While there are several rock climbing destinations in Malaysia, Gua Damai is the most accessible and convenient to get to. Located just 15 kilometres away from Kuala Lumpur, it offers 120 bolted routes catering to both beginners and advanced climbers.

You can try a guided outdoor rock climbing experience by Eddie from MIR Adventures. Eddie is an established guide with his name plastered all over Tripadvisor. He is all that a guide should be, patient and supportive even when dealing with absolute beginners.

The course starts at 8.30am and ends slightly after noon, but the duration varies depending on the pace of the climbers. You will be put in a team of about 10 people, which consists of guides, beginners and first-time climbers.

When you arrive at Gua Damai Extreme Park, you can normally spot the guide suspended high above the ground, fixing bolted ropes that will later be used by the climbers to ascend the rocky wall.

Every climber is supported by a trusty and experienced belayer, whose job is to ensure that the climber does not fall too far by exerting tension on the rope from the ground.

The belayers also act as cheerleaders, motivators as well as navigators who tell you exactly which pinches to grip on or which gap to stick your foot in.

Rock-climbing is challenging as it requires you to climb high up and stay constantly focused. By realizing that a single wrong step could potentially lead to a fall, you train yourself both mentally and physically to be adept and competent.

Interested in trying out rock climbing for yourself? Learn more about the half-day beginner crash course offered by many rock climbing gyms and adventure companies.

Gua Damai Extreme Park
Jalan Fairuz Off Jalan Zamrut
Kampung Melayu Wira Damai
68100 Batu Caves, Selangor

Hours: 9.00am – 6.00pm daily
Phone: 012-481 2005

This article first appeared in rollinggrace.com

Grace Ng is a serial wanderluster, solo female traveler, award-winning recipe developer and travel writer.