Sunday, February 3, 2013

Bukit Kutu - A Fun Challenge that's Exciting for All Hikers


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. 

The total hike to the summit may take about 3 ½ to 5 hours, depending on your stamina and speed of your journey.  It will take about 2 to 3 hours to descend (again, depending on your speed, etc).  Visitors also enjoy spending time at the summit, or at scenic points along the way.  You need to start your hike in the early morning, so that you can be back down before dark. 

There is also a waterfall closer to the base of the Bukit.  Take a left at the trail fork after the second bridge to get there.  The hike to the waterfall should take about 1 ½ to 2 hours to get to the waterfall.

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: