Rock climbing is a thrilling hobby that can take you to both literal and figurative heights. Some climbs can be easy and some can be particularly difficult, although the sense of euphoria certainly remains the same. Moreover, rock climbing is also great for physical fitness. It can develop one’s strength, endurance, flexibility, mobility, and balance.
Indeed, there are plenty of reasons to start rock climbing. Unfortunately, there aren’t many opportunities to do it in Singapore. There are plenty of indoor facilities, sure, but nothing beats rock climbing outdoors where you can catch gorgeous views. Good thing Singapore is neighbors with countries with plenty of rock climbing hotspots. Here are just a few.
Harau Valley, Indonesia
Located in West Sumatra, Harau Valley has the unofficial moniker of “Yosemite of Indonesia.” Harau Valley’s beautiful landscape features verdant rice fields in between majestic canyons and rock formations. The cliffs have a few waterfalls as well, the two most famous being Aka Bearayun and Sarasah Bunta. Meanwhile, in the surrounding forests, birds and simians like gibbons and macaques make their homes. Indeed, the calls of such animals are the only sounds you’ll hear in this peaceful retreat.
For climbers, the steep rock walls offer a considerable challenge, with about 300 spots from where to start your ascent. What’s great is that Harau Valley isn’t too tourist-heavy. There are times when you can actually have the entire valley to yourself. Homestays like Roemah Abdoe Lembah Harau are the most common accommodations, where you can also book tours. There are also vehicle rentals available, but it’s definitely possible to explore Harau Valley on foot.
Crazy Horse, Thailand
For less experienced climbers, Crazy Horse in Chiang Mai, Thailand is probably the best spot. Why? There are US-trained and certified guides who can accompany you as you climb. There are also more than 150 routes that are suited for beginners. Indeed, Crazy Horse is perhaps the most “chill” rock climbing environment you can find in Thailand. Once you’re done with climbing, you can also explore the bamboo forests nearby or take a dip in the hot springs in the area.
Crazy Horse is a popular destination, but like Harau Valley, it doesn’t get too crowded. This can further help calm your nerves as there won’t be any huge number of people to witness your newbie climbing techniques. The best times to book a visit would be around December to early March. The weather will be pleasantly cool and there isn’t much rain, so you’ll have a rather easy, breezy climb.
Halong Bay, Vietnam
If you want to try seaside rock climbing, head on over to Halong Bay in Vietnam. Cat Ba Island is a particularly popular destination, with pristine shores and phenomenal limestone walls. There are also rock crags like the Amphitheatre and Tiger Beach, which offer routes for climbers of all levels of experience. You can even cliff-dive at certain locations!
Halong Bay is perfect for nature lovers, since it’s home to a wide array of flora and fauna, including 14 endemic plant species and 60 endemic animal species. Other activities in Halong Bay include snorkeling, diving, and even spelunking. In fact, there are plenty of caves to explore in this tourist destination like Trinh Nu Cave (Virgin Cave), Thien Cung Cave (Paradise Cave), and Bo Nau Cave (Pelican Cave). You may also want to join a guided tour to explore National Park and other destinations.
Batu Caves, Malaysia
For those looking for somewhere a little closer to home, Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur is one of the best choices. The granite rock walls have varying degrees of difficulty, with Damai Wall being the easiest. More experienced climbers may want to try Nanyang Wall or Nyamuk Wall, among more than a hundred climbing spots. A lot of climbers actually climb other locations immediately after they’ve finished with Damai Wall, since most of the crags begin at ground level.
Like Halong Bay, there are also plenty of cave networks in Batu Caves to explore after your climb. A must-visit destination is the Dark Cave, with its beautiful rock formations like cave curtains and cave pearls. Access to Dark Cave is restricted by the authorities to help preserve the local ecology, but you may check with the Malaysian Nature Society regarding schedules of organised adventures and educational tours.
Wawa Gorge, Philippines
Wawa is a sitio (essentially an enclave that’s part of a barangay, the smallest political unit in the country) in Rodriguez, Rizal. Sitio Wawa is home to Wawa Gorge, situated between Mount Pamitinan and Mount Binacayan, which is why it’s a popular destination for mountain climbers and bikers. The gorge’s 400-metre-high cliffs are very much suited to rock climbing as well, offering different challenges for rock climbers of all kinds. You’ll also get excellent views as you climb. “Wawa” is actually the local Dumagat people’s term for “entrance,” referring to the gap between the mountains. It’s as if it’s a doorway leading to a gorgeous vista of blue skies and green fields. (The Dumagat are an indigenous people living in different areas across the island of Luzon).
After climbing the cliffs, you may also want to scale Mount Pamitinan, Mount Binacayan, and Mount Hapunang Banoi. You can also trek across Wawa Dam, surrounded by marble boulders, rock walls, and limestone crags that are perfect for dramatic photos.
Are you ready to conquer new heights? Pack your gear and visit these rock-climbing destinations this year!
