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15 Hiking Trails In Klang Valley And Their Levels Of Difficulty

New year, new goals.

Cover image via @huienlow (Instagram) & @maznie_ms (Instagram)

Disclaimer: Operating hours may differ slightly during this time. Do check beforehand if certain areas are currently open to the public.

There's something quite exhilarating about conquering a hike

Whether you do it for fresh air and being with nature – or maybe your friends force you along and all you can think about is the nasi lemak you're having after the climb, hiking can be a fun outdoor activity.

Of course, given that you practise standard operating procedures (SOPs) like physical distancing during this time. 

No matter what type of hiker you are, we've put together a list of Klang Valley trails based on length and intensity:

For beginners: Hikes under four hours

I. Gasing Hill (Bukit Gasing)

Bukit Gasing is one of the more popular and relatively easy hikes within the city. You'll find people of all ages, from five year olds right up to 70 year olds, spending their weekends here to get some form of exercise.

There are several trails, depending on how much of a challenge you want. It should take around one to two hours to reach the highest point at 160m.

Entrance fee:
Free

Address:
Jalan Tanjong 5/4, Section 5,
Bukit Gasing, Petaling Jaya

Located right in the heart of KL is this lush forest reserve that's great for families or anyone with young kids.

There are multiple routes within the park. Depending on which route you take, it can take you around an hour to complete it. The paths are well maintained. I would say it's more of a walking trail than a vigorous hike. A great place if you're just needing a bit of nature and fresh air.

Entrance fee:
Free

Address:
Taman Tugu, Pesiaran Sultan Salahuddin, Kuala Lumpur,
50480 Kuala Lumpur, WPKL

3. Wawasan Hill (Hutan Simpan Ayer Hitam)

The waterfall is off-limits to the public.

Image via @aaabias (Instagram)

If you're looking for something slightly more challenging, check out Wawasan Hill in Puchong. Some parts of the hill are steeper than Bukit Gasing. Though, I'd recommend taking extra precautions or avoid heading here if you have any heart issues.

The trails are actually part of a forest reserve and are not meant to be open to the public. However, the forestry department and Universiti Putra Malaysia allow hikers, as long as they follow certain rules.

It's about a two-to-three-hour hike to the top, where you'll get a view of the entire Puchong. There are three trails, including one with a waterfall. But take note that the waterfall pool is a restricted area and you can face a fine if you enter the waters.

Entrance fee:
Free

Address:
Persiaran Bukit, Pusat Bandar Puchong,
47100 Puchong, Selangor

Google Maps coordinates:
3.024687, 101.629745

4. Bukit Sri Bintang

There's a small hill located next to Desa ParkCity with a 40 - 90-minute fairly easy hiking trail. It has several inclines along the way.

If you're looking for a bit more of a challenge, there are said to be a few trails that lead off from the main route which you can take. 

Entrance fee:
Free

Address:
Jalan Seri Bintang 8 (also called Jalan 11/36),
Taman Sri Bintang, Kuala Lumpur,
52100, WPKL

5. Kota Damansara Community Forest Park (Taman Rimba Komuniti Kota Damansara)

According to Google, this hill is temporarily closed until further notice.

Kota Damansara Community Forest Park has multiple trails with different levels of intensity. You can check out how each trail is like on their website.

Two of the more popular ones are Denai Tiga Puteri and Unity Peak, which are 1.5km and 2km long. Check which trail is suited to your fitness level, as some are a little more challenging than others.

Entrance fee:
Free

Address:
Jalan Merbah 10/1, Seksyen 10, Kota Damansara,
47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

6. Kembara Hill (Bukit Kembara)

Located near the Ampang area is this easy-to-moderate hike, which will take you around one to three hours to complete. There are certain areas that are steep and may require a bit of stamina to climb.

Along the way, you can stop by and enjoy a scenic view of Ampang's water reservoir. Most people usually stop here for a quick picture.

Entrance fee:
Free

Address:
Ulu Kelang, 68000 Ampang Jaya, Selangor

Google Maps coordinates:
3.158312, 101.775266

7. Broga Hill (Bukit Broga)

Broga Hill appears to be shut for the time being until further notice.

When it comes to hiking in Klang Valley, Broga Hill is usually the first spot that comes to mind for many. It's an easy-to-moderate, one-hour hike with dreamy scenery along the way. There are some challenging parts for beginners but you'll be sure to get a good sweat.

The hill has three peaks, all of which offer climbers a panoramic view of Broga town.

Entrance fee:
RM1 per person

Address:
Broga Hill, 71750 Semenyih, Selangor

Google Maps coordinates:
2.939591, 101.900808

8. Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM)

Other than hiking trails, FRIM also has small streams, along with bicycle riding and picnic areas. The newest feature is the 50m-high 'Forest Skywalk', which scales above the forest area, giving you a panoramic view of KL. 

There are a number of trails to explore. Depending on which trail, it may take about an hour or two to complete.

Entrance fee:
- RM1 per person (MyKad holders)
- RM5 (non-MyKad holders)
You can find out more about the admission fees here. There's an added fee of RM15 to enter the 'Forest Skywalk'.

Address:
Forest Research Institute Malaysia,
52109 Kepong, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.

For intermediates: Three-to-eight-hour hikes

I. Kiara Hill (Bukit Kiara)

There are several trails at Bukit Kiara, from easy, flat walking surfaces to more challenging hiking routes.

You can either start the hike from Mont Kiara or Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) park, depending on where you want to end up having lunch! 

It might take around two to four hours both ways, depending on the route you take. 

Entrance fee:
Free

Mont Kiara entrance:
Bukit Kiara Trail, Sungai Penchala,
60000 Kuala Lumpur, WPKL

TTDI entrance:
Jalan Abang Haji Openg, TTDI Hills,
60000 Kuala Lumpur, WPKL

2. Saga Hill (Apek Hill)

Saga Hill or Apek Hill has a couple of trails. Some of which might take around one to two hours one way. Hikers tend to go here when they want to train for Mount Kinabalu or Gunung Tahan.

Granted, the summit's view may not be the best in Klang Valley (unlike Bukit Tabur RIP), the hike can be an exciting challenge with ropes and slopes. There's also a waterfall.

Several mentioned online recently that the trail's entrance has been closed temporarily, so just do a quick check before heading there.

Entrance fee:
Free

Address:
Jalan Saga 20, Taman Saga, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur

Google Maps coorodinates:
3.112660, 101.773242 

3. Ketumbar Hill

Ketumbar Hill is part of the forest reserve that also includes Saga Hill. There are two routes you can take. The first might take you roughly 20 minutes and has a steep ascend throughout, while the other takes about 40 minutes to an hour one way with some flatter areas.

At the peak, enjoy a view of KL's city skyline and you might even spot wild boars and monkeys along the hike!

Entrance fee:
Free

Address:
Jalan 6/95b, Taman Cheras Utama,
56100 Kuala Lumpur, WPKL

Google Maps coordinates: 
3.10317, 101.75337

4. Besi Hill (Bukit Besi)

Located in Cheras, Besi Hill is said to be a relatively easy hill to conquer. There are some parts where you'll need to climb using ropes provided. Nevertheless, it's a good place if you need to just break a sweat. There's a small waterfall along the way but hikers say to not expect too much.

It'll take you around an hour to reach the peak, where you can enjoy a view of KL's urban skyline.

Entrance fee:
Free

Address:
Persiaran Alam Damai, Alam Damai,
56000 Kuala Lumpur, WPKL

Google Maps coordinates:
3.075596, 101.736533

For experts: Five-to-18-hour hikes

I. Gunung Nuang

Bordering Pahang and Selangor, Gunung Nuang is said to be Selangor's tallest peak. Some say the hike is more difficult than Mount Kinabalu.

You might need a whole day to complete it, especially if you're not a regular hiker. The 'easier' route starts from Janda Baik and takes around four to six hours to complete. The more challenging route starts from Pangsun and takes around 11 to 14 hours to complete.

Personally, the route from Pangsun is extremely challenging, especially in the rainy season when the ground gets muddy. It's truly a test of endurance!

Entrance fee:
RM1 per person

Google Maps coordinates: 
N3.21639, E101.88369

2. Treacher's Hill (Bukit Kutu)

You'll need a bit of stamina when hiking Bukit Kutu, also known as Treacher's Hill. It'll take you around three to four hours to reach the peak, depending on your pace. But the view is totally worth it!

In order to enjoy a breathtaking view of Titiwangsa's mountain range and the Kuala Kubu Bharu dam, you'll need to climb huge boulders and ladders at the summit. The total trail distance to and fro is around 12km.

Entrance fee:
RM1 per person

Google Maps coordinates:
3.572510N, 101.738128E

3. Gunung Semangkok

One of Gunung Semangkok's starting points is from Pine Tree Trail in Fraser's Hill, Pahang. However, the peak borders Pahang and Selangor state. It's said to be one of the more challenging trails in Klang Valley, totaling 32km to and fro.

It takes about eight to nine hours one way, meaning it'll take a total of around 12 to 16 hours for both ways. You'll definitely get a good leg workout after this hike! It isn't the highest peak in Selangor, but you'll face plenty of changes in altitude throughout the hike.

Entrance fee:
Free

Google Maps coordinates:
3.711805, 101.727518

What other hiking trails in Klang Valley are not on this list? Share with us!

If you prefer a more chill day with nature, check out these parks in Malaysia:

For more fun activities in Klang Valley:

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