Gunung Stong State Park (GSSP) (formerly called Jelawang Jungle) gazeted as state park on October 2005 is listed among the top five unique ecotourism destinations in Malaysia and is situated on the fringes of Malaysia’s massive Titiwangsa range.is a forested area, totaling 21,950ha with several prominent mountain peaks The mountainous backdrop there is made up of a chain of majestic peaks, waiting to be conquered – Gunung Ayam, Gunung Stong, Gunung Tera, Gunung Saji, Gunung Kob, Gunung Baha, Gunung Beirut, Gunung Che Tahir. (Gunung is the local word for mountain).. The area is of outstanding beauty and is home to one of the highest waterfalls in South East Asia, Jelawang Waterfall.
The rugged landscape of GSSP offers many exciting adventures for anyone who loves nature and the great outdoors. GSSP not only has important eco-tourism values but also serves as a significant conservation area with richflora and fauna diversity.
Animals such as the Asian elephant, seladang, great argus pheasant, Malayan tiger, serow,hornbill,tapir and a range of other exotic wildlife, as well as a variety of flora and fauna including the world’s largest flower, the rafflesia of the kerii meyer species, and the endemic long-sectioned bamboo, a type of herb – gesneriad (Didymocarpus calcareous) and a unique palm species (Licuala stongesis). are known to roam the forest in Stong. With the assistance of a qualified and knowledgeable trekking guide, your exploration of GSSP will be made more meaningful as interesting aspects about the biodiversity of the area are pointed out.
There is a few places of interest at Gunung Stong State Park like the Jelawang Waterfall, an impressive seven-tier waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in South East Asia. Bogo Rock Shelter, a cave-like formation, is a suitable resting point on the way to the summit of Gunung Stong, which can be reached within four hours of trekking.
Gunung Ayam, the highest peak in the area, standing at 1,504m is the ideal spot to watch both sunset and sunrise. A campsite is available for overnight stays. Visit the breathtaking 225 million year-old limestone caves at Dabong that house several bat species and rare flora, including an endemic balsam.
Conservation Efforts at Gunung Stong State Park : • The Kelantan State Forestry Department has organised scientific expeditions to GSSP in collaboration with other agencies. • Capacity-building programmes for park staff will be carried out. • WWF-Malaysia is producing a Preliminary Management Plan for the Gunung Stong State Park in collaboration with the Kelantan State Forestry Department.
Gunung Stong State Park is a destination that has a variety of attractions that would appeal to both nature-lovers and adventure seekers alike