Gunung Berembun Jelebu Day Hike - Revisiting The WWII Crash Site
About a year ago, I first step foot in the dense rainforest of Gunung Berembun Jelebu, the burial site of the crashed WWII aircraft. Having taken the reverse route from Telapak Buruk, my friends and I had done a very leisure Trans from Telapak Buruk to Gunung Berembun and out from Kampung Pantai trail head. Little did I know that I would be doing the classic route so soon (Kampung Pantai trail head > Gunung Berembun Jelebu > Crash Site > Gunung Berembun Jelebu > Kampung Pantai trail head)
“Expedition” 2.0
My first Gunung Berembun Jelebu was planned with the intention to make things easy, as we start from Telapak Buruk and the route is a descent all the way to the crash site, Gunung Berembun Jelebu, Gua Kambing and out from Kampung Pantai trail head with little elevation gain.
This time around however, I followed MMC plan - the classic normal trail by getting in and out from Kampung Pantai trail head. However, we only intend to reach as far as the crash site, not going any further to Gunung Telapak Buruk. Joining us MMC this time around, includes Vambly’s friends from Dream Team Singapore, a group of Chinese runners-hikers in Singapore.
How To Get There
There are basically two entrance points to get in, one from Gunung Berembun Jelebu (Kampung Pantai) and the other from Gunung Telapak Buruk (the telecommunication tower).
Trail heads:
Kampung Pantai trailhead |
Trail heads:
★Via Gunung Berembun Jelebu |Kampung Pantai Baru Trailhead
Loji Rawatan Air Pantai, Mukim Pantai,, 71770 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
★Via Gunung Telapak Buruk | TM Telecommunication Tower
71600 Kuala Klawang, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
As we went in and out via Kampung Pantai trail head, we didn’t need to park any car at the other trail head. If you wish to do a trans however, you will need to make sure you have a car at the end of your hike. For the second trail head at Gunung Telapak Buruk, a 4wd is recommended as the road is rugged unless you don’t mind damaging your car.
July 2019 : Gunung Berembun Jelebu > Crash Site > Gunung Berembun Jelebu (stay here and read on)
Registration and hiking permit
It’s not uncommon that a registration fee is required to hike Gunung Berembun Jelebu, and here it costs RM 5 per pax, paid at the entrance (just next to the water treatment plant). The staff will be there at the morning (very early) and collect them from you. You will also be required to fill in the log book with your particulars such as your name, IC, and contact number.
Group photo (MMC + Dream Team) |
Lata Berembun – campsite and water point
After filling up your particular, take the steps up where you will enter the jungle path. Keep a look for ribbon marker on your right about a couple of minutes from here. Take the right turn and you are on your way towards Lata Berembun, the first campsite and water point.
It takes approximately 30 minutes (distance about 2km) to reach the Lata Berembun from the trail head and the trail is wide, mostly flat and clearly marked. You will come across laminated paper marking on the trees about every 50m. The distance marker goes in descending order from this trail head and you shall it see that it starts from around 10,000m (the first one which caught my attention was 9000m+). One way I ensured that I was on the right track is to check the sign of this marking along the trail.
Lata Berembun |
Close up of the waterfall |
Lata Berembun is a waterfall and since the area is moist and damp, this is also where most people got bitten by leeches, although I did not have any for both times I hiked here. Do come prepared with your leech prevention is you are concerned.
This tree trunk bridge has now collapsed |
Gua Kambing – water point
The distance from Lata Berembun to Gua Kambing is about another 2km, and there is some hard inclination but nothing too challenging. We reached Gua Kambing in about an hour, where we took a 15 minutes break. The Dream Team found some wild durians and they decided to open them up right there. The rest of us take the chance to sit down and take a break.
Gua Kambing |
Water source |
"Wifi Zone" |
"Mail box" |
Gunung Berembun Jelebu
It is only about 1km to Gunung Berembun Jelebu peak from Gua Kambing, but the hard inclination immediately after Gua Kambing (this one is really steep!) will slow down most people. Some sections have rope installed for assistance but I pretty much preferred to grab on roots if there are any.
Gunung Berembun Jelebu |
After an hour, we reach Gunung Berembun Jelebu. Although it is spacious enough to function as a campsite, there is no water source nearby, so prepare enough water (which you can obtain from Lata Berembun / Gua Kambing).
Found a new flattering post |
Look slim too. Haha |
Close up bokeh by Huawei Pro 30 |
Watermelon carried by Vambly |
WWII Aircraft Crash Area
Though not as steep as earlier, the 2.5km trail from Berembun peak to the crash area goes up and down several trails with some hard inclination followed by occasional flat trails. I was following Joy from Dream Team who was leading the pack that day and about 2km later I decided to slow down. It was satisfying to finally be hiking at that pace but part of me is afraid to burn out. After all, my endurance is no longer like before since I stopped running for half a year and hadn’t have any long day hikes for almost a year. Finally, after 45 minutes or so, we reached the crash site.
This will be on your right if you come from Gunung Berembun Jelebu |
It’s around the mark of 2550m, so be sure to pay attention to the green signage of the crash site on your right. Behind the metal sign is a debris of what looks like the wing of the aircraft, but the rest of the debris is on the other side.
This wing will be behind the green sign |
Look out for this metal sign with the name of the deceased |
Take this trail towards the plane wreckage |
Part of the plane, covered by fallen leaves and branches |
Tyre still intact |
Engine |
The fuselage (main section of the plane) |
Obligatory photo with the plane |
close up |
Don't be mistaken. The hike is not tiring. I'm just born with this face |
Trying to get a natural candid shot but failed |
Let's just do smiling pose |
Another awkward pose haha |
I'm a bad poser |
No eye see |
This jungle is beautiful |
With hot mama - Carin |
The Story Behind
Eight days after Japan surrendered during the end of World War II in August 1945, eight crew members onboard British Royal Air Force (RAF), flew a B-24 Liberator Bomber to the Malay Peninsula on a mission to drop supplies of food and medicine for Allied POWs, still imprisoned and in poor health, in a camp at Kampung Langkap not far from the crash site.
Instead of calling this "the aircraft" or "the plane", you may also refer to it as the B-24 Liberator Bomber or KL654-R |
The aircraft took off from their base at Brown’s West Island airstrip in the Cocos Island around 1,000km south of Sumatra along with four other B-24 from Squadron 356. Without any distress signal and with no indication of trouble, the plane disappeared. For decades, it was thought to have fallen down into the ocean or crashed somewhere into the dense Malayan jungle.
In the 1950s, the crash site was first discovered by orang asli tribesmen who reported it to the British Army. However, no action was taken for fear of an ambush by the communist insurgents. In 1991, local Orang Asli tribesmen once again reported a remote wreckage site to the authorities, but expedition to examine the site did not begin until much later in 2006, due to lack of funding and initial reluctance by the UK Ministry of Defence to support recovery of the remains.
What has become of the aircraft which once belonged to the British Royal Air Force |
In 2006, the Malaya Historical Group (MHG), following two expeditions to the wreck site, positively identified the reported wreckage as the missing B-24 Liberator. The following year, MHG organized another trip with involvement of the Malaysian Army and two British participants, former Apache pilot and author Ed Macy and police detective Clayton Ford. They recovered two rings, a pocket knife, a watch strap and bone fragments.
A thorough, 10-day excavation was done in 2009, which recovered bones, identity tags and personal belongings. The bone fragments recovered was then DNA tested to confirm their identities. Researchers believed that the plane had struck a tree and crashed down the dense forest.
Nature has taken over the plane with moss growing all over the debris |
The remains of eight crew members of RAF flight KL654-R were permanently laid to rest on 18 October 2012 in a burial service with full military honours at the Cheras Road Cemetery, Kuala Lumpur, some 67 years after their B-24 Liberator crashed.
With the consent from the family members of the crews, their remains were buried in one coffin but have individual headstones. Their names are:
Flying Officer J.T. Bromfield, 166369 from Cheam, Surrey (20 years old)
Flight Sergeant A. Turner, 1621393 from Dewsbury, Yorkshire (21 years old)
Flight Sergeant William Ross, 2213814 from Gateshead, Durham (20 years old)
Flight Sergeant Jack Blakey, 1582692, from Boston, Lincolnshire (30 years old)
Flight Sergeant Raymond Arthur Towell, 1624252, from Wellingborough, Northants(21 years old)
Flight Lieutenant John Selwyn Watts, 158017, from Crofton, Yorkshire (24 years old)
Flying Officer Edward Donald Mason, 166082 from Sheffield, Yorkshire (22 years old)
Flying Officer William Kenneth Dovey, 166352 from Ludlow, Salop (20 years old)
U-Turn Back
MMC members |
Regroup |
We came out from the jungle at around 4pm and decided to clean up at the river near where we parked our cars. You will easily spot this as there is even a sign guiding your way.
Dinner at Seremban Seafood Village Restaurant
Vambly initially proposed dinner at another seafood restaurant but since the said restaurant is only opened at 5pm, Dream Team who had completed their hike about one hour ahead of us, had driven to the famous Seremban Seafood Village instead. Once we got out, cleaned up and saw their message, we headed to the same restaurant. One second thought, we could actually make it for the other restaurant since we left Kampung Pantai around 5pm. Oh well, that calls for another Seremban trip I guess?
Stir fry baby kailan (front) and potato leaves with fermented beancurd (back) |
Forgot what is this but this is good |
Steam fish |
Signature baked crab |
Address: 3720-3724, Jalan Tuanku Munawir, Bandar Seremban, 70000 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Opening hours: 1pm to 1am, daily
Epilogue
I finished writing this second revisit to Gunung Berembun Jelebu around the same time the I saw the news of the unfortunate death of Nora, an Irish girl who went missing in the jungle and found death 10 days after. Knowing how dense the jungle is, it is not surprising that it took so long to finally found her, but her death saddened us. I couldn’t imagine how much pain her family is going through at the moment, but I could only hope that they stay strong and may Nora’s soul rest in peace.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for reading all the way till the end. Too much info and you just want a summarised itinerary but too lazy to scroll back up? Here’s a summary I’ve drafted up for you. Hope it helps you with your planning.
Itinerary:
**Disclaimer: Below is my timing according to my speed. So please take it with a grain of salt, as everyone have different pace. Have fun hiking this mountain. *wink*
Day Hike
Total distance hiked: approximately 15km return (one river crossing at Lata Berembun)
0700: Gather at Kampung Pantai Baru trailhead
0730: Start hiking
0800: Reach Lata Berembun
0900: Reach Gua Kambing (rest 15 minutes)
0915: Leave Gua Kambing
1015: Reach Gunung Berembun Jelebu (break 1 hour - lunch and rest)
1115: Leave Gunung Berembun Jelebu
1200: Reach WWII Aircraft Crash Area (45 minutes photo time)
1300: Leave WWII Aircraft Crash Area
1345: Reach Gunung Berembun Jelebu (regroup)
1430: Reach Gua Kambing (regroup)
1530: Reach Lata Berembun (regroup)
1600: Reach Kampung Pantai Baru Trailhead
Alternative hiking route:
***Disclaimer: The following tips are formed based on my personal opinion. As I’m not a mountain guide nor professional hiker, please exercise your own judgment before following.
🔼 Kampung Pantai Baru Trailhead > Lata Berembun > Gua Kambing > Gunung Berembun > return
This is a rather short hike, which only covers one peak (Gunung Berembun Jelebu). Perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a leisure hike, and doesn’t mind not seeing the Aircraft Crash Area. You also don’t need any 4wd to do this hike.
🔼 Kampung Pantai Baru Trailhead > Lata Berembun > Gua Kambing > Gunung Berembun > WWII Aircraft Crash Area > return
If you start your hike early, and have enough time and energy, you can extend your hike to the aircraft crash area before returning to the trailhead. This is what we did this time around.
🔼 Gunung Telapak Buruk > WWII Aircraft Crash Area > Gunung Berembun > Gua Kambing > Lata Berembun > Kampung Pantai Baru Trailhead (Trans) - more here
This is the what I did previously, and is rather easy since it’s descent all the way, but would need a 4wd to get to TM Tower Gunung Telapak Buruk, and have cars prepared at the end of the trek (Kampung Pantai Baru Trailhead). You would also need to arrange another 4wd to drive someone back to TM Tower to collect the 4wd. Hmmmm, there’s a lot of cars needed for one hike.
🔼 Kampung Pantai Baru Trailhead > Lata Berembun > Gua Kambing > Gunung Berembun > WWII Aircraft Crash Area > Gunung Telapak Buruk (Trans)
This is the opposite of the above but less relax, since it’s ascent all the way. However, you will need to arrange a 4wd to pick you up at the end of the trek.
🔼 Gunung Telapak Buruk > WWII Aircraft Crash Area > Gunung Berembun > return
If you have a 4wd, but unable to arrange another one to drive you back to TM Tower, then a trans (either route 3 or 4 above) is rather troublesome to do. In that case, you may make a u-turn from Gunung Berembun back to your 4wd.
If you have a 4wd, but unable to arrange another one to drive you back to TM Tower, then a trans (either route 3 or 4 above) is rather troublesome to do. In that case, you may make a u-turn from Gunung Berembun back to your 4wd.
🔼 Gunung Telapak Buruk > WWII Aircraft Crash Area > return
Even shorter distance and fairly easy, if you have the same concern as above, and only wanted to visit the Aircraft Crash Area.
🔼 Kampung Pantai Baru Trailhead > Lata Berembun > Gua Kambing > Gunung Berembun > WWII Aircraft Crash Area > Gunung Telapak Buruk > return (Trans reverse)
Don’t have a 4wd but wanted to get to cover both peaks? If you don’t mind a long hike of more than 12 hours, this is one possible way, by starting from Kampung Baru trailhead which is accessible by car, and make a return from Gunung Telapak Buruk.
Don’t have a 4wd but wanted to get to cover both peaks? If you don’t mind a long hike of more than 12 hours, this is one possible way, by starting from Kampung Baru trailhead which is accessible by car, and make a return from Gunung Telapak Buruk.
🔼 Gunung Telapak Buruk > WWII Aircraft Crash Area > Gunung Berembun > Gua Kambing > Lata Berembun > Kampung Pantai Baru Trailhead > return (Trans reverse)
Well, the exact opposite of the above, if you only have one 4wd and couldn’t arrange other transport to pick you up at Kampung Pantai Baru Trailhead and collect your 4wd. However, do expect to spend more than 12 hours for entire journey.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bonus read: How many Gunung Berembun is there in Malaysia?
When I was first exposed to the mountains of Malaysia, I often got confused with the same name shared by different mountains. One of such example is the name “Berembun” which seems to be a well-liked name for mountain-namers (if there is such a person?) If you have ever been confused like I do, here’s three different Gunung Berembun to help you differentiate them, the next time you come across this name:
☆Gunung Berembun (Jelebu) – 1014m/3326 feet
What’s this list without the mountain of the post? Otherwise a forgettable mountain due to lack of scenery and challenge, this mountain is receiving much love in recent years due to the plane wreckage. It is also the lowest mountain of the three listed here, and probably also the easiest.
☆Gunung Berembun (Cameron Highlands) – 1840m/6037 feet
Nestled among the tons of trails in Cameron Highlands, Gunung Berembun is one of the 14 known trails in Cameron Highlands. I’ve yet to try this hike, but from what I’ve read, it was a rather easy trek. Maybe someday I’ll make a visit.
This mountain is located in Terengganu, in Hutan Lipur Chemerong, and is probably one of the hottest camping spot in recent years. The highlight here isn’t this mountain, but the clear water of Sungai Bangang and the beautiful Langsir and Chemerong waterfall. If you have not read my top post, here’s the entry about my visit to this place, back in 2017.
You may have noticed that all three Gunung Berembuns, though located at different states, do in fact share a similarity. All three peaks have no view to write home about, as the summit is overgrown with trees and bushes.
The name “Berembun” in Malay language means “dewy”, so maybe morning dew were found amongst the trees in early morning (low temperature, especially Cameron Highlands)?
What do you think? Did I miss any? Comment down below if you found any more Gunung Berembun which I have missed!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-Thanks for reading-
Thanks for documenting your hike. Would like to know are there any toilets at the registration office?
ReplyDeleteHi, unfortunately there isn't
DeleteGunung Berembun Jelebu Day Hike - Revisiting The Wwii Crash Site >>>>> Download Now
Delete>>>>> Download Full
Gunung Berembun Jelebu Day Hike - Revisiting The Wwii Crash Site >>>>> Download LINK
>>>>> Download Now
Gunung Berembun Jelebu Day Hike - Revisiting The Wwii Crash Site >>>>> Download Full
>>>>> Download LINK Vj
Interesting , thanks for sharing in detail
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome :)
DeleteVery detailed blog, thanks a lot! I’ll use your blog to hike on my own one of these days. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliment! Glad that you like it
Deleteinteresting🤘🌹
ReplyDeleteThanks :)
Deleteplanning a trip there soon... tqv2m for the info
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome! Hope you have a great hike :)
DeleteTq. Very informative and interesting read. Detailed guidance of the route.
ReplyDeleteHi Lifestyles,
DeleteThank you! Hope my information helps :)
Thank you, very detailed in informative. Keep writing! :)
ReplyDeleteNice Blog
ReplyDeleteCheck me
Telecommunication professionals in Surrey
Gunung Berembun Jelebu Day Hike - Revisiting The Wwii Crash Site >>>>> Download Now
ReplyDelete>>>>> Download Full
Gunung Berembun Jelebu Day Hike - Revisiting The Wwii Crash Site >>>>> Download LINK
>>>>> Download Now
Gunung Berembun Jelebu Day Hike - Revisiting The Wwii Crash Site >>>>> Download Full
>>>>> Download LINK
Hey i like your writing, it's very detailed and interesting. Thank you so much for writing!
ReplyDelete