Mount Datuk (885m) is an extremely popular 1-day beginner hike located in Malaysia, about an hour away from Malacca. It is popular with both locals and Singaporeans and there are hikers on it every day.
It is a good starting hike and introduction to trekking for beginners or first-timers as the hike only takes an average of 2.5h up and 2h down. Quicker or more experienced people can do the whole trek within 2 hours!
There is usually no need for a guide as the trail is quite obvious with many locals around also. A guide can be pre-arranged if required. The trek can also be done in the night to reach for sunrise!
It is not too long, yet challenging and strenuous enough for a half-day hike. There are some very steep parts and the trek requires using your hands. Additionally, there are minor rope sections during the trek and ladders near the summit. This trek can be challenging for beginners, but doable so be prepared for a fun adventurous experience.
The summit consist of huge rocks and boulders. At the summit, there is a nice view of the surroundings and one can take a break on the rocks and enjoy the wind before descending!
After the trek, reward yourself with some classic Nyonya food in Malacca and shopping in Jonker Street if there is time.
Location
Gunung Datuk (885m) is located in Rembau, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. It lies just an hour from Malacca

Sunrise Trek
Choose to hike in the dark and reach the summit for sunrise!
Alternatively, you can hike in the day.
Either way fits well within the itinerary
Climbing Season
Anytime! Just pray it doesn't rain
Extend your trip
Go slow by extending your trip. Stay in Malacca the night before or the night after to make the trip more pleasant and less rushed.
Gunung Datuk Sunrise Standard ITINERARY
12.00am – Meet Marsiling MRT
12.30am – Depart for Datuk
3.30am – Stop by for breakfast (Indian/Malay Food). 7/11 as a last stop to buy anything.
4.30am – Start the trek in the dark for sunrise
6.30am – Sunrise at Summit
9.30am – Reach back down and wash up
10.30am – Head to Malacca for food
11.30am – Malacca
4.00pm – Depart back to Singapore
8-11pm – Reach back Marsiling MRT (depends on customs jam)
Gunung Datuk (No Sunrise) Standard ITINERARY
12.30am – Meet Marsiling MRT
1.00am – Depart for Datuk
4.30am – Stop by for breakfast (Indian/Malay Food). 7/11 as a last stop to buy anything.
6.30am – Start trek at sunrise for visibility
9.00am – Summit
12.30pm– Reach back and wash up
1.00pm – Head to Malacca for food
2.00pm – Malacca
4.00pm – Depart back to Singapore
8-11pm – Reach back Marsiling MRT
Day Trip Packages
*Prices are per pax
2 Pax: S$ 250
3 Pax: S$ 180
4 Pax: S$ 150
5-7 Pax: S$ 120
8-10 Pax: S$ 100
11-13 Pax S$ 80
14-16 Pax S$ 70
Package includes:
- 2-way Transport from Singapore to Gunung Datuk and back
- Stop by Malacca Town for Lunch
- Entrance Fees
Package excludes:
- Personal Travel insurance
- Lunch/Dinner/Snacks
- Personal expenses
- Guide
.
Add- ons
Mountain Guide
Don't feel confident about finding the way yourself? Pre-arrange an official mountain guide before you go!
Extend your stay
Do a 2D1N trip by staying in Malacca the night before or after in order to take it slow or have more time or shopping!