Hiker’s paradise
case of simply going to the highest point and then hiking down. I venture up by using different trails, each of which has its own pluses and minuses.
There are relatively easy trails with slight inclines but these take longer; first- timers and beginners as well as those who jog all the way up prefer this trail.
And there are challenging and punishing trails with steep inclines which take you up to the top in the shortest time possible – provided one is really fit. It is not uncommon to cling on to tree trunks or roots to help one go up on such trails.
Recently my son bought me a sports watch and since then my hikes have taken a new dimension. Now all the details of my runs are recorded, such as distance covered, time taken, speed, calories burnt, to name a few. So I now try to challenge myself to do better in my next hike.
On average, I’ve found that I walk 7km per hike. Since I usually go five times a week, that works out to 35km. As for the distance covered in a month, that’s 35 x 4 = 140km or approximately the distance between KL and Malacca!
The interesting thing about hiking is that it is not only an easy sport but a relatively cheap one. Yet it has enormous health benefits. I would strongly recommend that you do not stinge on shoes; be prepared to pay for a good pair of walking or running shoes. It is important that you take tender and loving care of your feet.
You can hike anytime during daylight hours and you can do it at your own pace. You decide what your comfort level is. Once you get into the trail proper, the tree canopy will shield you from the sun. Yes, you will be walking under the shade with fresh air blowing in your face, especially when you are about to reach the top.
You can hike up BK from several points, including the Lake Park of Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KL. However, a note of caution. It was reported that a family of five hiked up BK from the Kiaramas condos at Sri Hartamas lost their way and had to be rescued by the Fire and Rescue Department personnel. One word of advice – hike up BK from the usual popular base points and never start a hike after 6pm.
On the social side, I have made many friends along the trails. Somehow I’ve found that we hikers tend to be more open with each other as we pass each other on the trail. In fact, I have a WhatsApp group with a group of hikers, the majority of whom are in their 40s, 50s and 60s.
A word of thanks and appreciation should go to members of the Trails Association of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor ( TRAKS) who have not only been instrumental in “opening up” the jungle trails but continue to maintain them, especially after a thunderstorm when trees get uprooted and block the trail.
So for those who would want to take up this sport, hiking up BK would be an excellent place to start. In my mind, it’s a hiker’s paradise.