EDIT: This article previously included Bukit Tabur (East and West), which we have since removed as it has come to our attention that Bukit Tabur has actually been closed for climbing and recreational activities since 2016. According to a recent article by The Star, “Anyone entering the area will be in violation of Section 47 of the National Forestry Act 1984 and liable to a fine not exceeding RM10,000 or jailed not more than three years or both.”
With the Klang Valley entering Phase Two of the National Recovery Plan (PPN), many of the strict procedures implemented during Phase One have been relaxed for those who are fully vaccinated. One activity you itchy-footed folks may be thrilled to get back to is hiking! And with some of us back to the office (talk about overwhelming), a retreat to the wilderness doesn’t sound like a bad idea after all.
So, whether you’re a beginner, amateur or pro, hiking is undoubtedly one of the best activities for any outdoor enthusiast. Without further ado, trail along our list and see where it takes you.
Here are a few important things to take note before you go on any of these fun hikes:
- Wear the appropriate attire for your hike (e.g. running/hiking shoes, not sandals)
- Always remember to bring the necessary hiking equipment (climbing gloves, water, jacket, hiking stick, etc.) for the trip
- Remember that you’re hiking at your own risk
- Avoid climbing during/after a rainy day
- Hike in a group, preferably, don’t go alone if you can help it
- Let someone know where you’re going and when you’re going to be back
- The approximate hike duration suggested in this list varies depending on every individual’s fitness level
- Leave no trace, take your trash back with you
- Don’t force yourself to continue the trail if you don’t feel comfortable or confident—remember, safety first!
- Most importantly, your life matters. Don’t do anything risky just for the ‘gram
Now that we got the nitty-gritty stuff out of the way, peep our list of hiking spots you can go to in Klang Valley:
Kiara Hill Walk
A recreational park situated between Taman Tun Dr Ismail and TPC Kuala Lumpur (formerly known as KL Golf & Country Club), this is a decent spot to hike in KL if you’re still relatively new to hiking, or just don’t feel like travelling far on that particular day. Other fun activities you can do here include slow walks, jogs, mountain biking, and picnics. Hikers and bikers share the same trail, so make sure to be mindful of one another.
Tip: Don’t feed the monkeys if you encounter any during your hike.
Difficulty level: Easy
Approximate hike time: 1 – 2 hours
Fee: Nil
Bukit Gasing Forest Park
Touted as the one of the last living green lungs in Petaling Jaya, the urban forest offers multiple hiking routes with varying difficulty levels—perfect for beginners and experts to delve into. While there, you should also trek through the suspension bridge and the Telekom Towers. For those in search of an adrenaline-filled experience, you can take a longer hike and set out to vanquish the steep terrains named ‘Killer Stretch’.
Tip: Limited parking spaces (try not to get a ticket!)
Difficulty level: Easy
Approximate height: 160 metres
Approximate hike time: 2 – 3 hours
Fee: Nil
Bukit Besi
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To all hiking newbies, Bukit Besi is your next go-to hiking spot since its trails aren’t too challenging. This place offers a great panoramic view of the city at one of its checkpoints, Checkpoint 1, instead of the peak. There are also people who hike in the late evening to witness the dazzling city lights come to life at night.
Tip: Bring a flashlight if you’re planning for a late hike.
Difficulty level: Easy
Approximate height: 291 metres
Approximate hike time: 1 – 2 hours
Fee: Nil
Broga Hill
Located at the border of Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, Broga Hill is easily known as one of the most popular (and beginner-friendly) hiking spots in Klang Valley. Many early birds frequent the hill just to catch breathtaking sights of the sunrise at the peak as well as a stunning view overlooking the town and village.
Tip: Be careful when making your way down, the tracks can be very slippery.
Difficulty level: Easy
Approximate height: 400 metres
Approximate hike time: 1 – 2 hours
Fees: RM1 for entrance fee; RM1 for parking
Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve
Otherwise known as Puchong Hill, this hidden gem is owned by the Forestry Department and UPM. Many local residents in the area visit the reserve for a quick morning exercise since the trail to reach the summit only spans 2.8 kilometres. Meanwhile, those with stronger stamina can continue a much more strenuous hike from the peak to see the reserve’s waterfall.
Aside from that, it has a small pond, also known as the Blue Lagoon, which is reportedly a prohibited area as the management intends to conserve its habitat (they have advised hikers to refrain from visiting the spot).
Tip: The extra route to the waterfall can be a little difficult and will take up to another hour.
Difficulty level: Easy
Approximate height: 233 metres
Approximate hike time: 1 – 2 hours
Fee: Nil
Saga Hill
Situated in the Ampang and Cheras districts, Saga Hill (also known as Apek Hill Trail), has three entry points—Cheras Awana, Cheras Hartamas, and Taman Saga (Ampang). You can choose to take either of these well-marked trails, Trail A or Trail C, since Trail B is closed for construction. Once you reach the peak, you can continue the hike to the area’s famous waterfall.
Tip: Come prepared for an extremely muddy climb and steep terrains.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Approximate height: 410 metres
Approximate hike time: 2 – 3 hours
Fee: Nil
Bukit Kutu
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Fun facts: (1) The correct name for Bukit Kutu should be Gunung Kutu since its terrains suit the characteristics of a mountain rather than a hill, especially since it’s taller than some mountains in Malaysia.
(2) Its English name is Treacher’s Hill; it was once a colonial hill station, so keep your eyes peeled for the remnants of old ruins!
Visitors can expect to go through a few strenuous obstacles including river crossing, root climbing, trekking through bamboo forest trails, and ladder-climbing to reach the summit. A tiring yet rewarding hike, you can enjoy its lookout point with a stunning view of the Selangor River Dam and the Titiwangsa Range.
Tip: Only a maximum of two people can either sit or stand on the boulder.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Approximate height: 1,090 metres
Approximate hike time: 2 – 3 hours
Fee: RM5 per permit
Gunung Nuang
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Known as one of Selangor’s tallest mountains, Gunung Nuang has a towering height of 1,493 metres—yep, it’s that high up. If you’re keen on hiking this trail, you’d need to ensure that your fitness level and stamina can endure the series of gruelling trails on this journey. This mountain has two access points you can start from: Janda Baik or Hulu Langat. The former is said to be the shorter, more scenic trail with less human traffic. As you hike, you’ll be able to bask in the sounds of Malaysia’s national bird (hornbills) as well as the calls of the gibbons.
On the other hand, taking the route via Hulu Langat is more laborious. It could easily take up at least four hours to reach the peak. This trail is nicknamed the “never-ending road” as it involves a trek through the forest, several river crossings and a camping site. Only then does the actual hike begin; from there, you can expect steep terrains and root climbing. This is definitely a hike that requires a lot of grit.
Tip: Hikers are advised to wear spiked sports shoes to aid them in getting through the muddy, steep trails. Another thing to bear in mind is that many have doubled back halfway through the journey, and that’s okay. Worst case scenario, you can always come back again after more training, or rest up at the some of the base camps. Either way, it’s not worth risking your life.
Difficulty level: Difficult
Approximate height: 1,493 metres
Approximate hike time: 7 – 8 hours (via Janda Baik) | 11 – 12 hours (via Hulu Langat)
Fee: RM1 per permit
Gunung Semangkok
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Gunung Semangkok is the highest peak in Selangor and it sits at the border of Selangor and Pahang. The hike at this mountain is a strenuous experience as the total distance to and from the peak comes up to around 30km. Hikers will also have to go through two challenging trails: Pine Tree Hill and Twin Peak. As you go along the tracks, you will encounter changes in altitude since you will be hiking uphill and downhill throughout the trip. This will be an arduous journey and is better suited for the highly-experienced hikers. Hikers can also catch a break and regain their energy at the camp site, Sungai Merah.
Tip: Make sure you have enough fluids to avoid dehydration, and take a rest if you experience altitude sickness.
Difficulty level: Difficult
Approximate height: 1,824m
Approximate hike time: 16 – 20 hours
Fee: No info on this
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