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:

http://smallhiker.blogspot.com/2010/12/bukit-kutu-lost-rescued.html

http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=315278

http://aidakushairi.blogspot.com/2012/04/fell-in-love-with-bukit-kutu.html

http://www.fraserhill.info/bukit-kutu.htm

The Park is Born - 25 January 2007

With the declaration of the Park in August 2005, it was only a matter of time for the Park to be a legally protected entity. 

On 25 January 2007, the Selangor State Government gazetted over 91,144 hectares as ‘state park’ under the National Forestry Act, Selangor Enactment 2005, with the promise to gazette the remaining areas, including the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge, in the near future.  This date, the date the gazette was published, is what TrEES considers the official birthday of Taman Warisan Negeri Selangor. 

It had taken less than 5 years from the start of the “Project to Establish the Selangor State Park” for the Park to become a reality.   The Park is testament to the commitment and focus of all parties involved who were determined to ensure that the Park is protected and would continue to the lifeforce of Selangor, KL and Putrajaya.

In March 2010, the Klang Gates Ridge was gazetted as part of the Park, and the remaining areas after that.  The Park is the third largest park in Peninsula Malaysia, and the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge is believed to be the longest quartz outcrop in the world!

The forests protect some of the state and nation’s most vital natural resources including:

• The water supply for the state of Selangor, and the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya – the most populated region in the country.  The major rivers in Selangor originate from this area and the Park protects more than 90% of Selangor, KL and Putrajaya’s water supply.  

• Biodiversity  -- The natural species richness of the Park area includes much of the 3140 vascular plant species recorded for the whole Selangor State; 114 mammal species; 355 birds and over 350 butterfly species.

• The highlands & unique habitats – the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge, one of the longest quartz outcrops in the world is a significant feature found in the area.  

• The steep slopes and prevents flooding downstream – The area is essential in regulating surface runoff, minimizing flood peaks and reducing downstream sedimentation.      About 76% of the area lies above an elevation of 300 m, with 9.5% above 1000 m.  Also, at least 50% of this area has slopes greater than 20 degrees, making it unsuitable for most, if not all, types of development.

The area is also one of the few sizeable, multi-use forested areas in close proximity to a major urban area in the world.  In addition to its ecological functions, the forests also are a critical source for relaxation, research and education for residents of Selangor, the nation and the world.

TrEES continues to monitor and submit feedback, letters and opinions on the Park. TrEES is concerned for the Park due to the intense pressure of the urban community that surrounds it and continues to urge the authorities to act quickly to conserve and protect this Park.

Let us all say “Happy Birthday” to Taman Warisan Negeri Selangor, and give thanks for all that the Park gives to us.

Memories of the Establishment - The Beginning

Back in 1995, this is the view from TrEES very first office that inspired us to embark on a quest to protect this ridge and the forests that surrounded it. This is the view that sparked the Selangor State Park.

It began with a gotong royong in 1996 of the recreational site at the foot of the ridge, TrEES working with the residents in the area.  Shortly after, when the draft structure plans for Ampang Jaya were released, TrEES of course had a look at the plans.  We could see the forests behind the ridge, in Hulu Gombak, were linked to a larger body of forest to the north and south.  We then checked the extent of forest by reviewing the draft structure plans for Selayang, Hulu Langat and Hulu Selangor as well.  And we put forward, in our comments to the state government, our idea of gazetting the entire stretch of forest as a state park.

During the public hearing, YB Dato’ Fuad Hassan, the member of Selangor EXCO at that time, expressed interest in our idea.  TrEES was asked to submit a more detailed proposal for the Selangor State Park.  Our concept proposal for the establishment of the Selangor State Park was submitted to the Selangor State Government in 1998.  A big thank you to Dr Wong Khoon Meng for assisting TrEES in drafting the proposal.

The Town and Country Planning Department, Selangor (JPBD Selangor) consequently began investigating the feasibility of the idea.  TrEES did not stop its efforts but continued pushing for the establishment of the Park.  In 1999, TrEES launched a signature campaign to demonstrate to the state government the public’s support and interest in establishing the Park.  TrEES collected over 5,000 signatures (thank you to our volunteers who helped us achieve that!).  TrEES also networked with the local media to highlight the importance of the area.

In 2000, with a small grant from WWF Malaysia, TrEES, with the assistance ERE consultants, produced and submitted a detailed report to various members of the State Government on the critical importance of establishing the Park.  With this detailed report, TrEES met with various members of the state Executive Council to lobby for the establishment of the State Park.

In 2002, TrEES attended a meeting on the Selangor State Park chaired by Y. Bhg. Datin Paduka Dr. Halimaton Saadiah, Director of the Town and Country Planning Department, Selangor (JPBD Selangor) who was also interested in getting the Park established.  In the meeting, when none of the other government agencies or NGOs present took up her request to head a study to establish the Selangor State, TrEES volunteered to partner JPBD Selangor to undertake the study.  To show our commitment and seriousness, TrEES stated that we would also raise half the money required to do the study. Subsequently, TrEES submitted our proposal in writing to JPBD Selangor for consideration by the Selangor State Government.   

To our great delight, a few weeks later, TrEES was informed by Y Bhg Datin Paduka Dr Halimaton that the state had appointed JPBD Selangor and TrEES to facilitate the ‘Project Towards the Establishment of the Selangor State Park.’ With that, TrEES focused on raising our half of the funds needed for the project.  A big thank you to the British High Commission for providing TrEES most of the funding, enabling us to start the project.

From 2003 to 2005, TrEES and JPBD Selangor worked with government departments and other NGOs.  The support and assistance from the government agencies were instrumental in ensuring that the project achieved its objectives.  With their support and assistance, TrEES team, that included technical advisors Dr Rajen, Dr Wong, Dr Yong, Professor Shahwahid, Dr Lee Jin, Dr Siva and Prof Zubaid, produced the report to support the proposal for the 107,000 ha Selangor State Park.    The findings were presented to The Majlis Tindakan Ekonomi Selangor, chaired by the Menteri Besar YAB Dato Sri Dr Mohamad Khir bin Toyo.

In 27 August 2005, the then Deputy Prime Minister, Dato' Sri Haji Mohammad Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak together with the Menteri Besar declared the establishment of the 107,000 ha Selangor State Park.

TrEES is very grateful to everyone who participated in the project.  The park would not be a reality without you all!