Mountains of Malaysia
(26 April 2006)

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Mountains have always exerted a powerful influence on
the human imagination - their lofty heights inspire dreamers and
storytellers, and have challenged adventurers through the ages.
Malaysia's mountains are no exception. Peninsular Malaysia's mountains
like Gunung Jerai and Gunung Ledang, bear a rich folklore, and Sabah's
highest peak, Gunung Kinabalu, is revered by the local Kadazandusun
populace as the resting place of their ancestors.
Beyond the mystique of our mountains, there is an
equally fascinating reality. With increasing altitude climate
gradients are created, which Mother Nature has taken advantage of to
create some of Malaysia's most unique flora and fauna. In the heat of
the tropics, our mountains have become cool islands of incredibly rich
biodiversity. Every year, tourists from all over the world come to
conquer the slopes of Malaysia's peaks. Our task is not just to
preserve the challenge they present to climbers, but the equally
important challenge of keeping their beauty and diversity unspoilt.
For nature lovers, birdwatchers, climbers, botanists - and modern-day
dreamers and storytellers - they are truly our "highest" national
treasure.
Mount Kinabalu (Gunung Kinabalu)
Mount Kinabalu is among South-East Asia's tallest
mountains, towering 4,095 meters above Kinabalu National Park in the
heart of Sabah. The mountain's sheer height means it supports
ecosystems ranging from tropical forest to sub-alpine conditions. The
majority of Borneo's rarest plants, mammals, birds, amphibians and
invertebrates live on the slopes of Gunung Kinabalu. Despite its
imposing presence, the main peak is actually fairly straightforward to
climb, although Gunung Kinabalu's lesser peaks will challenge even
experienced mountaineers. The most popular trek is the two-day Summit
Trail, which winds through cloud-covered forest where orchids, pitcher
plants and rhododendrons bloom, and then beyond to a surreal world of
granite peaks and steep cliffs. In the year 2000, the mountain and its
surrounding area was gazette as Malaysia's first World Heritage Site -
a fitting tribute to Mount Kinabalu's uniqueness and importance.
Moung Ledang (Gunung Ledang)
A recent film has put the name of this mountain on
everyone's lips; yet it has always been renowned among the local
population of Johor, who have passed tales of its resident princess. 'Puteri
Gunung Ledang' from generation to generation. Although the princess
was well-known for her riddles, the enduring charm of Mount Ledang is
no mystery at all. It is a popular spot for jungle trekking and
picnicking. As one near the summit, there are areas of undisturbed
mossy forest with orchids and pitcher plants. From the peak, on a
clear day, one enjoys an unrivalled view of the Straits of Malacca,
framing the islands of Sumatra in the distance.
Also known as Mount Ophir, Gunung Ledang is the
highest mountain in Johor at 1,276 meters and appears to be one of
Malaysia's most visited mountains. Another attraction to be found in
Gunung Ledang is a 50-meter waterfall, which cool water cascades onto
large boulders, splitting into rushing rapids and culminating in a
large sandy pool. The 'Puteri Waterfalls' is a major tourist
attraction in Johor.
Mount Jerai (Gunung Jerai)
Much like Gunung Ledang to the South, Kedah's Gunung
Jerai is home to many fascinating local legend. It was once reputed to
be the abode of 'Raja Bersiong' (the 'King of Fangs') whose private
bathing pool has been said to be located in the vicinity. Whether one
embraces these legends or not, the real historical significance of
Gunung Jerai is indisputable. Even before the Malacca Sultanate became
famous, Indian and Arab merchants had established footholds in the
Malay Peninsula at the Merbok estuary in Jerai's foothills.
For the modern day traveler, Gunung Jerai is still
enticing. Just a short drive away from Alor Star, the mountain rewards
visitors with numerous picnic spots and natural attractions. The
Sungai Teroi Forest Recreation Park is a calming retreat festooned
with rhododendrons, orchids, pitcher plants, and many varieties of
ferns and herbs. On a clear day atop the peak, visitors can glimpse
the magnificent view of the gently rolling padi fields of Kedah,
stretching up to Perlis, and the islands of Penang in the south and
Langkawi in the north-west.
Mount Mulu (Gunung Mulu)
Gunung Mulu is the second highest peak in Sarawak,
standing at 2,376 meters. With its sister peaks, Gunung Api (1,750
meters) and Gunung Benarat (1,585 meters) it dominates Gunung Mulu
National park; yet what lies within and beneath these mountains is
just as impressive as what lies above. The highlights of this
magnificent natural wonder are record-breakers in their own right: the
world's largest cave passage (Deer Cave), the world's largest natural
chamber (Sarawak Chamber), and the longest cave in Southeast Asia
(Clearwater Cave). Over 200 km of Mulu's cave passages have been
surveyed, but this is thought to represent just 30-40% of the actual
total.
With its deeply-incised canyons, wild rivers,
rainforest-covered mountains, spectacular limestone pinnacles, cave
passages and decorations, Mulu has outstanding scenic values. A
must-see attraction is the 'Pinnacles' - dramatic limestone spikes,
reaching up to 45 meters, that adorn the slopes of Gunung Api.
Mount Tahan (Gunung Tahan)
Gunung Tahan, located in Taman Negara national park,
is Peninsular Malaysia's highest peak at 2,187 meters. It is
surrounded by some of the Earth's oldest rainforests, estimated to be
more than 130 million years old. There are two known ways of
conquering the summit of Gunung Tahan. One is through Kuala Tahan, and
another from Merapuh, Kelantan. The route from Merapuh is the shorter
route but still rewards climbers with the same impressive vistas over
the Tahan Range.
The adventurer's unofficial companions for this
spectacular trek will be over 10,000 species of plants, 350 species of
birds, and hundreds of mammal species. Patience and luck may reward
you with a glimpse of mouse deer, barking deer, tapirs, wild boards,
elephants, leopards, and even for the exceptionally fortunate, tigers.
Despite the constant inflow of local and international tourist,
careful conservation has ensured that its age-old richness remains
largely intact.
Technical Details
Date of Issue |
26 April 2006 |
Denomination |
30 sen, RM1 |
Stamp Size |
40 mm X 30 mm |
Miniature Sheet
Denomination |
RM2.00 |
Miniature Sheet
Size |
100 mm X 70 mm |
Stamp Size in
Miniature Sheet |
50 mm X 40 mm |
Perforation |
14 |
Sheet Content |
20 stamps |
Paper |
SPM Watermarked,
Phosphor Coated |
Printing Process |
Embossed Technique and Lithography |
Source :
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