muddy, our shoes and socks were totally soaked.

The forest does live up to its name. It was beautiful. Some area made us feel like we were in an enchanted forest. 

Mini Irau - the 1st peak of Mount Irau

Look at the rigth side of the photo, we had to climb up those slippery rocks to get to this spot

This is a famous spot for taking photos as the background is so mesmerizing. Some even says that it looks like a scene from the Lord of The Ring

After about 3.5 hours of hiking, slipping and falling, eating with muddy hands, we made it to the summit of Mount Irau. We did it! Woaaaaaa!! So proud of ourselves. 

It was a tough hike but the satisfaction was so rewarding. Now I understand how Hikers feel and what makes them keep going for more.

After the hike. We were covered in mud.

If you are planning to hike Mount Irau, here are some tips :

1. Wear a wind breaker and good comfortable shoes that has a good grip and preferably water proof

2. There is no leech on the mountain or along the way, so there is no need for long socks. 

3. Wear old clothes/socks that you don't mind disposing afterwards. It was so difficult to wash away the dirt and mud, would have been easier to just dispose everything after the hike

4. Bring a poncho because it may rain any time

5. Put your valuable ie purse/phones/camera in a waterproof bag

6. Cut you nails short before embarking on this expedition. It took me a few hours to clean my nails.

7. Bring enough drinking water - I brought 1.2L of water, some wet wipes to clean the hands before eating, sandwiches and chocolates for lunch and to provide energy along the hike

8. If you are not going with a guide, bring along first aid kit. I cut my hands and bruised my legs here and there. 

I have fallen in love with hiking. Next big hike - Mount Kinabalu!