This is Day 3 of our 7 day road trip covering Kuala Pilah, Gunung Angsi, Bahau, Titi in Negeri Sembilan and Bentong, Pahang.
The hotel we stayed in Bentong is right infront of a little hill, DO. As if calling our to DO it! I saw it in Google map, but it was the hotel staff who got us interested! Because she has not climbed up before, only attempted to get to the first photo point! Some reviewers mentioned sea of clouds, but we were a bit sceptical. After all, it’s only 100m! Anyhow, from where we stay, it’s barely 5min walk to the trailhead, why not?
There are 2 trails, and we did “get lost” for a while in the dark. It’s a nice little hike, and we had lots of time at the summit to enjoy the lights before sun breaks in. My strava records 158m elevation gain and 2.16km. Nice morning exercise before we get on exploring Bentong town!
Bukit Desa Damai is about 10min drive from Bentong town, recommended by a hiker we met at Bukit DO. Slightly higher, and much better chance with huge sea of clouds. The next morning, we ventured out again. This time the trailhead is near a residential area, just like in Bukit Taishio.
We arrived at 6am, hopeful and excited for a new hike, wondering how the Sun will present himself today! The trailhead is easy to find, and the trail marked at some intervals. The terrain isn’t very hike-friendly though. It’s a construction site, and fresh tarmac laid loosely, causing the floor to be slippery and somewhat “waxy”. With heavy heart, we saw a fenced area ahead from far. We thought that’s the end of the hike, as I did read some reviews of a closure. However, we were surprised that it’s infact a gated entrance, with QR code payment for “permit”! How enterprising they are! Once inside, we came to a nicely decorated place with tables, chairs, flowers that deck the viewing platform. From here, one can go further to reach the real “summit” through a series of tyre stairs.
View at the summit is lovely!
