Site of the Month - the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge

Resembling the back of a dragon, the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge is a world-class geological wonder and a key feature of Taman Negeri Selangor.  It provides a breathtaking backdrop to the northern Klang Valley.

Made up entirely of milky white quartz, it is one of the longest quartz outcrops of its kind in the world, measuring about 14 km above ground and up to 50 metres wide at some points.  It is estimated to be 170 million years old.

The Ridge system is not limited to the rocky whitish body.  It incorporates the side slopes that break from the foot of the exposed body.  The beautiful vegetation along the Ridge is adapted to the harsh, thin and infertile sandy soil weathered from the quartz.

There are 5 species of plants found here that occur nowhere else in the world.  These include the tree Ilex praetermissa, the herb Borreria pilulifera and the grass Eulalia milsumii.  The vegetation is vulnerable to disturbance by small clearings, burning and trampling by visitors who climb the trails along the Ridge.

The Klang Gates Quartz Ridge is also the sanctuary of the serow, the wild mountain goat known as kambing gurun.  The serow also ranges into the adjoining forests, thus requiring a larger area than just the Ridge to survive. 

In the small natural gap between the two main sections of the Ridge, the Klang Gates Dam was constructed in 1958.  Only a small concrete wall had to be constructed as the Dam wall is anchored into the quartz foundation.  Thus the Ridge itself is also critical in keeping the Klang Gates Dam and Reservoir in place.

There is a small swimming and picnicking spot at the foot of the dam, at the back end of Taman Melawati.  Sadly, it is not very well maintained but is still very much enjoyed by the local community.  There are also trails which lead up onto the Ridge.  However, the trails are very steep and dangerous, a number of people have died over the years-even experience hikers-while trekking along the Ridge.  If you decide to go, be sure to go with someone who is experienced in hiking the Ridge.

The Ridge is also under threat from the pressure of development, with housing now right up to its foot slopes and the KL Outer Ring Road proposed to run parallel to the Ridge and possibly cut through the Ridge or run behind the Ridge.

The Klang Gates Quartz Ridge is truly a magnificent geological wonder.  It is the key feature of Taman Negeri Selangor and it deserves our respect and our efforts to help protect it!

As at Jan 2017:  The trails along the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge are temporarily CLOSED to the public, due to the dangers along the trail.  Please be advised that the public is currently NOT allowed along the trail.

Please keep this magnificent hallmark of Taman Warisan Negeri Selangor clean!  Do NOT leave ANY LITTER in the Park!


GPS Coordinates:

3°14'05.9"N 101°44'51.9"E

Want to read another article about the KGQR?  visit:

travelledpaths.com - Klang Gates Quartz Ridge TWNS