Mount Baling in Kedah is gaining more popularity recently as a hiking trek. With the elevation just a bit over 400 meters, it has become a choice for hikers, especially the amateurs as the track is easy. Some crude concrete steps were built in some part of the treks together with ropes here and there to facilitate the trekking.

From the bottom of the mountain, at the feet of it, it will take some 1600 meters of trekking to reach the summit, which is about two hours or so. Currently, there is no signage to the entrance of the mountain trek. The easiest landmark to the place is a Buddist temple near to the entrance of the mountain. Mount Baling is about one hour and forty minutes away from Alor Setar, the capital city of Kedah.

How to Get There

By Car

Driving to Mount Baling is by far the most hassle-free way to travel. The driving from Kuala Lumpur will take about five hours via the North-South Highway for an almost four hundred kilometres drive. From Alor Setar, the distance is just slightly over hundred kilometres.

By Bus

Take a bus from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan in Kuala Lumpur to Baling Bus Station. Baling Bus Station is very close to the foot of the Mount Baling, just about one and a half kilometre away. The bus ticket starts from RM 40 up to RM 60 per trip.

By Plane

Kedah has its own airport, the Sultan Abdul Halim Airport, in Kepala Batas. It is about one and forty minutes away from the foot of Mount Baling. There are everyday flights to Kedah from Kuala Lumpur by three major airlines in Malaysia.

Tourist Attractions

Ulu Legong Hot Spring

Just twenty minutes from the foot of Mount Baling, there is another attraction in the area. It is a popular spot for both locals and also tourists as a relaxation spot. The Ulu Legong has five pools, but only three are open to the public. The pools have a high level of sulphur with water temperature ranging around 30 – 60 degree Celsius. All of the three pools have a different temperature, so do a test before jumping in. The hot spring operating hours is one of the reasons of why people flock the place. It opens twenty-four hours a day with an entrance fee as cheap as RM 3 per person. The place is usually crowded from 10 am and until very early in the morning at 2 am. It is a perfect place to kick back and relax, and maybe have a late night dip in the hot spring late in at night.

Lata Bayu

Another recreational park in the district of Baling. It is another popular spot thus it is usually very crowded during the weekends. During the weekdays, however, the Lata Bayu only has a handful of visitors. Families and friends would fill the place to have a great time with loved ones. The recreational park is well-maintained by the state of Kedah and it also has great, complete public facilities. Lata Bayu has a few waterfalls that cascade into a crystal clear stream. The pool of the waterfalls is big enough for everyone to enjoy, even during the days where it is crowded. This recreational park locates about twenty kilometres from the town of Baling, with an off-road trip for about ten kilometres. The access to Lata Bayu from the main road is easy as there is a lot of signage, reaching up to the place.

Hotels

Hotel Baling

Hotel Baling is an accommodation that locates just five minutes from the foot of Mount Baling. It is one of the best and cheap hotels in the town. With the price starting at RM 55 a night for a room with two beds and shared bathroom, the place is very suitable and has become the top choice for those who are backpacking around the area. The rooms also come with free Wi-Fi and wired internet connections. The hotel provides all the necessities for their patrons to have a comfortable stay.