Hiking trails in & near KL
When you feel bogged down by daily life, there’s the old saying to spend time outdoors. With the constant glare of screens in our lives, there’s no better way to step away from it all and clear your head than to throw yourself in nature’s embrace.
In Kuala Lumpur, where concrete buildings and glossy skyscrapers abound, there are pockets of nature to be found in and around the city. We rounded up 10 hiking trails in and near KL, whether you’re a beginner or seasoned hiker looking for a new challenge or a breath of fresh air.
Table of Contents
1. Bukit Kutu, Kuala Kubu Bharu
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Just an hour’s drive from the city, the formidable Bukit Kutu in Kuala Kubu Bharu was once called Treacher’s Hill. Its name comes from Englishman William Hood Treacher who used to reside in the area, and not because of the hike’s treacherous nature.
Though, the hill may be daunting for beginners due to its steep inclines. But the panoramic summit vista at the top will make every step worth it, with Bukit Kutu’s peak reaching about 1090m high. It’ll take you approximately 4 hours to ascend and 2 hours to descend it.
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Begin your hike at the trail’s entrance at Kampung Pertak, and cross two streams on your trek up. Red tags are tied to trees to guide you. Upon reaching the hill’s peak, there’ll be a ladder to climb, which leads to an even better view of the surroundings.
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Come prepared to face inclines that’ll really challenge your leg muscles and the rocky terrain around Cobra Rock. The huge boulder gets its name from its striking resemblance to a cobra head at certain angles, and not because of cobras in the area.
A trekking stick will be helpful on the hike, especially during the descent. Before making your way to Bukit Kutu, you’ll need to secure a permit from Pejabat Hutan Daerah Hulu Selangor, which is obtainable for a mere RM5.
Hiking duration: 6 hours
Fees: RM5 for permit
Coordinates: 3.572510N, 101.738128E
2. Gunung Nuang, Seremban
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Venture into Seremban to conquer Gunung Nuang, the pinnacle of hiking challenges near KL and a favourite among Mount Kinabalu aspirants. Towering at 1493m, the mountain requires a gruelling and strenuous 19.2km climb. Local hikers will tell you that it’s comparable to hiking Mount Kinabalu, making it a great training ground for the iconic peak.
Come prepared to take on rugged terrain and steep ascents, particularly as you near the summit, which will test the mettle of even the most seasoned hikers.
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The hike itself takes about an epic 11 hours through lush greenery, with campsites Leech Camp and Lolo Camp offering respite to the weary. Do note that there are no camping amenities here, so remember to pack your torchlight and sleeping bag accordingly.
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Those who enjoy going the extra mile can opt for the additional 40-minute hike up to Lata Kijang. There, you’ll find a breathtaking waterfall rewarding you for your arduous trek.
Before making your way here, remember to secure your hiking permit of RM2 from Pejabat Hutan Daerah Hulu Selangor.
Hiking duration: 11 hours
Fees: RM2 for permit & RM1 for parking
Coordinates: N3.176500 E101.986333
3. Bukit Sri Bintang, Kepong
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For a more laidback hiking adventure, Bukit Sri Bintang in Kepong is where you ought to go. This neighbourhood jungle trek is suitable for beginners, with its relatively easy and short trail that can be completed in just 1.5 hours, depending on your pace.
While the main path is pretty smooth sailing, be prepared for a bit of a challenge in the first half as it can get quite steep. But fear not, however, as the trail is well maintained.
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Along the hike, you’ll encounter several split paths. But the most popular route is Arara Trail, which is divided into two peaks. The first peak offers a pitstop for your journey onwards with benches to rest your legs, while the second peak presents a steeper climb with ropes to assist you along the way.
There are also exercise equipment at some of the rest stops.
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It’ll take around 15 minutes to reach the first peak, where you can soak up panoramic views of Mont Kiara. The views don’t stop there, as you’ll also come across a charming mini farm on a hill.
To embark on this trail, head to its starting point at Jalan Bintang 8.
Hiking duration: 1.5 hours
Fees: Free
Address: Jalan 11/36, Taman Sri Bintang, 52200, Kuala Lumpur
4. Bukit Dinding, Wangsa Maju
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Embark on a leisurely hike at Bukit Dinding, nestled at Wangsa Maju on the outskirts of KL’s city centre. This is a forest trail that’s not too dense, with an abundance of trees along paved paths, making it an ideal spot for adventurous families to go on weekend hikes.
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It’ll take you around 40 minutes to ascend to the hill’s peak. Along the approximately 2.5km trek, you’ll get to bask in nature’s embrace, and catch serene views of the surrounding suburbs. Most hikers pause at the summit to enjoy light stretches and meditation.
Hiking duration: 40 minutes
Fees: Free
Address: Waizuri 1, Seksyen 5 Wangsa Maju, 54200, Kuala Lumpur
5. Chiling Waterfall, Kuala Kubu Bharu
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Besides the stunning views, it’s the waterfalls that we usually plan our hikes around. A popular jungle trek that leads to a waterfall is the Chiling Waterfall trail head, or Air Terjun Sungai Chiling, which is a perfect escapade for beginners with its manageable 4km length.
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Tucked away in Taman Warisan Negeri Selangor (Selangor State Park), the 80m waterfall is about a 90-minute drive from KL, located between Kuala Kubu Bharu and Fraser’s Hill. It’s part of Santuari Ikan Sungai Chiling (Sungai Mahseer Fish Sanctuary), which houses a school of mahseer fish.
The trail opens from 8am to 3pm, on Fridays to Sundays.
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Be prepped to get wet as you navigate through river crossings, which can rise to your waist. But not to worry about this, as you’ll want to join other hikers in taking a dip in the crystalline lagoon that the waterfall spills into.
There’s a small entry fee of RM1, which is refundable if items like plastic bags, bottles, containers, and packet drinks are brought out to keep the area clean.
Hiking duration: 1.5 hours
Fees: RM1 for entry
Coordinates: N03 35.71 E101 45.05
6. Broga Hill, Semenyih
Image credit: Eleen Cho
Broga Hill is a popular hiking spot that’s famed for its trio of peaks sprawled across a 3.9km trail round trip. While its popularity beckons adventurers across Malaysia, heed the call with caution, for this terrain ranges from moderate to challenging.
This is especially the case while on the ascent to the third peak, making it less suitable for beginners and kids. But the initial jaunt to the first two summits clocks in at a brisk 40 minutes, treating early risers to breathtaking vistas of the waking landscape – a sunrise spectacle that’ll be sure to ignite your day.
Image credit: Eleen Cho
If you’re planning to conquer the third peak, brace yourself for a challenging hike where sturdy ropes stand ready to lend a helping hand up the steep incline – it’ll feel similar to abseiling.
Comfort is key for this journey, so don your most supportive footwear to cushion each step along the well-trodden path.
Image credit: Eleen Cho
It’ll take you approximately an hour to conquer the third peak, but it’s well worth the hike as you get to relish in the scenic views that awaits atop.
Hiking duration: 2 hours
Fees: RM5 for entry & RM1 for parking
Coordinates: 2.939591, 101.900808
7. Bukit Gasing, Petaling Jaya
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For a nature escape amidst the urban bustle, head to Bukit Gasing, a sprawling 100-hectare easy hiking trail on the site of a former abandoned rubber estate. As one of the few bastions of nature in Petaling Jaya, this sanctuary has various routes to explore, each weaving through lush greenery and vibrant flora.
Embark on adventures like the Bukit Gasing Loop, Abu Bakar Loop, Fence Trail Loop, or the enticingly named Stairways to Heaven Loop – all of which offer moderate challenges
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If you’re new to hiking or prefer a more leisurely stroll, opt for the Suspension Bridge route, complete with scenic resting spots to recharge at. But the allure doesn’t end here. Along your journey, you’ll get to discover the Indian Shivan Temple and ascend the Watch Tower Trail with the aid of ropes, to enjoy panoramic vistas.
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For intrepid souls seeking an extra challenge, take on the Killer Stretch route to truly test your mettle and revel in the satisfaction of conquering the trail. And for those longing to extend their adventures, camping under the stars amidst Bukit Gasing’s natural splendour is possible with a permit from DBKL.
Hiking duration: 2 hours
Fees: Free
Coordinates: 3.095138, 101.656131
8. Bukit Saga, Ampang
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Bukit Saga is a moderately-challenging 8.4km trail, promising an exhilarating 3-hour journey to the Saga Hill Station. Hikers will get to choose from two routes, Route A and Route C, that merge near the summit at a breathtaking viewing point.
Route A is where hikers will tackle approximately 600m of terrain, punctuated by continuous upslopes and marked by a reassuring resting point at the halfway mark. There are steep sections but ropes are conveniently placed to ensure a smooth ascent.
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Meanwhile, Route C offers a slightly longer path at around 1km, unveiling intriguing sights like the abandoned metal tent, known locally as “Beirut”, before reaching a split junction. Here, you can opt to take a left turn to Bukit Saga waterfall or right towards the summit.
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Ten minutes from this junction, hikers can relax on the hill’s summit, which features hammocks, a playground, an exercise corner, and even a changing room for the ladies – perfect for refreshing after a dip in the breathtaking waterfall.
Just remember to secure a permit from Pejabat Hutan Daerah Hulu Selangor, along with an entry fee of RM10, before planning your hike here. The starting point of Bukit Saga’s main trails can be found at Jalan Saga 22 and Jalan Saga 28.
Hiking duration: 2 hours
Fees: RM10 for entry
Address: 86A, Jalan Saga 28, Taman Saga, 68000, Ampang, Selangor
9. Bukit Tugu, KL
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Located near Tugu Negara, inside Taman Tugu, Bukit Tugu is an ideal hiking spot for beginners and families with kids with its relatively easy hiking trail. It’s a rehabilitated secondary jungle once inhabited by British officers.
Despite its age, the gem now features well-maintained trails spanning 5km, divided into sections like Green, White, and Orange, each offering its own charm.
Whether you opt for the leisurely Nursery trail stretching 1km, or embark on the full hike covering all sections, clear checkpoint markers ensure you never lose your way in this 66-hectare haven.
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With a diverse mix of flora and fauna, Bukit Tugu promises a scenic stroll perfect for bonding with family while discovering nature’s wonders. Best of all? Entrance is free. The hiking spot is regularly maintained too, so you can hike with peace of mind.
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Hiking duration: 1.5 hours
Fees: Free
Address: 94-1, Persiaran Sultan Salahuddin, Kuala Lumpur, 50480, Kuala Lumpur
10. KL Forest Eco Park, KL
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Formerly known as Mount Weld Forest Reserve, KL Forest Eco Park is an urban oasis that’s also the last remaining tropical rainforest in the heart of the city. There are a myriad of trails to discover here, but for something easygoing try the Jelutong Trail.
It features a flat path perfect even for sandal-wearers. Benches for resting weary legs and wooden barriers for safety make this place safe for old and young alike.
Follow the path to the yellow bridge, where a right turn leads to the Bamboo Walk, with serene vistas and flat paths, before going into the Suboh Trail. The latter is a delightful stroll through a banana plantation.
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For a pure adrenaline rush, embark on the Penarahan Trail that’s landmarked by the iconic KL Tower and the renowned 200m canopy walk, which offers unparalleled vistas of the tower.
To navigate this verdant labyrinth, it’s advisable to carry a map. The starting point of the trail can be found at the main entrance of Bukit Nanas, that’s just a 10-minute walk from the Petronas Twin Towers.
Hiking duration: 2 hours
Fees: RM10/adult | RM1/child (ages 6 and above) | Free for kids ages 6 and below
Address: Lot 240, Bukit Nanas, Jalan Raja Chulan, 52500, Kuala Lumpur
Hiking trails in & near KL
In a world where we’re constantly tethered to screens, pausing to appreciate the wonders of nature can feel like a rare luxury. If you’ve been craving a break and are ready to embark on the thrills of an outdoor adventure, consider taking a hike at these hiking trails in and near KL, all of which offers a myriad of nature’s treasures right in the heart of the city.
For more outdoor activities, you’ll also want to check out these 10 hiking trails in Sabah and 10 scenic hiking trails in Malaysia.
Cover image adapted from: Eleen Cho, @danial_emir via Instagram, @hasifhamsyari via Instagram