Going out on nature trails and hiking is not only an inexpensive way to keep fit, but it also de-stresses the mind and the body. The adrenaline rush fuels the energy, and the sights, sounds, and smell of nature does wonders for the soul. In Selangor itself, there are a number of hiking spots and nature trails that make waking up on the weekends worthwhile.

Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)

Located in Kepong (the border of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor), the Forest
Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) is perhaps one of the Klang Valley’s best-kept secrets. It is a government-based forest reserve that has been around since before Malaysia gained independence, and is responsible for biological, botanical, and other scientific research and development relating to the preservation of Malaysian rain forests.

Despite being a centre for forestry-based research and education, FRIM also opens its doors to visitors who want to experience a walk through a Malaysian tropical rainforest, without travelling too far from the city. FRIM also caters to the adventurous and outgoing, as there is an array of nature trails for enthusiasts to go jungle trekking within the forest reserves that surround the establishment. These trails encompass plantations, wetlands, and hills among others, and most of these paths and the nature that surround them date back to the 1930s.

Broga Hill

Nestled between the borders of Selangor and Negeri Sembilan is a small town situated 50 km from the city centre of Kuala Lumpur called Broga – a word believed to originate from Buragas, a mythical creature living in the forest. Nowadays, the popularity of Broga is largely associated with Broga Hill. For those who like outdoor activities, Broga Hill is a great destination for getting those fitness levels up. What is truly appealing about hiking up to the peak is the panoramic view of the landscape.

The view from the top of Broga Hill offers one of the best sights around, especially from such a relatively low hill. Lush valleys of green rainforest and a few towns can be seen vibrantly on a clear day, all with the backdrop of several mountains in the far distance. During the mornings, mist sometimes envelops the landscape, providing an almost surreal atmosphere.

There are actually four “peaks” on Broga Hill and the climb up the first can be daunting, but the view at the top is well worth the climb. The hike itself is a relatively easy one, taking between 20 to 45 minutes to reach the top, depending on your fitness level. There are a few steep ascents, but nothing too hard to conquer, and the trails are clearly marked, making it easy for you to navigate you way to a magnificent view.

Bukit Gasing

Bukit Gasing is a green oasis that’s surrounded by dense civilization right at the border of Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur. A popular spot for weekend trekking, Bukit Gasing covers an area of over 100 hectares, and offers the perfect setting to hike, walk, or jog. The grounds at the Petaling Jaya entrance are a popular playground for exercise buffs and tai chi enthusiasts. It’s also a favourite with nature lovers who come here to view the leaf monkeys and do a bit of bird watching. Bukit Gasing’s highest point at 160 metres gives a panoramic view of both Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya.

Once a rubber tree plantation, but left idle for 50 years, the course of nature has overtaken the hillsides to produce a lush secondary forest brimming with woody herbs and large tropical trees. Bukit Gasing has a good mixture of easy and difficult paths to cater for all abilities. It is a very good hiking spot for beginners, as well as for those who want to train for more strenuous mountain climbing. The trail, which is well-maintained and has sufficient signage to guide visitors, can be completed within three hours.

Kota Damansara Community Forest

The Kota Damansara Community Forest is all that remains of the much larger 6,590 hectares Sungai Buloh Forest Reserve which was one of Malaysia’s oldest forest reserves, gazetted in 1898. Much of the original forest was cut down for development but in 2010, a campaign was launched in preserve the 321.7 hectares that was left. The campaign was successful in getting the forest regazetted and it is now used for recreation, conservation, and education.

The Kota Damansara Community Forest Society was established to be the voice of the local residents who want the forest to be protected and conserved. Over the years, hiking trails were built to allow visitors to enjoy the beauty of the forest and all its inhabitants.

There are a total of 5 trails at the moment, four of which are suitable for both hikers and mountain bikers. The trails are well marked and have different difficulty levels and lengths, so there’s a trail here for just about anybody. There’s also an ethnobotanical garden which features plants used for food, flavouring, medicine, crafts, and building by the indigenous Temuan community – a Temuan tour guide will share their traditional ethnobotanical knowledge with anyone who is interested.

Bukit Tabur

Also known as Bukit Hangus, this hill is quite popular among hiking enthusiasts in KL. Bukit Tabur is part of the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge, a major quartz dyke that runs through northern KL and Selangor. At the peak of the hill, hikers are treated to a splendid view of the Klang Gates Dam and the Gombak Forest Reserve after a four-hour climb.

On a side note, there have been a number of incidents at Bukit Tabur of hikers getting lost, stranded, and injured during their hikes, possibly due to poorly marked trails on the eastern side of the hill which is more challenging and riskier. Novice hikers and first time Bukit Tabur climbers are advised to stick to the trail on the western side.

Kanching Recreational Forest

The recreational forest is located in the Kanching and Lagong Forest Reserves maintained by Tourism Selangor as part of the Selangor State Heritage Park. Only 23km from Kuala Lumpur, this is another green escape for city-dwellers. There are seven waterfalls in this forest at various heights where many hikers stop for a picnic in the popular setting. There are also basic facilities there like food stalls and toilets and rest huts along the concrete steps that were built to ease the trek up to all seven waterfalls.

There are also parking facilities to cater for the crowds on weekends. If you’d like to visit the waterfalls on a weekend but rather avoid the crowd, just climb up to one of the higher levels.