Mount Ophir

Mt Ophir is just under 1500m high. It is located in the Malaysian state of Johore, within several hours by bus from Singapore. Ophir was our favourite weekend climb for several years in the early eighties. I must have climbed Ophir 30 times in all over the last 15 years. What I enjoyed most going to Ophir is the companionship of friends. I have wonderful memories of many happy moments on Ophir - we had singalong sessions, story telling sessions (especially the ghost stories by Lee Tzu Hong) and all kinds of activities - even Mahjong and booze sessions.

Ophir is most well known for its hugh waterfall that cascades down the mountain. At several places, the water collects in pools and is suitable for bathing. The water is very cool and refreshing, especially after a hard day of climbing when you are all dirty and sweaty.

Near the summit of Ophir is a rather steep rock face that has to be climbed. In the early days we used to climb straight up this rock face using ropes. Nowadays a easier and safer route to the top has been found, skirting around this steep portion.

My wife went with me on quite a number of expeditions in the earlier years, before the kids came along. We used to camp right at the summit. In the evenings, the view from the top is splendid, with clear view of the simmering lights of several towns standing out amidst the surrounding darkness.