Standing majestically 1,200m above sea level, it is the highest point in this northern part of the peninsula. Known previously as Kedah Peak, Mount Jerai used to be a landmark for seafaring merchants of yesteryear.
A 13km road which winds its way up the mountain leads to a hill resort from where you can have a spectacular view. For those interested to know about the natural vegetation on Mount Jerai, check out the Muzium Perhutanan (Forestry Museum) which displays many various species of wood from the Mount Jerai forest.
The forest is saturated with delicious scents. A wonderful mixture of balsamic fragrances from various types of coniferous and oak trees gives the forest a rather alien feel. It's like walking into a curio shop at a little seaside town - everything seems so strangely out of place.
One of the specimens of newly-discovered frog species is displayed at the Universiti Sains Malaysia campus in Penang state, 09 January 2007. One of the species, Rana Menjerai (shown in picture) was discovered in Mount Jerai in June 2005 and found in clean, clear unpolluted rivers. According to reports, there are now 166 frog species in Malaysia. AFP PHOTO/THE SUN - MALAYSIA OUT
Legend narrates much about the mountain as its foothill area, Lembah Bujang (Bujang Valley), was once a dwelling place of Raja Bersiung (the King with Fangs). Visitors will experience peace and tranquility atop this mountain while admiring its natural surroundings especially the spectacular view of vast paddy fields.
For the adventurous, a brisk 4-hour hike is a rewarding experience that will allow the trekkers to get a closer look at the mountain's unique flora and its numerous bird species that live there.
At the top of the mount the trees are much shorter in height, twisted and gnarled from the base to the branches. It certainly is a delight to step off the cemented trails and onto the soft forest floor - nature's best carpeting, thickly covered with layers of acid humus soil and peat.
The foot of Mount Jerai also has several waterfalls that attract many locals who go there to bath and picnic.
