Bukit Gasing

Background: Bukit Gasing forest park is a greenery haven in the middle of Klang Valley. It encompasses a 100-hectare area that borders Pantai Dalam, Kuala Lumpur on one side and and Petaling Jaya, Selangor on the other. The strategic location enables the city folks to escape the bustling urban jungle and turn to some natural therapy.

Previously a rubber plantation area, Bukit Gasing is now a lush secondary forest. It's highest point is 160 metres high. There's a stream flowing through the forest, and there are also a watch tower and a suspension bridge that add up to its attraction. People come here mostly for a stroll or a hike.

How to get there: There are at least 2 entrances to Bukit Gasing. Depending from where you are, one entrance is from the PJ side, and the other is from the Pantai Dalam side. 

• Going to PJ side: From the Federal Highway, exit at the EPF building on Jalan Gasing. Follow the road before taking a left at Jalan Lembah 5/2. At the next junction, turn into Jalan Tanjung 5/4. A wooden arch opposite a children's playground marks the Bukit Gasing entrance. 
• Going to Pantai Dalam side: From the Federal Highway, exit at the flyover going towards Kg. Kerinchi. There's also the Universiti LRT station as a landmark. Go straight and pass several traffic lights until the end of the road. Turn right at the junction and go further uphill past the Pantai Hillpark condos till the end of the road. The entrance wasn't an official one, and so it may not seem obvious to the unknowns. 

Note: I happened to always access Bukit Gasing via Pantai Dalam, simply because I've got a friend who stayed in that area. What we usually do is park at the Pusat Komuniti Lembah Pantai nearby and access the forest by foot. 

2013 Update: There's no more entrance via Pantai Dalam, as the area has been closed for some development project.

The Journey 

Bukit Gasing has got a good mixture of easy and difficult paths to cater for all. Depending on your entrance and exit route, you may encounter either the flat walking paths first or the steep up-or down-climb first. Whatever it is, be sure to explore all the facets of greeneries there, okay? :) 

Well, the view might not be so 'wow!' but it's a great place to spend your weekend morning nonetheless. Let's explore some of the Bukit Gasing features, shall we... 

Jambatan gantung (suspension bridge) is a short plank bridge over a small stream. It's a narrow pass and therefore only several people can cross from one direction at any one time. 

Should anyone feel giddy over this bridge, you can climb down at the side and take the alternative dirt trail.  

Then from the bridge, there's a couple of trails that were steep and high. You gotta climb down, and then up...walk a bit...then climb down, and then up again. This...is something not to be missed too... *panting and breathing hard*

Menara pandangan (watch tower) could possibly be the highlight of the visit. After the steep climb, we're always happy to stop by the tower and take some time to relax. The view from the top of the tower may not be so awesome, but we're okay with it.   

Anak sungai (stream) goes further deep into the forest. This is one path that my entourage tends to skip. Hhmm...I'll make a point to cover that during the next visit. 

If you're tired from the walk/hike, just slow down or stop for a while. Take some time for a breather and pay attention to the beautiful plants and animals surrounding you. Enjoy! 

The paths could be confusing for the beginners, but you need not worry (so much) as all trails are somewhat circular. Therefore you are bound to eventually come across your starting point no matter what. Just be wary of the side you come from, be it Pantai Dalam or PJ. Don't be shy to ask the other hikers...there are surely willing to help :) 

Note: Wear comfortable clothes and proper shoes, don't forget your water pack, charge your camera the night before, and have fun with friends! 

Observations: When passing by other hikers, it doesn't hurt to be courteous and say 'Hi' or 'Good Morning' or 'Selamat Pagi' to each other. Such greetings make our world a better place, ain't it? FYI, this practice is quite common among seasoned hikers. 

After hiking Bukit Gasing, me and my buddies...we always head for the famous crispy roti jala place nearby for brunch and gossip session. Love the adventure, the company and the food. Very nice indeed! :D