Faces of
Malaysia
Melaka

Melaka (a.k.a. Malacca) is the capital of the Malaysian state of Malacca.
Traditionally, the spot where Melaka stands today was the center of Malaccan history. It was the capital of the Malaccan Sultanate and the center of the Malay world in the 15th and the 16th century before it fell to the Portuguese in 1511. Centuries of colonization by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British have shaped the architecture of the town.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the capital and the largest city of Malaysia. Being a young city (founded only in 1857) it developed fast into a bustling metropolis of 1.5 million people (6 million including the satellite cities in the Klang Valley). Kuala Lumpur, or simply KL (as it is it called by Malaysians), literally means “muddy estuary” in Bahasa Malaysia. With good and cheap accommodation, great shopping and even better food in this multi-cultural melting pot, increasing numbers of travellers are discovering this little gem of a city.
Having been in the shadow of other big cities in the region like Bangkok and Singapore, KL was put back on the map for good with the opening the Petronas Twin Towers in 1997, until 2004 the highest and still one of the most impressive buildings in the world. Though, the sights are not what makes this city unique, it’s KL itself and it’s mixture of people and visitors.

Backpacking Malaysia
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Hiking at Bukit Tabur

It is hardly noticeable from the city centre - especially on hazy days - but Kuala Lumpur is surrounded by lush hills, rock formations and water reservoirs. Escaping the the huzzle and buzzle of the city is a mere 30min drive away. One the most spectacular hikes is up on Bukit Tabur, part of a quarz ridge in the north-east of the city at Taman Melawati.

Attention: Permit now necessary because of the dangers of the hike:
As a result 2 more people falling to death in 2013 / 2014 at Bukit Tabur, a permit is necessary to go on the trail since January 2014. If you get caught on the trail without a permit, it is considered trespassing and will be procecuted by law. The permit can be obtained at Selangor Forestry Department for RM5 / person. Click here for more information.

Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri Selangor
Bangunan Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah
40660 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan.
http://www.forestry.gov.my/selangor
No. Tel. : 03-5544 7000
No. Faks : 03-5511 9961

Pejabat Hutan Daerah Selangor Tengah
KM 11 (Batu 9), Jalan Cheras-Kajang,
43200 Kajang, Selangor Darul Ehsan.
No. Tel. : 03-9075 2885
No. Faks : 03-9075 6022

Article in The Star newspaper from Jan 13, 2014:
Beware the Tabur trail

 

Bukit Tabur Trekking tour

Find out more about a recommended morning tour with trained guides that gives you the choice of climbing the western ridge or the more challenging and beautiful eastern ridge including pick-up from your ho(s)tel / home.
» Click here to book DragonBack Mountain Treks

Bukit Tabur is located about 20km from the city centre. There is no public transport to the starting point of the hike so you need a taxi or your own car to ge there.

How to get to Bukit Tabur:

- Exit MRR2 at Taman Melawati
- next round-about 9 o'clock
- next round-about 12 o'oclock
- at T-junction turn right and follow the road along the hill until you get to the Puncak Niaga facilities


View Bukit Tabur Hike in a larger map


Bukit Tabur, seen from Taman Melawati


The trail starts just after this small concrete Wall. In the background you can see the gate to the Puncak Niaga facility


after a few minutes you get breath-taking views of Taman Melawati and Downtown KL


The hike is challenging but enjoyable


Once you made it up to the Ridge you can see the spectacular Klang Gates reservoir and lush nature on one side and the concrete jungle on the other


This view makes up for a sweaty hike

The hike took us about 3 hours (we made it until the red flag which is just short of the highest point of Bukit Tabur). We went down the same way we came which is the safest way to go.
We went there during a week-day and we were the only ones there!
It is a very enjoyable hike as long as you remember to be careful and stay low when you climb some of the rocky parts of the hike. Bring enough water and food and protect yourself against the sun and mosquitos.

Bukit Tabur Trekking tour

Find out more about a recommended morning tour with trained guides that gives you the choice of climbing the western ridge or the more challenging and beautiful eastern ridge including pick-up from your ho(s)tel / home.
» Click here to book DragonBack Mountain Treks

Do check out the websites below to get more information on the hike, safety instruction and how to get to Bukit Tabur!


http://www.nature-escapes-kuala-lumpur.com/Klang-Gates-Quartz-Ridge.html
A good overview of the hike. A must read before you go! We found this trip through this website.

Ill-fated hill
Article from The Star newspaper of the beauty and danger of trekking on Bukit Tabur

http://bukittabur.blogspot.com/
Safety instruction for hiking at Bukit Tabur

http://shiekblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/klang-gate-ridge.html
Blog entry on hiking Bukit Tabur

http://www.endemicguides.com/Tabur_hill_2.htm
More information about the worlds longest Crystal Quartz-Rich ridge and trekking there