Gunung Stong – 3D2N Adventure: Caving, Camping, Sunrise & Waterfall Bliss

Gunung Stong isn’t just a hike — it’s a must-have on every Malaysian adventure bucket list. Tucked away in the lush jungles of Dabong, Kelantan, it offers one of the most rewarding 3D2N nature experiences: from conquering one of Malaysia’s lesser-known 1,450m peaks, to exploring mystical caves, camping beside Southeast Asia’s tallest waterfall, and waking up to cloud seas. For those craving raw nature, soul-refreshing scenery, and a challenge beyond the usual tourist trails

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Overview of What’s Inside:

  1. Why Gunung Stong Caught My Heart

  2. Trip Highlights at a Glance

  3. Full 3D2N Itinerary Breakdown

  4. Package Inclusions

  5. Pro Tips Before You Go

  6. Quick Facts Snapshot

  7. Final Thoughts — More Than Just a Hike

  8. Fun Fact Box – Did You Know?

Why Gunung Stong Caught My Heart

”If you’re looking for a nature escape packed with Malaysia’s highest waterfall, magical caves, sunrise cloud sea, and camping by a natural waterfall slide — Gunung Stong in Dabong, Kelantan is a hidden gem you need to experience.

This 3D2N trip combined everything I love: caving, hiking, camping under the stars, catching sunrises above the clouds, and even riding the sleeper train through some of Malaysia’s most scenic routes!

brooooo! 我真的很喜欢 GUNUNG STONG ！ 哈哈 

那是因为这个ADVENTURE TRIP 好像BAO GA LIAO ！ 

包洞穴，包瀑布，包爬山 还包滑梯， 包云海日出，简直就是包青天的徒弟包卡料。

如果稀饭ALL IN ONE , 很值得推荐去玩下哟！ 

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Highlights of the Trip

Stong Geopark Cave Adventure

Exploring Gua Keris, Gua Gelap, Gua Ikan, and Gua Pagar — beautiful and thrilling cave systems

Jelawang Waterfall

Malaysia and Southeast Asia’s highest waterfall, standing at 303m altitude

Gunung Baha Cloud Sea & Sunrise

Trekking 3 hours from camp to reach the summit at 1,450m, rewarded with breathtaking views

Camping & Natural Water Slide

Chill, shower, and have fun at Kolam Puteri Waterfall

Gunung Stong, Jelawang Waterfall & Stong Caves – Story and Highlights

Gunung Stong — A Hidden Gem of Kelantan

Gunung Stong is part of the Gunung Stong State Park (GSSP) in Dabong, Kelantan.

It’s a lesser-known mountain compared to the famous peaks in Malaysia, but it offers raw, untouched beauty — perfect for those who crave authentic jungle adventure.

The park itself is part of the Main Range (Banjaran Titiwangsa), and Gunung Stong rises majestically to about 1,450 meters.

Its trails, cloud sea views, and lush greenery are a dream for nature lovers — especially if you love hiking in cooler, misty conditions after rain.

Jelawang Waterfall — Malaysia’s Tallest Cascade

Standing at 303 meters high, Jelawang Waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in Southeast Asia and Malaysia’s pride.

It’s a multi-tiered waterfall that can be seen even from Dabong town on a clear day!

  • The waterfall is fed by clear mountain streams from Gunung Stong and Gunung Ayam.

  • The first major tier you reach while hiking to Kem Baha Campsite feels absolutely magical — like nature’s own gateway into the mountains.

Fun fact:

When you trek beside Jelawang Waterfall, you’re actually trekking along the side of one of the tallest free-falling waterfalls in the world!

Stong Geopark Caves — Nature’s Hidden Art

The Stong Geopark features some of the most beautiful and accessible caves in Kelantan:

  • Gua Keris (Keris Cave) — named after the Malay dagger shape found inside

  • Gua Gelap (Dark Cave) — known for its dramatic dark chambers

  • Gua Ikan (Fish Cave) — local legends say a giant mystical fish once lived here

  • Gua Pagar — narrow passages and unique limestone formations

These caves were formed over millions of years by water erosion through limestone mountains, leaving behind magnificent stalactites, stalagmites, crystal walls, and underground rivers.

Local Story:

Many believe these caves hold spiritual significance, and some caves like Gua Keris have hidden light shafts ("God of Light" ✨) if you’re lucky to catch the sunlight at the right angle!

蛮好玩的！！！ 以前地理老师 教的 那种什么洞 什么岩石，好像这里都可以学到 哈哈 ！ 前提是要找 会解释的山导

Why Gunung Stong is Special

  • It's still relatively untouched compared to Cameron Highlands or Mount Kinabalu

  • You get a full combo adventure — caves, waterfalls, hiking, camping — all in one trip

  • You experience the simple village life of Dabong town, away from the city rush

  • Plus: the sleeper train journey is an epic part of the adventure itself!

3D2N Itinerary – Gunung Stong, Dabong Kelantan

Day 1

  • 9:45 PM — Depart from TBS Bus Station (KL)

  • 4:00 AM — Arrive Badong, Kelantan (pickup by guide)

  • Rest a few hours at guide’s homestay

  • 7:30 AM — Local breakfast

  • 9:00 AM — Start caving adventure at Stong Geo Park

    • Gua Keris, Gua Gelap, Gua Ikan, Gua Pagar (2 hours)

  • 11:00 AM — Start hike from Stong Hill Resort entrance

    • Pass Jelawang Waterfall (303m)

  • 2:00–3:00 PM — Arrive Kem Baha Campsite

  • 5:00 PM — Play at Kolam Puteri natural water slide

  • Evening — Dinner and rest early under the stars

Day 2

  • 6:30 AM — Sunrise view from Kem Baha

  • 9:00 AM — Begin summit hike to Gunung Stong (1,450m)

    • Return trip: about 8 hours

    • Option to attempt Gunung Ayam and Gunung Baha peaks too

  • Evening — Return to camp, chill and celebrate

Day 3

  • 6:30 AM — Chill, sunrise, breakfast

  • Pack up, clean camp area

  • 10:00 AM — Return to Dabong Station and depart

Note:

If you prefer a relaxed camping trip without hiking, you can choose to stay at Kem Baha campsite and enjoy nature fully without summit hikes.

准备好！让我们一起出发吧！

10点上巴士 开始睡觉HEHE

4 点到站 ！可以HAE下 等山导来PICK UP

那个风 啪啪啪 打在脸上 好爽

先来个LOCAL 早餐！ 好好吃b（￣▽￣）d　

吃饱了 进深深的洞穴！

洞穴完 准备好装备 我们登山了！

路上下雨呢！还好我们带了雨衣

三个小时的登山 我们到了KEM BAHA 帐篷搭好等着我们了！

一早起来在河边刷牙，那个水冷到 不是开玩笑

日出也太美了吧 呜呜！！！！好值得

吃了早餐 我们攻顶了！只需要带小背包

成功攻顶！

开开心心结束 这个冒险之旅！！！

准备好！让我们一起出发吧！

Package Details (What’s Included)

  • 3D2N Guide fees

  • Forest permit (Permit Perhutanan)

  • Stong Hill Resort entrance fee

  • Kem Baha campsite fee

  • Open tent (fly & ground) + tent rental for 2 nights

  • Caving guide + entrance fees

  • Transport from Dabong station to camp

  • 3D2N meals prepared by chef and crew

❌ What’s Not Included

  • KL – Dabong return transport

  • Car parking fees if self-drive

  • Personal snacks / ration (jajan)

  • Day 1 breakfast and lunch pack (before camp)

Meals Included During Trip

First Day:

  • Welcome tea

  • Dinner

Second Day:

  • Breakfast

  • Packed lunch for summit hike

  • Dinner

Third Day:

  • Breakfast

  • Lunch before departure

💰 Price Range:

RM350 – RM450 per pax
(Depends on group size – the more people, the lower the cost)

GUIDE DETAILS : 013 881 1970 ( WAN MUIZZ)

Bonus Tips for Future Gunung Stong Trekkers

  • Book your sleeper train ticket 2–3 months in advance via KTMB App/Website

  • Wear Kampung Adidas shoes — better grip, especially during rainy season

  • Bring trekking poles — trail to Gunung Stong summit can be steep and muddy

  • Dry bag essential — protect your sleeping gear and valuables from river splash

  • Headlamp required — important for early hikes and caving

  • Train your stamina — summit days are long (8 hours trek)

My Hiking Essential for 6 Years: Osprey Farpoint 55

If there’s one item that has followed me through almost every adventure — from jungle treks to mountain sunrises — it’s my Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Backpack.

I’ve been using it for over 6 years, and it’s still holding up like a champ. Comfortable straps, smart compartments, and the detachable daypack make it super versatile — whether I’m camping in Gunung Stong or backpacking abroad.

It’s truly one of the best gear investments I’ve made.

(This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you)

How to Get to Gunung Stong (Dabong, Kelantan)

Gunung Stong is located near Dabong town in Kelantan, and all routes lead to Dabong Station, which is the main access point to begin your adventure.

Option 1: Self-Drive to Dabong

  • Duration: ~6–7 hours from Kuala Lumpur

  • Route: Drive via Gua Musang – Dabong

  • Pros: Flexible timing, great for road trip lovers

  • Cons: Long drive; parking in Dabong may be limited

  • Recommended if: You're traveling in a group or planning to explore other spots in Kelantan

Option 2: Express Bus from TBS (KL) to Dabong

  • Where to board: Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), Kuala Lumpur

  • Duration: ~6–7 hours

  • Price: ~RM60–70 one way, ~RM120 round trip

  • Pros: Budget-friendly and direct

  • Cons: Limited bus schedules; may not run daily

  • Recommended if: You want an affordable and fairly comfortable option

Option 3: KTM Train (Recommended for Unique Experience)

  • Two types:

    • KTM Intercity Seated Train (cheaper, day option)

    • KTM Sleeper Train (overnight with beds – more scenic & fun)

  • Route: From KL Sentral or other major KTM stations to Dabong

  • Booking: Use KTMB App or ktmb.com.my

  • Price: RM45–90 depending on seat/berth

  • Pros: Unique travel experience, scenic views, rest overnight

  • Cons: Sells out fast — book 2–3 months early

  • Recommended if: You love slow travel, want to sleep on the way, or prefer a memorable journey

💭 Final Words

This trip gave me so much more than just a hike

It was a complete soul adventure: caves, waterfalls, campfires, sunrises, and friendships under the open sky.

If you want to experience Malaysia’s raw outdoor beauty while pushing yourself to new heights, Gunung Stong is calling.

🏔️ Gunung Stong

  • Height: 1,450m

  • Part of the Main Range (Banjaran Titiwangsa)

  • Famous for its sunrise cloud sea at Kem Baha Campsite

🌊 Jelawang Waterfall

  • Height: 303m

  • One of the tallest waterfalls in Southeast Asia

  • Visible even from Dabong town on a clear day!

🕳️ Stong Geopark Caves

  • Features Gua Keris, Gua Gelap, Gua Ikan, and Gua Pagar

  • Formed over millions of years through limestone erosion

  • Hidden “God of Light” shafts in the caves — magical if you catch the sunlight!

🚂 Sleeper Train Journey

  • Take the KTM sleeper train from KL to Dabong

  • Best to book tickets 2–3 months early via KTMB app or website

  • The route offers breathtaking mountain and jungle views!

Fun Fact Box – Gunung Stong Adventure!

All the photos in this post were taken using my favorite camera — the Fujifilm X-S10
I’ve been using it for most of my trips, and I still love how the auto film filters make every shot look vibrant and cinematic — especially for nature and outdoor photography.
Whether it's misty mountains or golden hour in the jungle, this camera just nails the mood.
Check it out if you're looking for a lightweight, powerful travel camera!

Taking a natural shower under the waterfall after hours of hiking — nothing felt more refreshing.

My Favorite Moments

Watching the most breathtaking sunrise above the clouds, in complete silence, was a moment of awe and gratitude.

Brushing my teeth with icy river water, surrounded by jungle sounds — it was freezing, but so incredibly refreshing, like nature’s own wake-up call

Some moments from Gunung Stong will stay with me forever. Sitting at the back of the pickup truck with the wind on my face, feeling completely free.

💭 Deep Thoughts

Happiness is hiking with friends

"Sometimes the wildest places bring out the calmest parts of us — where cold waterfalls heal, sunrises remind us to breathe, and the wind tells us we’re exactly where we need to be

an abstract photo of a curved building with a blue sky in the background
When free souls gather in wild places, we reconnect — with nature, with each other, and with the part of ourselves we often forget

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leave me a comment, share your thoughts, or just say hi 🧡

Let’s stay connected — because stories are meant to be shared, and life is better when we grow together 🌍

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