Banana Leaf Travel contains affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend services I personally use and trust.

How To Hike Gunung Raya: The Highest Point Of Langkawi, Malaysia

Modified on

The highest point of the Langkawi Archipelago is reachable by car, but if you’re an avid hiker there is only one way up: The Thousand Memories Eagle Stairs.

I’ve decided to tackle Gunung Raya by trekking through the heart of the jungle too. And let me be honest, it was a humbling experience.

It tested my limits, and while I don’t regret a single step, I definitely wish I’d known a few things before I started.

Well, if you’re looking for an easy walk, this isn’t it. But if you want an adventure, that connects you with the wilder side of Malaysia, keep reading.

I’m breaking down everything you need to know to survive the 4,287 steps climb and safely reach the peak.

A concrete photo frame monument with "GUNUNG RAYA" text sits on a rocky hill overlooking blue mountains.
A literal “frame-worthy” view of the island below.

Gunung Raya Hike at a Glance

  • The Challenge: 4,287 concrete steps through dense jungle.
  • The Reward: Unbeatable views from Langkawi’s highest peak (787m).
  • The Reality Check: It’s humid, overgrown, and lacks any facilities (no water/shops) at the top.
  • Pro Tips: Use hiking map like Maps.me to find the trailhead and make sure you have InDrive app downloaded for a smooth ride back home.
  • Mobile data: You need local data for this to work. Mobile signal is spotty at the summit, so I highly recommend grabbing an Airalo eSIM before you start. 

How to Get to the Gunung Raya Trailhead

Gunung Raya mountain is located right in the center of Langkawi.

  • Since there’s no public transport, your best bet is a Grab taxi or renting a scooter.
  • It’s about 8km from Kuah and a one way Grab ride should only cost around RM 12 ($3 USD).
  • Set your destination to Dream Forest. This is an interactive night park, but the trailhead is located directly next to the entrance.

The path starts in a small riverside park where locals go to swim.

  • To find the official start, simply follow the path upstream along the riverbank.
  • You’ll eventually see a massive information board that marks the beginning of the “Tangga Helang Seribu Kenanga” (The Eagle Stairs of a Thousand Memories).
  • It’s impossible to miss once you’re on the riverbank.

Skip Google Maps here. It only recognises the 13km paved road for cars.

For the actual jungle staircase, use Maps.me or AllTrails – they show the exact route through the canopy that Google misses.

The Stats at a Glance:

  • Total Steps: 4,287
  • Distance: 3.1 km (One way)
  • Elevation: 787.8 meters
  • Estimated Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (Allow more for the humidity)
Shaded forest path with blue and red information signs leading toward a hiking trail.
Look for these blue signs to stay on track toward the mountain trail.

On the Trail: Navigating the Jungle Stairs to Gunung Raya

The path to the top is essentially a massive concrete staircase being slowly reclaimed by the rainforest.

  • It’s clear the trail hasn’t been renovated in a long time.
  • We constantly had to climb over massive fallen trees that had smashed through the metal railings.
  • The jungle is slowly winning the battle against the concrete, but any relatively fit person can handle these obstacles.

The real challenges are the heat, humidity, and mosquitoes.

I had to stop several times to catch my breath, drink water, and motivate myself to keep going.

It is essential to give yourself enough time, stay hydrated, and bring snacks, as there are no shops along the way.

You will sweat a lot, so wear breathable, moisture-wicking clothes.

Long, straight concrete staircase ascending steeply through a dense, tall forest.
The trail is a consistent climb up concrete steps deep into the rainforest.

The Summit: Reaching Langkawi’s Highest Point

After the long climb, you’ll find a rope section right at the end of the stairs.

  • Prepare to get dirty; this part is often muddy, and you’ll need both hands to haul yourself up.
  • From there, the trail connects to an asphalt road for the final 10-15 minutes.
  • This is where you finally leave the shade of the forest.

The summit of Gunung Raya itself is a bit strange.

  • It’s full of telecommunications antennas and buildings with restricted access.
  • Apart from the typical photo spot and informational boards, there is zero tourist infrastructure – no shops, no cafes, and no water.

You will be also likely to spot many monkeys near the car park. As always, be respectful of the local wildlife and keep a safe distance!

Luckily, the views are magnificent and a huge reward after the climb.

You can see Langkawi’s jungle-covered hills and the picturesque coastline stretching out below. 

Don’t get stranded at 787m with no signal. I use an Airalo eSIM because you absolutely need a stable data connection to stay safe while jungle hiking!

An expansive aerial view of Langkawi’s coastline and lush green valleys under dramatic white clouds.
From this height, the island transforms into a vibrant patchwork of emerald forests and shimmering sea.

The Legend Of The Gunung Raya Mountain

This spectacular mountain isn’t just a pile of granite – it’s also an interesting piece of Malaysian folklore.

  • Legend says that the mountains of Langkawi used to be giants.
  • Two of them, Mat Raya and Mat Cincang, were best friends until a huge argument broke out during their children’s wedding feast.
  • Pots and pans were thrown, forming landmarks of today’s Langkawi.
  • Eventually, a lightning strike turned both giants into the stone peaks we see today (the second peak is where you can find the famous SkyBridge)

Geologically, it’s just as impressive. Gunung Raya is a massive granite dome that pushed its way up through the earth about 220 million years ago, making it some of the oldest land in Southeast Asia.

A long-tailed macaque sits on a concrete wall looking out over a vast, forested valley toward the sea.
A long-tailed macaque sits on a concrete wall looking out over a vast, forested valley toward the sea.

Langkawi’s Wildlife To Spot Along The Way To The Top

The Gunung Raya rainforest is over 200 million years old and packed with incredible biodiversity if you keep your eyes peeled:

  • Dusky Leaf Monkeys: Look for the distinct white “spectacles” around their eyes that make these langurs easy to identify.
  • Great Hornbills: These massive birds are the heavyweights of the sky, and you’ll likely hear their loud, heavy wingbeats before you see them.
  • Black Giant Squirrels: Look high into the canopy for these massive, dark-furred squirrels that are much larger than your average park variety.
  • Roti Canai Rock Gecko: Keep an eye on the granite rocks for this rare lizard, which is endemic to Langkawi and named after the famous Malaysian flatbread.
  • Malayan Horned Frog: This master of camouflage looks exactly like a dead leaf on the forest floor, complete with pointed “horns” over its eyes.
  • Centipedes: Watch where you step or grab near fallen logs, as large tropical centipedes live in the leaf litter and have a nasty bite.
A large, dark brown millipede crawling on mossy ground near green fern leaves.
You’ll likely spot local wildlife, like this large millipede, right on the path.

The Descent: Finding Way Back Down The Mountain

We reached the summit around 2 PM, completely drained by the midday heat.

Skipping the hike back down was an easy decision, but getting a ride was a mission of its own:

  • As we quickly learned, Grab is nearly useless for summit pickups. Most drivers won’t make the long drive up to meet us at the top of the mountain
  • The fix? We downloaded InDriver, which it lets you negotiate and “bid” on your fare.
  • By offering a higher price, we finally convinced a driver to come up and get us.

Side note: We had zero luck hitchhiking back down.

Plenty of people drive to the top, but after several failed attempts to catch a ride, we realised it isn’t a reliable strategy.

This is where having an Airalo eSIM saved us. Because we had a solid data connection we could research other options and even download InDrive app.

Obviously, if you are not short in time, you can easily head back down the same way you came up.

  • It’s definitely faster than climbing up, but don’t rush – those concrete steps can be incredibly slippery.
  • It will still be sweltering and humid, so make sure you’ve saved enough water for the descent.
  • If you decide to hike up for the sunset, packing a head torch is a non-negotiable.
  • You’ll be trekking in the jungle in pitch darkness, you’ll need both hands free to navigate safely.
A winding mountain road leads toward a tall observation tower and telecommunications mast under a cloudy sky.
Reaching the summit reveals a blend of modern infrastructure and the rugged beauty of the peak.

What to Pack: Don’t Hike Without These

ItemWhy You Need It
3L of WaterNo shops or refills available; humidity makes dehydration a real risk.
High-Protein SnacksEnergy bars or nuts to fuel the grueling 4,287-step climb.
Offline MapsUse Maps.me or AllTrails as mobile signal is weak in the canopy.
Quick-Dry ClothesMoisture-wicking gear only; cotton stays soaked and causes chafing.
eSIM or local SIM cardEssential for staying safe and booking your ride home from the peak. Airalo eSIM worked best for me.
Head TorchEssential for sunrise hikes to keep hands free for the rope section.
Hat / HeadgearProtects from ticks in the jungle and the harsh sun at the exposed summit.
SPF 50+ SunscreenThe summit is completely exposed; re-apply before leaving the forest shade.
Bug SprayCrucial for the humid lower sections where mosquitoes are most active.
Anti-Leech KitSalty water spray, long socks, and bandages to handle jungle hitchhikers.
Metal handrails guiding a narrow concrete staircase through a forest with thick hanging vines.
Handrails are available on the steeper sections where the jungle vines get thicker.

FAQ: Common Questions About Hiking Gunung Raya

No. The trail is a set of stairs, so it is impossible to get lost. It is perfectly suited for a self-guided trip.

No, the trail is currently free to access.

The trail is easy to follow, but it’s isolated and the stairs are often broken. It’s safer to go with a partner in case of injury, as there is very little foot traffic and weak mobile coverage.

There is no public transport. You can try to hitch a ride with tourists at the car park (although we weren’t lucky) or use the InDriver app

The dry season in Langkawi (November to March) is best. You’ll get clearer views and avoid the dangerously slippery moss and mud that comes with the rain.

If you bought eSIM like Airalo or a local SIM card, you won’t have problem with getting signal. But don’t rely on your roaming data, as it wasn’t working for us.

A high-angle shot of a winding mountain road snaking through dense tropical rainforest toward the ocean.
Winding mountain road snaking through dense tropical rainforest toward the ocean.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Hiking Langkawi’s Highest Point?

Looking back, the Gunung Raya hike was one of the most physically demanding but rewarding things I did in Langkawi.

That being said, it is definitely a battle against 4,000 steps and a lot of humidity.

If you are looking for an adventurous experience that gets you off the beaten path, away from the queues and crowds, this is it.

It’s raw, it’s authentic, and it’s the perfect way to see a side of Langkawi that most tourists completely miss.

Plus, apart from the cost of transport, it is a completely free activity!

Just bring more water than you think you need, wear your best quick-dry gear, and be prepared to earn that view!

Read My Other Hiking Guides

Beata is an expert in authentic, adventure-filled and culture-rich travel.
With years of exploring hidden gems across diverse countries her mission is to help you uncover unique, budget-friendly experiences that connect you with nature and local cultures.

Similar Posts