MY · Johor · 1.60°N 103.55°E

gunung pulai

A steep tarmac climb through forest to a 654-metre summit, with a waterfall near the gate.

Best time
February to October. Johor Forestry closes its forest parks and trails for the north-east monsoon, usually from November, and reopens them in stages from mid-January. Go early on a dry morning; the gate shuts in heavy rain.
How long
Half a day
Getting there
About 3.5–4 hours' drive from KL on the North–South Expressway. Leave at Kulai for Kampung Sri Gunung Pulai, about 20 minutes from town. It's about 40 minutes from JB.
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MY · Johorgunung pulai1.60°N 103.55°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,A steep tarmac climb through forest to a 654-metre summit, with a waterfall near the gate.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingGunung PulaiMY, Johor
KLgunung pulai
≈ 268 km from KL, as the crow flies
Gunung Pulai from Oil Palm Plantation near Kangkar Pulai

Photo: HarryTeeger · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Gunung Pulai is the forested hill behind Kulai and a favourite morning climb for people in JB. A tarmac road winds up to the transmitter towers on the 654-metre summit, steep enough to be a proper workout, and there's a waterfall by the gate for a cool-down afterwards.

Makan

  1. Nasi lemakPick up a packet in Kulai on the way; there's little at the trailhead.Map ↗
  2. Lei cha in KulaiHakka thunder tea rice, with chopped greens, peanuts and a bowl of herb tea, for a light lunch after the climb.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. The tarmac roadSteep road through the forest all the way to the summit towers. Allow 3–4 hours there and back.Map ↗
  2. The jungle trailThe Hutan Pelajaran trail cuts through the forest between the road's bends. It needs a forestry permit and a guide.Map ↗
  3. Pulai waterfallPools near the entrance gate, good for a dip after the climb when the water runs clear.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Go at first light on weekends. The car park at the end of the road fills early.
  • The tarmac road needs no permit, but the jungle trail needs a Johor Forestry permit and a guide.
  • Stay out of the waterfall after heavy rain. Gunung Pulai has a history of flash floods.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.