Where to work out for free
From hiking and cycling to running groups, there are exercises that do not burn a hole in your wallet,
DETERMINATION — not money — is key to fitness. You don’t have to join a gym or exercise classes to start living healthy. Here’s a list of free spots to exercise in the Klang Valley (and we’re sure there are many more in other places too) where you can work out for free or, in the case of some hiking spots, at a minimal fee.
SEE NATURE
Hiking is popular for those who enjoy nature. There are many hiking spots in the Klang Valley which you can test your endurance.
BUKIT BROGA, SEMENYIH
At 400m high and 40 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur, Broga Hill is popular with hiking enthusiasts due to its easy accessibility and panoramic views especially at dawn.
According to naturemalaysia.com, it takes anywhere between 20 and 45 minutes to reach the highest peak, depending on one’s fitness level.
There are three peaks, each one ascends above the other through a clear path fringed by tall grass on each side.
From the summit, a proper jungle trail leads through a primary rainforest to Gunung Tok Wan (675m), a roughly 1½ hour hike on meandering slopes.
BUKIT SAGA, CHERAS
Bukit Saga is part of a series of interconnected forests that form Sungai Puteh Forest Reserve and encompasses Apek Hill and Ketumbar Hill.
You can either use the Ampang or Cheras entrance, which has different challenges. The Cheras entrance from Cheras Awana is less challenging as the slopes are easy to manoeuvre.
From Ampang via the Taman Saga entrance is a route which is more challenging.
According to poskod.my, the hike starts with a steep climb of steps (a combination of both man-made and natural steps). The trail gets steeper and narrower as you go.
Either of these entrances will lead you to the waterfall if you are heading to the top.
The best part is there are various facilities that you can enjoy once you reach the top such as a playground, exercise corner, hammocks and a shelter to rest and relax.
BUKIT GASING, PETALING JAYA
Covering 100ha, this used to be an abandoned rubber plantation that has turned into a forest. There are a number of hiking trails within the park thatare suitable for people with different levels of energy and fitness.
You can choose an easy 20-minute hike towards a watch tower that continues on to a suspension bridge.
A slightly longer hike will take you to the lookout point at the Telekom Towers that could take two hours. If you want to challenge yourself, you can also stray off the basic track onto many tiny little trails covering the forest reserve.
KL FOREST ECO PARK, JALAN RAJA CHULAN
Formerly known as Bukit Nanas Forest
Reserve, the natural rainforest is perfect for those who are not ambitious enough to climb hills but want a hiking adventure.
It was gazetted as a forest reserve in 1906 with a land area of 17.5ha, but due to development, it is now left with 9.3ha.
Prepare to spend at least one to two hours to walk several nature trails, including the Merbau Trail (361m) and Jelutong Trail (300m).
If you are lucky, you may get to see the silver lacquer and the long tailed macaques along your hike. The highlight is the 200m canopy walk suspended 21m above the ground surrounded by some of the city’s familiar skyline.
WALK IN THE CITY
Lace up your walking shoes and join a free
guided tour around the city.
In addition to physical activity — the tours take up to 2½ hours — you will enrich your knowledge on KL’s history.
The tours are organised by the Kuala Lumpur Tourism Bureau. Check its website at www.visitkl.gov.my for details.
DATARAN MERDEKA HERITAGE GUIDED TOUR
The heritage walk covers areas around the Square including Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, National Textile Museum, Music Museum, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Panggung Bandaraya, former High Court Building, The Cathedral of St Mary and Royal Selangor Club.
You get the opportunity to discover history from the founding of the city and