Broga Hill
Bukit Broga, also known as 'Bukit Lalang' - after the local species of grass that grows abundantly here, is a hill in Semenyih, at 400 meters high and 40 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur on the trunk road to Broga. It can be reached a short distance later after University of Nottingham, where the entrance starts at left from an oil palm estate opposite a rabbit park. Famed for its incredibly panoramic views (especially at dawn) along with easy accessibility on foot, the hill is a popular tourist attraction among locals; the estate owner cashes on the glut of visitors during weekends and public holidays by charging MYR2 per vehicle that parks on his grounds.
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From the peak, visitors get a spacious view of the plains, coated by a mixture of rainforest, oil palm plantations, villages and towns, along with distant mountains. At dawn, mist rising from the ground from the warmth of the sun envelops the landscape in a carpet of white, evoking a surreal atmosphere. The hike while steep is relatively easy, taking anywhere between 20 and 45 minutes to reach the highest peak depending on one's fitness level, or photo stops. There are three peaks in total, each one ascends above the other through a clear path fringed by tall grass at each side. From the summit, a proper jungle trail leads through primary rainforest to Gunung Tok Wan (675 meters), a roughly one and a half hour hike on meandering slopes.
Bukit Putih, Cheras
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Gunung Angsi, Seremban
Gunung Angsi is a mountain that overlooks Seremban in Negeri Sembilan, about 10km away from the city and situated along the highway to Kuala Pilah. At 825m, its a relatively easy trail if coming via the Bukit Putus route, but moderately harder using the longer (official) trail that starts from Ulu Bendul Recreational Forest. The Bukit Putus trail (managed by regular hikers) takes only an hour to the summit at a brisk pace, but cuts through unpleasant undergrowth instead of nice forest. The summit has a great view of Seremban, stretching as far as the coastline with glimpses of Port Dickson, but this is interupted by trees and scrub.
Gunung Jerai, Gurun Kedah
Gunung Jerai is the highest mountain of Kedah, at 1,217m with a highland resort situated on the peak. Isolated from the main range, it can be seen from as far as Penang, with a beautiful mossy forest at the upper elevations and strange limestone formations. In ancient times, the mountain was a landmark for trade ships sailing along the coast, while associated with various myths and legends. Today, a boutique hotel provides modern accommodation for visitors, while locals venerate various natural attractions around the peak as a shrine. A 13km road leads to the summit from near Gurun and Yan towns, but you can also hike through the jungle from the foothill.
Gunung Bunga Buah, Gahtong Jaya
Gunung Bunga Buah is a mountain in Gohtong Jaya, a satellite town of Genting Highlands about 40km away from Kuala Lumpur. At 1,430m, it offers a moderate one to two hour climb as the trail itself starts high up in elevation, Gohtong Jaya being approximately 900m. Popular with visitors from the Klang Valley due to its easy accessibly by highway, the entry point can be found at the lone farm behind Gohtong Jaya's stretch of shophouses. The path is located on a steep slope facing some vegetable patches; ask the locals around for directions if you're not sure. A steep but short muddy ascent later and you will find yourself on the old trunk road to Genting.
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Long abandoned in favour of the current highway, this tarred road is now infested with thick undergrowth and leeches, especially after rainfall. Follow the road past a former quarry (a series of barren granite outcrops at right) until an intersection into the forest, marked by ribbons. A short climb later will take you to another abandoned road, fringed by copious wild orchids, while the peak of Gunung Bunga Buah can be seen if the mist is light. The road leads downhill until the proper trailhead appears at right, which enters a mossy forest. Head inside and where the trail splits, take right (also marked by ribbons) and follow it all the way to the summit. Unfortunately, the peak is almost always shrouded in mist, which hampers amazing views of Kuala Lumpur and Genting Resort. The best chance for a clear view is the early mornings or even at night, where you can see the city lit up brightly.
What to prepare before hiking?
- Check weather forecast. If the whole week's weather forecast saying there will be thunderstorm, reschedule your plan as it is dangerous to hike under the rain. The ground will become very slippery or landslide might occur too. Go visit Broga Hill especially when sunny day is promised.
- The right sport shoes that gives you good grip on the land or mud (especially during/after rain). Don't ever wear your expensive branded shoes here if you don't want any mud/stain get on your new shoes haha. However, make sure your shoes is durable for the hike as I saw some people left their broken shoes soles on the way =.="
- Bright torch light. Make sure you have one good torch light that can illuminate your way as the place could be very dark especially when the moon wasn't in the sky. Or else, you can actually see the track on a fullmoon night.
- A bottle of water and perhaps with some snacks. Bring your own plain water (500ml/1 Litre) depends on your body requirement. You will definitely feel thirsty when you reach the peak of Broga Hill. You can bring along energy/chocolate bar as you will feel hungry after the 20-40 minutes hike.
PS: Do not litter at this place, always keep your empty bottle and packaging in your bag and find the dustbin when you are down hill.
- Have a good sleep. You will need to have a good rest as it provide enough stamina for this hike to Broga Hill. Or else, you might feel dizzy or even feel like vomit on the half way and eventually give up =(
- Towel and rain coat (Optional). If you sweat a lot, make sure to bring a towel as well. If the weather forecast telling you there might be a rain, bring the rain coat to protect your camera gears. |
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