MY · Johor · 1.83°N 103.90°E

gunung panti

A steep, leechy forest climb above Kota Tinggi to a roped rock face, in a forest known for birds.

Best time
February to October. Johor Forestry closes its trails for the north-east monsoon, usually from November, and reopens them in stages from mid-January. After a few days of rain the trail turns to mud and the leeches come out.
How long
1 day
Getting there
About 4 hours' drive from KL to Kota Tinggi, then about 15 minutes to the trailhead, off the road to Kota Tinggi Waterfall. From JB it's about an hour.
Save postcard
MY · Johorgunung panti1.83°N 103.90°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,A steep, leechy forest climb above Kota Tinggi to a roped rock face, in a forest known for birds.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingGunung PantiMY, Johor
KLgunung panti
≈ 285 km from KL, as the crow flies

Gunung Panti, 531 metres, rises out of the Panti Forest Reserve north of Kota Tinggi. It's harder than the height suggests: about 14 km there and back, with roots, mud and a near-vertical roped rock face just below the top. The same lowland forest is a well-known birding spot, with over 200 resident species.

Makan

  1. Mee rebusJohor's noodles in thick sweet-potato gravy, in Kota Tinggi before or after.Map ↗
  2. Seafood at Teluk SengatFish and prawns by the river, about 30–40 minutes south-east of Kota Tinggi.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. The climbAbout 4–5 hours there and back for most groups, on forest trail, wooden steps and a lot of roots.Map ↗
  2. The rock faceA 10-minute scramble on fixed ropes just below the summit. Much harder when it's wet.Map ↗
  3. Panti BaratA bench and signboard at the top, with views over Johor's plains and, on a clear day, Gunung Lambak at Kluang.Map ↗
  4. BirdwatchingBirders come for Panti's lowland forest species; go at dawn with a local birding guide.Map ↗

Good to know

  • You need a Johor Forestry permit; the department has reported hikers to the police for climbing without one. Most groups go with a guide, who arranges it.
  • Wear leech socks and long trousers, and bring gloves for the ropes.

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