Bukit Tabur (West Side)

Background: Bukit Tabur is part of the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge located within the area of Taman Melawati, Selangor/Kuala Lumpur. Some may call it Bukit Tabuh, some Bukit Hangus, though I haven't met with any that referred to the latter. 

The entrance to the hiking trails are near the Klang Gate Dam. There are two tracks (that I know of) around Bukit Tabur. This post will cover the hike entrance from the western side.  

How to get there: From either end of the Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2), exit at the Taman Melawati and drive straight to the end until you meet a roundabout. Take a 12 o'clock and drive along until you meet another roundabout. Take a 3 o'clock, drive straight till the end, take a left (NOT the left that goes further upwards) and follow the narrow road until the dead end. There may be a shorter route to reach the place, but this is the easy and friendly one that I'm sharing with you guys.

Note: Usually, people meet up at the BHP petrol station near the entrance to Taman Melawati and park their cars there. It is advisable to carpool to the hiking entrance, as parking spaces are very limited. Park at your own risk. 

Source: munkeatho.multiply.com 
Notice that the direction given is slightly different from mine

The Journey

This is one of my annual hike spots. I simply love it here! 

Bukit Tabur consists of several peaks and troughs, and it isn't an easy climb. The area is covered with predominantly big, layered rocks with jagged surfaces. Perhaps it's best to wear gloves. I'd recommend long pants too, since it's quite easy to get scratches as you hike, but that is totally an individual call. 

Coming from the west entrance, the first part of the hike was through some greeneries before reaching the mid-part where the rocks start to be visible. Just climb a bit more and you'll immediately sight the river that's part of the Klang Gate Dam. Tiring at first maybe, but the view would soothe you and encourage you to go further. Upfront, there's a view of Kuala Lumpur as well. But the clarity depends on the level of haze at that time.

What I would totally insist it that no one should come here alone. Bukit Tabur may look tame to some but there are cliffs and steep spots that would require some teamwork. A good company (preferably more than 2-3 people) would make the hike experience better, and the exhilaration felt while being there could foster good bond too. It is best that the hike trip consists some of your male friends (am being totally objective here), as some parts of this trail require going down the rope near steep cliffs. Tragic accidents had happened before, and caution should be practiced at all times.  

 

Some time later, you can see the UIA Gombak campus on the right side of the hill. Yeah, that's how near we all are to each other...

There are several areas that have moss-lookalike plants covering the earth. It was beautiful the first time I saw them in 2008, but as we come again year by year the green beauty were not so pretty anymore. Probably the dry season, or the many footsteps trampling all over them.

The highest peak that we reached was approximately 395 metres (1,295 feet) above sea level. You can choose to go back from where you came from, or proceed to climb further and descend on the other side of the hill. Going down, you'll pass by some orchards belonged to the locals. We usually do it that way, coz going back and doing the vertical climb downwards was not a tempting idea. Besides, we've come this far...might as well finish it! 

Overall, the average time taken for the full hike route would be approximately 3 1/2 to 4 hours. It's 2 hours or so to climb up, and the rest to go down. But while you're there, take some time to enjoy the view and the company. Have a picnic or something. It may take longer time but as long as you're happy, who cares? Err...but you might wanna rush down if the weather's humid (not good!) or rainy (not good either!) 

I have a soft spot for Bukit Tabur. This was the place that kicked-off my hiking hobby, so to speak... although I had climbed Gunung Ledang prior to that :p. This was also the place where new acquaintances were made, whom later turned into good friends. 

I love Bukit Tabur! 

xoxo