MY · Terengganu · 5.59°N 102.61°E

gunung tebu

A long forest climb in Besut to a summit with views of Redang and the Perhentians on clear days.

Best time
March to September. Terengganu's forestry department closes its trails for the north-east monsoon, usually from 1 November to the end of February. Pick a dry spell; the trail is slippery after rain.
How long
1 long day, best with a night nearby
Getting there
Fly from KL to Kota Bharu (about an hour), then drive about 1.5–2 hours to Lata Belatan, inland from Jerteh. Driving from KL takes about 6.5 hours on the East Coast Expressway via Kuala Terengganu.
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MY · Terengganugunung tebu5.59°N 102.61°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,A long forest climb in Besut to a summit with views of Redang and the Perhentians on clear days.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingGunung TebuMY, Terengganu
KLgunung tebu
≈ 291 km from KL, as the crow flies

Besut's best-known hike: a steep forest trail of about 7 km from Lata Belatan to a summit of 1,039 metres, with views to Redang and the Perhentians on a clear day. It's a long, hard day for fit hikers, and a licensed guide and a forestry permit are required.

Makan

  1. Nasi dagang in JertehHave the Terengganu breakfast in town before the start.Map ↗
  2. Packed lunchCarry rice, snacks and plenty of water. There's nothing to buy on the trail.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Lata BelatanThe forest park at the foot of the mountain, where the trail starts. Parts were damaged in the December 2024 floods, so ask your guide what's open.Map ↗
  2. The climbRoots, rocks and steep pitches all the way. Most groups take 8 hours or more there and back.Map ↗
  3. The summitOn a clear morning you can see the coast and the islands of Redang and the Perhentians.Map ↗

Good to know

  • A licensed mountain guide (malim gunung) and a forestry permit are compulsory. Book the guide early; they can help with the permit.
  • Start at first light and agree a turnaround time, so you're down before dark.
  • Wear shoes with grip and carry a head torch, rain gear and dry clothes.

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