Location Kedah, Malaysia Mountain range Titiwangsa Mountains | Elevation 1,217 m Parent range Titiwangsa Mountains | |
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First ascent Hindu settlers about 800 AD Similar Mount Tahan, Mount Ophir, Mount Kinabalu, Gunung Raya, Mount Nuang | ||
Mount Jerai (Malay: Gunung Jerai), formerly Kedah Peak, is a mountain in Kedah, Malaysia with the height of 3,854 feet (1,175 m). Within Kedah itself, the mountain stands at the border of Kuala Muda and Yan districts. The mountain is a massive limestone outcrop and is a lone feature from the surrounding geography of the area. There is an information board on top of the mountain stating that it used to be an island called Pulai Serai before the sea levels receded letting it form a mountain. This is probably supported by I Ching's record of Pu Lou Shi (Pulau Sri), a country located west of Sribogha.
Map of Mount Jerai, 08300 Yan, Kedah, Malaysia
The height of Mount Jerai relative to its surroundings allowed Indian traders and seafarers to use the mountain as a navigational point more than 1500 years ago. The mountain was considered sacred by the ancient Malays so they built temples from the foothills up to the summit. Hindu-Buddhist priests would pray at these stupas for the safety of Bujang Valley, the richest archaeological site in Malaysia located on the southern reaches of the mountain.