It was a lovely hot Saturday morning as we set off on our
journey to recce various recreational sites in Taman Warisan Negeri Selangor. First stop on our list was Bukit
Kutu, a lesser-known recreational spot in the Park. Formerly a British hilltop
retreat, the summit was bombed by the Japanese during World War II, and the
houses never rebuilt. In addition
to being part of the Park, the area is also gazetted as a Wildlife Reserve in
the 1920s’.
Aside from that drama of long-ago, Bukit Kutu offers
modern-day drama of outdoor activity.
Climbing Bukit Kutu can be quite a challenge, with some hikers saying
the ‘bukit’ (hill) should be referred to as a ‘gunong’ (mountain). At 1053 m or 3,456 ft above sea
level, Bukit Kutu makes for a fun challenge that is exciting for hikers of all
levels.
The route to the summit is a fairly well-trodden trail, but official markers are few, especially in
the beginning of the hike. Sadly,
the ‘infrastructure’ such as the trail markers and bridges are in disrepair. The authorities really should maintain
these better as well as keep the trail clear and well marked, to ensure the
safety of all visitors. We don’t
want a tarred road, but rather basic facilities should be maintained to allow
hikers a bit of a challenge, while not getting lost or unnecessarily injured.
On the journey to the summit, you’ll cross 3 rivers and a
few streams. You should keep right
at any forks in the trail, to make sure you stay on the path to the
summit. The trail is sometimes
steep. Aside from the beautiful rivers, there are also magnificent boulders
about half way up, which are really something, and make for a cool resting
spot.
At the base of Bukit Kutu, you will find many day picnickers
and campers, enjoying the refreshing river banks.
How to get to Bukit Kutu:
Coming from Kuala Kubu Baru town, head up past the Sungai
Selangor Dam. Immediately after
the bridge over the reservoir, turn right into Kampung Pertak. Drive all the way to the end of the
small road. Here you will find a
small parking area, and the first bridge to begin your journey to the summit!
Whenever you go out hiking, always remember the
following:
- Tell
someone (not in your hiking group) where you are going, and when you expect to
be back
- Bring
plenty of water and food
- Bring
your handphone, a torch light and first aid kit, for safety
- Bring
a plastic bag – to carry OUT all your RUBBISH – let’s leave this retreat as
beautiful as God intended it to be
- Remember,
you are hiking at your OWN risk.
This blog takes NO responsibility for your adventure – good or bad.
GPS Coordinates:
3°34'42.0"N 101°44'05.2"E
(Bukit Kutu Parking)
For more information on Bukit Kutu, check out these websites and blogsites:
