Hiking in Kuala Lumpur: Bukit Tabur
As Swiss-based hiking aficionados, we looked for a way to get our fix and actually found a lovely hike close to Kuala Lumpur’s centre. Depending on your fitness level and how comfortable you are climbing, we suggest the following two trails:
Option 1: For the less experienced or short-on-time hiker.
This trek leads you up to the viewpoint and back down the same way. This path is definitely doable by inexperienced hikers. Depending on your fitness level, it should take around 30 minutes to reach the viewpoint that overlooks the Klang Gates Dam quarry. There is clear jungle path heading up to the viewpoint. It starts getting steep quite quickly and continues on until you reach the top. Once you’ve reached the top, head back down the same way you came up.
Option 2: For the very experienced hiker and adrenaline junkie.
Parts of this trail require climbing, so ONLY go on this trail if you’re comfortable with heights and have climbing experience!
This option outlines the full circular trek with 5 peaks. This hike takes 3–4 hours depending on your fitness level and speed. After the viewpoint from option 1, continue upwards through the jungle. Soon, you’ll reach rocks and rope. Keep climbing up until you reach the first peak. After that, the trail will lead back down, and you have to climb back up to the second peak. Each peak is slightly higher than the previous. The trail is not always clear, so stay concentrated and keep an eye out for rope or metal bars. These guide the path. This trail is not 100% safe in all places, so really only do this hike at your own risk! Once you’ve climbed the fifth peak, follow the trail heading back down. There will be a green rope closing off one of the paths down. Take the path opposite to that rope. The trail leading back down will bring you close to your starting point. It predominantly leads you through the jungle, so don’t expect to see any views while going back down.
As mentioned, we do not recommend this hike for inexperienced hikers, as it can be dangerous in many spots. Also, definitely avoid if it rained the day before as the trail will be too slippery. In all honesty, we would only really recommend the full round trek for those that have the time to spare and are very keen on an adrenaline kick while hiking.
How to get there
To get there, take a grab from Batu caves to the start of the hike at Bukit Tabur West here. The trail was closed for a while, but according to a local we encountered while we were there, it was recently re-opened at the end of 2019. Make sure to bring a lot of water, mosquito spray and sunscreen. On your way back, you might have to walk a little way down to the main road in order to catch a Grab back.
To check out our video of the full Malaysia trip, click on the image below and see it on YouTube. Follow our channel and like the video (if you do like it, of course!).
