Hiking is an enjoyable outdoor activity for all ages. However, the application of a permit can be a dampener to the fun you are looking forward to. We have saved you much of that trouble by curating 9 hiking trails that are permit-free in the Klang Valley! Happy hiking!
- Kiara Hill Walk
Surrounded by urban cityscapes, the hike begins from Bukit Kiara Federal Park. This forest hiking route was formerly used for running competitions. The hike isn’t challenging for first-time hikers. Do look out for mountain bikers who use the same route. Take mirror-effect pictures at the Bamboo Eye, a bamboo grove where bunches of these greenery bends over to create openings that resemble tunnels. Kiara Hill is one of the best urban forests to explore!
Address: Changkat Abang Haji Openg, Bukit Kiara, 60000 Kuala Lumpur.
- Bukit Gasing
Spread over 100 hectares, Bukit Gasing acts as a belt dividing PJ and KL. Once a rubber estate, 60 years of molding in Mother Nature’s hands has turned the estate into a secondary forest. To suit all levels of fitness, there are a few trails to choose from. The highest point of the hike is at 160m above sea level so it’s not as high as the other mountains or hills in Malaysia, making it a less challenging hike for beginners. Reach the top and drink in the views of PJ!
Address: Bukit Gasing, 46000, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
- Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve
With 1200 hectares of hilly rainforest terrain, be prepared to flex those muscles hiking and breathing in some fresh air. You will have to hike up steep slopes for around 10 minutes. From there, 2 paths branch out, choose either one. The hike takes 1 ½ – 2 hours from the fork. The highest point of this hike is Bukit Puchong at 233m above sea level. Dip your feet in a clear stream and observe the cheeky monkeys swinging on trees. Back to nature at its best!
Address: Persiaran Bukit, Pusat Bandar Puchong, 47100 Puchong, Selangor.
- Taman Eko Rimba
Also known as KL Forest Eco Park, Taman Eko Rimba is one of Malaysia’s oldest permanent forest reserves. Surrounded by KL city itself, it is truly a green lung in the heart of modernization. A wide range of flora and fauna can be seen such as monstrous meranti trees, trailing creepers and Long-tailed Macaques. Certain parts of this park are challenging to navigate with ladder sections and steep slopes which are great for hikers seeking challenges. Escape KL and masuk hutan for a while!
Address: Lot 240, Jalan Raja Chulan, Bukit Kewangan, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.
- Taman Tugu
This park has two awards under its belt, World Urban Parks International Large Urban Parks Award 2020 and Lonely Planet’s Best New Openings in the World 2019. There are plenty of things to do here besides hiking, although hiking is what people come here for. Grab a bite at one of the stalls at Madrasah Bustanul Ulum. Attend the Taman Tugu Free Tree Society Education Programme which is fully sponsored by CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad, a 2-hour educational programme which includes a talk, gardening workshop and a short walk through the jungle. There’s never a bored moment at Taman Tugu!
Address: Jalan Sultan Salahuddin, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.
- Sri Bintang Hill Trail
Located near Kepong, it takes more than an hour to complete the hike along this 2.3km loop trail. There are many straightforward paths for beginners to hike or for those seasoned hikers, split paths will lead you on more challenging hikes. There is a rest stop with exercise equipment if you are a fitness buff. For those who find their lungs are about to burst, fret not as there are plenty of benches to take a breather. If you feel up for a maze-like hike, this place is for you!
Address: Jalan 11/36, Taman Sri Bintang, 52200 Kuala Lumpur.
- Chiling Waterfall
Trekking through more rivers and streams compared to dense jungle? Count me in! Dubbed as Selangor’s most impressive waterfall, it takes a wet ‘n’ wild trek through the Chiling river 5 times before you reach the waterfall! Expect to get soaked from head to toe so make sure you prepare yourself with waterproof hiking gear and clothing. Keep your eyes peeled for the Rajah Brooke butterflies which drink by the river and play with the kelah fish in the clear waters. It’s one splash of a hike!
Address: 44000 Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor.
- Kota Damansara Community Forest Park
Gazetted in 2010 for conservation, recreation and education, the Kota Damansara Community Forest (KDCF) Park is a lowland dipterocarp forest. This park even has its own society that is actively involved in preservation and conservation of forests. Volunteers and Temuan Orang Asli painstakingly created each and every hiking trail that you go through, you will be able to experience the beauty of different landscapes and the feeling of harmony to look after nature. Experience Mother Nature and her people at KDCF!
Address: Jalan Merbah 10/1, Seksyen 10 Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
- Bukit Kembara
A popular weekend hiking spot, this mini hill has both steep and easy tracks to cater to beginners until intermediate hikers. The view at Empangan Tasik Hijau is what individuals throng this place for. One of the highlights is a quaint waterfall and a small stream of clear flowing water. What’s unique is the water flows through a fallen log instead of over rocks like in a normal waterfall! There is even a trail which leads to a rain station. There is definitely something to treasure here at Bukit Kembara!
Address: Ulu Kelang, 68000 Ampang Jaya, Selangor.
Written By Kartini Kannan
