Gunung Pulai (Gunung is Malay for “Mountain”) stands at 654 m above sea level in Johor. A popular recreational location amongst locals as well as for Singaporeans, the hike up and down Gunung Pulai is five km each way and takes four hours in total.

The entrance is free, though visitor do expect to pay a nominal fees for parking.









Rich Forest and Waterfall

What makes this place special is because it still contains substantial primary rainforest cover since it is a water catchment area for nearby Johor Bahru and Singapore, and it also has a spectacular waterfall, where locals and visitors alike enjoy dipping themselves in the water.









This forest is classic lowland and hill Malayan dipterocarp forest on granite-based soil, which used to cover the Titiwangsa Range extensively. Gunung Pulai is one of the few virgin fragments left, and probably spared on account of being a major water catchment area.

Hiking

The hike up to the summit of Gunung Pulai will reward you with a panoramic view of the mountain. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by flora and fauna, and the occasional cheeky monkey.









Reaching the top of the hill is a straightforward climb up the tarred road, which takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. Most hikers only climb part of the way. There are 3 telecommunications towers at the top, two on the summit, and one a little lower down. A couple of viewpoints provide breathtaking views of the rainforest that clothes the hill.









While panting up the rather steep hike, don’t forget to look up to admire the streaks of light streaming through the leaves of the surrounding trees!