Attraction Category: Mountains and Volcanos

The first stop of the South Batan Trip is often the Chawa View Deck, a little surprise stop located in the steep mountainside of Batan and Mahatao. The place does not only boast of majestic views of the West Philippine Sea, it also allows visitors to see the intricate beauty of West Batan’s cliffs. Taking the somewhat challenging steps leading down the rocky coast is worth it because of what awaits below – a panoramic view of different rock formations and the vast blue sea.

 

Location

The Chawa View Deck is located around 5.5 kilometers south of Basco Airport.

 

Opening Days and Hours

A stop at Chawa View Deck is included in South Batan Island day tours.

 

Entry Fee and Booking

Tricycles available near Basco Airport can be hired for a whole-day, South Batan tour for only PHP 1500 (USD 30) per tricycle.

 

How to Get There

  • Fly from Manila to Basco Airport via Philippine Airlines or SkyJet.
  • Hire a tricycle for a South Batan tour.

 


Suggested For

  • Solo Travelers/Backpackers
  • Couples
  • Family
  • Teams

 

Time to Spend

Spend at least 30 minutes around the area to fully enjoy the sights.

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Mahatao Beach Shelter Port
  • Tayid Lighthouse
  • Racuh A Payaman

 

Stay

Chawa View Deck is a short-drive away from Basco Town Proper. Inns and homestays around the area are available at rates ranging from PHP 500 to 700 (USD 10 to 14).

Mount Santubong is a wonder of nature as hikers find themselves challenged and rewarded with breathtaking sceneries from the start of the trail right up to the summit.

 

Location

Mount Santubong is about 35 kilometres from Kuching city centre, which is a 45-minute drive away.

 

Opening Days and Hours

Although the site is open 24 hours daily, it is recommended that hikes are done between 08:00 to 17:00. Otherwise, it may be too dark and dangerous even for experienced climbers.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

Admission is RM 8 (USD 1.95) per person.

 

How to Get There

You can choose to either drive or take a taxi, and the drive takes roughly 45 minutes from the city centre. You may also opt for public buses, which may take 90 minutes to get to Mount Santubong.

 


Suggested For

Mount Santubong is suitable for those who enjoy mountain climbing and are nature lovers. A great place for young couples, group of friends, solo travelers, and backpackers.  Those interested to undertake the climb is recommended to be physically fit and prepared.

 

Time to Spend

Half-a-day (6 hours) is sufficient to climb to the summit and descend without rest. Otherwise, allocate 8 hours if you require breaks in between.

 


Popularity and Best Time to Go

Best to start making your way up before to 09:00, as this will give you ample time to make the descent before 16:00, before it gets dark.

 

Activities

You can opt for the jungle trek trail if mountain climbing is not your preference or do both for the full experience.

 

Food

Seafood restaurants are available within walking distance from the foot of the mountain. Price range falls between mid to high depending on the food ordered.

 

Safety and Fraud

As people have been stranded before in the past, it is best to ensure that you have an experienced guide or follow the directions given to you upon registration. Stick to the marked trails and watch your surroundings to make sure you do not get lost.

 

Nearby Attractions

The Sarawak Cultural Village is located at the site itself and is within walking distance to one of the entry points. You can also check out the beach while you are there.

 

Stay

Dorms, home stays, and hotels of mid-range to luxury prices are available in the area.

 

Good to Know

Proper footwear is required, as the climb can be steep towards the summit. Keep at least a bottle of water (2 litres) with you to stay hydrated throughout the climb.

Mount Lambak or Gunung Lambak (gunung means mountain in the local language) is located in Kluang, Johor. At 510 metres tall, it requires approximately 4 hours of hiking from the base to the summit and back, making it perfect for beginners. Mt. Lambak offers different hiking paths with various levels of difficulty. The breathtaking view from the top definitely makes it a worthy hike.

 

Location

Mount Lambak is 4.8 kilometres away from the Kluang Bus Terminal, and is 108 kilometres away from Larkin Sentral in Johor Bahru.

 

Opening Days and Hours

The site is open 24 hours a day but nocturnal hikes are not recommended.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

It is free to hike up Mount Lambak.

 

How to Get There

The easiest way to get to the hill is by car. Simply exit at Simpang Renggam from the North-South Expressway and continue on Jalan Renggam to Taman Megah, Kluang. Alternatively, you can hop on a bus or take a taxi to Kluang.

 


Suggested For

Mount Lambak is great for families, groups of friends, young couples, and backpackers who enjoy hiking. Moderate fitness is required for Mount Lambak and visitors should be comfortable with walking on slopes.

 

Time to Spend

You can spend about 4 to 5 hours hiking.

 


Popularity and Best Time to Go

Visitors can go hike at Mount Lambak at any hour of the day. However, visiting the hill in the early morning or late afternoon may be the best time to avoid the scorching hot tropical weather. You may also want to avoid visiting Mount Lambak during the rainy seasons in Malaysia in the months of April to October.

 

Food

A restaurant serving organic food for dinner and lunch is available on-site. However, its operating hours can sometimes be unreliable. Snacks and beverage stalls can be found at the base of the hill. Alternatively, you can bring along light food and drinks to the top of the hill for a nice picnic.

 

Safety and Fraud

Some monkeys at Mount Lambak can be aggressive. You should always be cautious not to agitate them or bring along a stick for protection.

Nearby Attractions

Recreational Water Park – at the foothill of Mount Lambak

 

Stay

A resort is available in close proximity to Mount Lambak. Alternatively, you may opt to stay at hotels located in Kluang town which is just 5 kilometres away from Mount Lambak.

 

Good to Know

There are toilets constructed at the foothill though not very well-maintained.

Surrounded by serene lush green rainforests, Popokvil Waterfall is stunningly beautiful and comes alive during the rainy season. Popokvil, meaning “swirling clouds,” well describes the beauty of the lingering mists around the waterfall. You can enjoy a relaxing picnic by the falls, or go for a swim in the pool. A meditation area is also available for those who like to enjoy an intimate moment of tranquility with nature.

 

Location

Visitors must first get to Bokor National Park to be able to access to the waterfall. The national park is about 11 kilometres west of Kampot town, and upon reaching the Bokor Hill Station, you have to trek in the north-east direction for about 6 kilometres before arriving at the waterfall. For visitors setting off from Sihanoukville International Airport, the park is about 105 kilometres east of the airport.

 

Opening Days and Hours

Popokvil Mountain is part of Bokor National Park. It is open at all times but the road leading to it can sometimes be closed due to weather conditions.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

Bokor National Park charges USD 0.50 per motorcycle or scooter, and USD 1 per car at the foot of the park. Passengers do not have to pay an entrance fee. A guide or trekking arrangements can be made at Thansur Bokor Highland Resort’s Recreation Counter, with starting prices at USD 7.

How to Get There

To get to Bokor National Park, you can use motorcycles, scooters, cars, taxis or minivans from Kampot town. It takes about 50 minutes to reach Bokor Hill Station. Renting bikes from Kampot town is possible and comes with a cost of USD 5 to 20 depending on the size of the bikes. You can then trek into the jungle for about 1.5 hours until you reach the destination. Estimated travel time from Sihanoukville International Airport to the national park is 2 hours.

 

Suggested For

Popokvil Mountain is a suitable place to visit by families with children not younger than 15 years old, groups of friends, young couples, backpackers, solo travelers and those who like to have a refreshing day chilling out at the waterfall and a little swim inside the pool.

 

Time to Spend

Visitors usually spend about half a day at the waterfall but it will take a full day to visit Bokor National Park’s other attractions.

 

Popularity and Best Time to Go

If you want to enjoy the spectacular view of water gushing down with full force at Popokvil Waterfall, the best time to visit is during the wet season from May to October.

 

Activities

There are many things to do at the park like having a picnic, trekking, hiking, meditating, and swimming

 

Food

Food stalls selling light snacks and cold drinks are set up behind the Bokor Palace Hotel throughout the day. Proper meals are served in the restaurants inside Thansur Bokor Highland Resort. Visitors can find a good variety of food choices there.

 

Safety and Fraud

Blessed with pristine rainforests, the mountain is also a habitat for many wild animals such as tigers, leopards, and elephants. You are advised to not venture off the existing paths. Landmines are also a potential danger in this area although mine removal action has been performed. You should also be mindful of the slippery rocks and steps at the waterfall.

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Wat Sampov Phram: The pagoda is about 3 kilometres from the park and is about a 30-minute walk.
  • Lok Yeay Mao Monument: The monument is about 7 kilometres from the national park and will take about a 10-minute drive to get there.
  • Bokor Hill Station: About 6 kilometres from the waterfall and will take about a 1.5-hour trek.

Stay

A 4-star resort hotel, Thansur Bokor Highland Resort, is located inside the national park and close to the waterfall. Many guesthouses and hotels can also be found in Kampot that offers budget dorms or rooms, and also mid-range accommodations.

 

Good to Know

Mosquito repellent spray will come in handy during treks to the the rainforest. Bring a change of clothes and a bath towel if you are planning to take a dip in the beautiful pool under the waterfall.

Phnom Sampeau means ‘ship mountain,’ which is fitting as this majestic limestone mountain is shaped like a ship. Riddled with caves while crowned by a beautiful pagoda and shrines, this mountain offers a breathtaking view from the top.

 

Location

Phnom Sampeau is about 12 kilometres away from the city of Battambang.

 

Opening Days and Hours

Phnom Sampeau opens daily from 08:30 to 17:00.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

The entry fee to Phnom Sampeau is USD 3 per person.

 

How to Get There

You can take a tuk-tuk to the base of Phnom Sampeau then climb up 700 steps to the summit. You can also walk the cemented road up or take a motoride for about USD 4.

 

Suggested For

Phnom Sampeau is mainly for nature lovers. It suits visitors consisting of small groups of friends, young couples, and backpackers with a reasonable level of fitness.

 

Time to Spend

Most people spend about half a day at the mountain.

 

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Phnom Sampeau is in the early morning or late afternoon when the light and stunning views are at their best.

 

Activities

There are many different activities available here. You can challenge yourself to climb up the flight of stairs with 700 steps or explore some of the caves. See bats take flight out of their cave at the base of the mountain to hunt for food, or visit the monastery at the summit to see the reclining Buddha.

 

Food

You can find a few restaurants near the mountain’s ticketing office.

 

Safety and Fraud

Some monkeys in the area are known to be rather aggressive so try to stay clear of them. The slopes are steep so be careful while hiking.

 

Nearby Attractions

You can ride on the bamboo train, most likely the only one in the world, from a station about 20 minutes away by tuk-tuk. If you are visiting on a Monday or Thursday evening, you can want to visit a circus better known as Phare Ponleu Selpak (10 minutes away by tuk-tuk).

 

Stay

You can choose from budget hostels, mid-range accommodation to luxury hotels in Battambang city.

 

Good to Know

You might come across some bones along the way and in the cavern. These bones belong to the victims of Khmer Rouge. The Killing Cave and Bat Cave are on the same hill.

Conquering an active volcano may sound intimidating but the rewards are worth it: on top of Mount Batur, one can get a perfect, panoramic view of the clear waters of Lake Batur, the solidified black lava from its last explosion, and the stunning sunset as it stretches its light to the seemingly endless verdant plains and slopes surrounding the area. The 5-kilometre round-trip hike, which can be done in 2 hours, is a fairly easy one except for some difficult bumps and slippery areas caused by some dried lava. While on your way to the top, you’ll be fascinated with two things: by the scenery which looks like it’s from The Lord of the Rings, or by your friendly, and very helpful Balinese hike guides.

 

Location

Mount Batur is located at Bangli Regency, Indonesia, 30 kilometres northeast of Ubud.

 

Opening Days and Hours

Mount Batur can be accessed anytime.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

For a group of 3 people, a guide and an entrance fee cost around IDR 350,000 (USD 24.50) plus a IDR 40,000 (USD 2.80) extra tip for the guide.

 

How to Get There

  • From Denpasar City, take a bus to Ubud.  
  • From Ubud, you can rent a taxi or rent a motorbike to Mount Batur.

 


Suggested For

  • Solo Travelers/ Backpackers 
  • Couples 
  • Families 
  • Groups

 

Time to Spend

Hiking to the top, seeing the sights, and going back down the plains can take up to 5 hours.

 


Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to start the hike is at 4:00 in the morning.

 

Food

There are no restaurants in the mountain so it’s best to pack up enough food for your hike. You can buy water or coke from some tour guides.

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Ubud Monkey Forest 
  • Goa Gajah 
  • Puri Lukisan Museum 
  • Kintamani Highland

 

Stay

Nearby hotels such as Ayu Kintamani Hotel, Shanty Country House, Volcano Terrace, Batur Mountain View, and Surya Hotel and Restaurant offers accommodation starting from USD 30 to USD 200.