Hiking at Bukit Gasing

Brief Information

The Bukit Gasing forest reserve is approximately 250 acres in size and sits along the boundary of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. A land which was once a rubber estate around 50 to 60 years ago is now colonised by the force of nature, thereby offering an opportunity to experience a secondary forest; the re-growth of a forest after destruction of the primary vegetation. Last but not least, this blooming forest reserve is too convenient for city dwellers to get a dose of greenery as well as good quality air.

My Experience

If you’ve read my post on Bukit Tabur being a popular place to hike and can be crowded during weekends, my apologies, I think I need to redefine what ‘popular’ and ‘crowded’ really means especially after I’ve visited Bukit Gasing. Although we should bear in mind that both these hills are situated behind housing areas and are terribly easy to access.

So my friends and I reached at 7am and we had to park around a 5 minute walk from the entrance. After seeing the amount of cars parked along the road, should I say we were late?

I would say that Gasing Hill is a very hiker-friendly place; firstly, the paths are nicely laid out and pretty wide at times; secondly, there’re several bridges so you won’t have to wet your shoes whilst crossing the baby streams; thirdly, some of the climbs have steps installed for your convenience; lastly, fellow friendly hikers are everywhere so you could always ask for assistance or directions.

One interesting thing to note about Bukit Gasing is that there are SO MANY different hiking routes one can choose from, and that’s most likely reason why the trails aren’t packed even though there’re more cars parked beyond one can see on the outside. First timers like my group are likely to not know where we’d end up i.e like near a cemetery. However I did mention that there’re always frequent hikers in the vicinity, so make a friend and you’ll find your way back.

We were in and out in approximately 2 hours though it could’ve been longer or shorter depending on the route we took. Nevertheless a short getaway is sufficient to recharge my ‘Chi’ to take on the week ahead. Not a bad hike for a place that’s within 15 minutes driving distance from my house. Oh and there were even more people arriving as we walked to our car!

What to bring/wear?

• Nothing in particular to note

Jo’s ratings (ratings are subjective and biased towards participants’ experience)

1. Accessibility: 10/10 (It’s easily accessible via car or taxi)
2. Difficulty: 2/10 (Hiker-friendly i.e. wide paths, steps, bridge, etc…)
3. Rewarding Experience: 3/10 (Pleasant and relaxing hike. Lush greenery to filter your lungs?)
4. Overall Rating: 5/10 (This is probably the easiest hill to access for a hike which may explain its popularity; hence most of my points would be dumped there. The hiker-friendly nature of Bukit Gasing attracts people of all ages to appreciate a hike in this urban forest)

Additional Information

Hikers should be wary of a fatal incident which took place deep within the trails of Bukit Gasing early 2013. Therefore its always safer to go in a group of friends rather than risk being adventurous – http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Community/2013/07/05/Bukit-Gasing-joggers-wary-of-robbers-Women-are-avoiding-the-jogging-trail-after-hearing-alleged-cas.aspx

Getting there

GPS Coordinates (Decimal Degrees): 3.0953005 101.656261

1. From Federal Highway, turn to Jalan Gasing
2. Along Jalan Gasing, turn left into Jalan Putri 5/9 after the La Salle School
3. Head straight all the way until you’ve reached the junction, turn right and you’ll see the entrance to Bukit Gasing