Chillax at Gunung Jerai

A vast expanse of paddy field below Gunung Jerai

Before we began our journey to SP, then to Bujang Valley, we thought of having a splendid New Year eve of 2013. The last stop of our journey was the drive up to Gunung Jerai (Mount Jerai), which was the highest peak in Kedah. 

According to the stone inscription at the second highest viewpoint of Gunung Jerai:

Gunung Jerai is an usual peak that is close to the coast and was thought to be an island long time ago called Pulau Serai (Serai Island). It is 1217 metres above sea level.

The foothill where you can park your car if you are not driving up

Once we reached the base of Gunung Jerai, we were ecstatic. Unfortunately, our hopes were dashed when we saw a signboard informing that the road was closed due to landslide. However, we did not give up hope. I quickly hopped out of our vehicle and went to ask the vendor at the cafeteria about that piece of news. 

Ah..hah! The road had been reopened. So, it was good news. The drive up the mountain was challenging as the road was narrow (it was quite impossible for two cars to pass at a time) and had many very sharp corners (about 180 degrees turn). It was wise to honk at the corners although there were  safety mirrors. 

At the midsection of the road to the peak, there was road repair work and the workers were controlling the traffic. We just could not imagine what it would be like to be driving during the night as there were no streetlamps along the way. It was also raining and cloudy at that time. The day was gloomy and grey although it was only five something in the evening.

The Forestry Museum

At last, we reach the top (I think). We saw the Muzium Perhutanan (Forestry Museum) which was closed for maintenance (as what was printed on the signboard). Sigh... Then, we continued to drive up the mountain until we reach The Regency Jerai Hill Resort.

Signboards in case you are lost

It is good to note that The Regency Jerai Hill Resort is the second highest viewpoint of Gunung Jerai. We were allowed to use their washroom, park our car and walk around the resort compound.

The Regency Jerai Hill Resort

The resort had rooms and chalets with modern architecture, beautifully manicured gardens and casuarina trees. It certainly did not feel like we were in Malaysia. It was so relaxing to be there. We even thought of spending our new year eve there. But we were not prepared, so next time, when we are well-packed.

The hotel rooms

More hotel rooms / chalets

Since it was raining and cold, we were shivering badly when we got out from our car to take photos. We were not prepared for this cold weather in Kedah.

I just admire the two windows that look like a pair of eyes

Beautifully manicured gardens and casuarina trees

So, since this resort is the second highest viewpoint, where is the highest viewpoint? I enquired at the hotel reception desk and was told that the highest viewpoint was where the army camp was and also where the shiitake mushroom farm was. We did not venture further as the day was getting dark. I also did like the idea of going up an even narrower road as we had just experienced reversing at a slope to give way to another car. It was just so scary!

The view from the resort was breathtaking. We could see a vast expanse of paddy field below us. There was the coast of Kedah and was there a small island off the coast? (See the photo below.)

Is there a small island off the coast?

We also thought of having our dinner there as we saw that the restaurant was serving steamboat. Imagine, enjoying the hot steamboat in this cold weather. Yes, it sounded very tempting but we were more concerned about the journey down the slope in the darkness. Therefore, we did not.

The restaurant of the resort

In case you are wondering about The Regency Jerai Hill Resort room rate, this is what I got from the hotel reception staff and their brochure (as at 31 December 2012):

Superior room (RM 240), Deluxe room (RM 265), Premier room (RM 340) and Executive room (RM 390) per room per night and subject to 10% service charge and 6% government tax.

A quick check with their website and I found that they offer a lower room rate for online booking. So, book online to get their promotional room rate.

The details of the resort:

I found two different addresses printed in their brochures and I wonder which is the right one: Puncak Gunung Jerai, Jalan Sungai Petani, 08300 Gurun, Kedah and Jalan Kaki Bukit, Lebuhraya Gurun, 08300 Gurun, Kedah.

Tel: 04-4667777

Have you been to this resort? If you have, feel free to share your experience with me.