Geographical notes – recent journeys in the peninsula
A geographical note by A.M. Skinner reporting on four recent exploratory journeys in the Malay Peninsula—Ulu Johor, Ulu Kinta, Jelei, and Rambau—published in the Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, Vol. 2 (1878).
Summary
The note documents the first ascents of Gunong Blumut (3,200 ft) in Johor and Mount Robinson (approx. 8,000 ft) in the Kinta valley, Perak, the latter having been named by its discoverers and forming the highest point of the Gunong Riam range (p. 222). It also records Baron Verboch’s crossing from Sungei Ujong into Jelebu and thence down into Jelei via the River Triang, and a Rambau journey described at a General Meeting of the Society (p. 223).
The central geographical question addressed is whether an important stream exists in the interior of the Peninsula, draining the eastern slopes of the high mountains to join the Jelei and form the Pahang River together with the Bera (p. 222). Skinner reviews the evidence from Logan, Daly, and Maclay, and notes that the point remains unresolved pending a planned expedition under Mr. Leech to cross the country between River Plus and River Slim (p. 223). The note closes with a letter from the Overland Summary correspondence (October 1873) cautioning against premature conclusions about the “true backbone” of the Peninsula and the extent of terra incognita still remaining (pp. 224–225).