Bukit Gasing
Bukit Gasing, also known as Hutan Pendidikan Bukit Gasing, is set between Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya. This place was once a rubber plantation but has turned into one of the most frequented places for locals and tourists alike today.
Apart from hiking, visitors like to have picnics there too! As there are several trails in Bukit Gasing, it can appear confusing to some, though the problem can easily be solved by downloading a trail map in your mobile devices.
Most of the trails here will take one to two hours to finish. Depending on your fitness level, you can attempt different trails in a day as they are interconnected. With that being said, Bukit Gasing not only has many trails, but it also has many interesting landmarks and highlights along its trails too!
Estimated Duration: Roughly 2 hours
Level Of Fitness: Average
p/s: Let me just jump in real quick. If you’re wondering how I edit my photos, head over to my preset store to check them out! My presets are always my go-to choice whenever I edit my hiking/nature photographs! If you’re interested in purchasing my preset, do know that half of the profit will go to charity!
Bukit Gasing Entrances
Set between Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya, Bukit Gasing has two entrances. The main entrance is in Petaling Jaya while the other entrance is located in Kuala Lumpur.
1. Bukit Gasing Entrance (Petaling Jaya)
Parking at the Petaling Jaya entrance is limited. Hence, it’s best that you carpool with your friends if you’re coming in a large group. Otherwise, I would suggest the second entrance in Kuala Lumpur with ample parking spaces. Avoid yellow lines as there is strict enforcement in the area.
How to get here: Key in ‘Hutan Pendidikan Bukit Gasing’ or ‘Bukit Gasing’ in Waze or Google Map.
GPS Coordinate: 3.095117, 101.656032
2. Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi (Kuala Lumpur)
If you key in ‘Bukit Gasing’ in Waze or Google Map, by default, you will be brought to the Petaling Jaya entrance. With that being said, those who intend to park at Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi need to key in ‘Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi’ instead.
GPS Coordinate: 3.103245, 101.660825
Download The Trail Map
Before I delve into the different highlights and landmarks along Bukit Gasing Trails, you will first have to download the trail map (or not). Friendly hikers in Bukit Gasing will not hesitate to show you your way. Alternatively, you can follow the arrows, depending on where you’re going.
Nevertheless, the trail maps can be misleading and confusing but is perfect for giving you an overview of the trails. All in all, the best trail map is still your mouth—ask.
Additionally, you can follow Friends Of Bukit Gasing (FOBG) Facebook Page to download their version of trail map and catch up on the latest news on the trails!
Highlights And Landmarks Along Bukit Gasing Trails
1. Steel Bridge
Those coming in from Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi (KL) entrance will certainly go through this picturesque steel bridge. Not to be confused with the suspension bridge as they’re completely different things! If you’re asking your way around, remember to state steel or suspension bridge or you might just find yourself being guided to the wrong bridge!
2. Hindu Temple
The Hindu temple is located in a pretty secluded part of Bukit Gasing. When I first came here, there were no hikers and an innumerable amount of monkeys on the communication tower. Note that there are plenty of trails branched out over here, so make sure you know where you’re going and don’t get lost!
3. Streams
If you’re hiking to the Hindu temple, you’ll find yourself crossing a few wooden bridges and clear streams. Unfortunately, we didn’t cross or see as many streams when we were going to the suspension bridge from the KL entrance.
4. Watchtower (Now Demolished)
Unfortunately, the watchtower has now been demolished and there no longer is a watchtower. Oddly, the sign that leads hikers to the watchtower is still around. Nevertheless, the remnant of the watchtower, its red-colored base, is still around. Hence, don’t get misguided now!
5. Abandoned Bungalow
The abandoned bungalow is perhaps the second or third most instaworthy spot in Bukit Gasing. There are two abandoned buildings altogether, but the main one is always the most popular.
6. Suspension Bridge
Last but not least, the suspension bridge. Most of the visitors hiked Bukit Gasing with one goal in mind: Crossing the suspension bridge. I mean, how can you not?! Most importantly, it has gone through maintenance and looked pretty sturdy to me!
Getting To Bukit Gasing Suspension Bridge
Starting To The Abandoned Bungalow
1. Start from Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi.
2. You’ll come to this wide area with a few routes to choose from. To visit the bungalow as well, cross the white concrete bridge and turn right.
4. Follow the concrete slabs until you get to the bungalow.
5. Continue moving up.
6. You will see blue arrows on trees to guide you to the bridge (Note that most of them are actually pointing the way back to the parking, so asking other hikers would be wise).
Ask For Directions At Forked Out Areas
7. There are a few forked out areas, it is advised that you ask the hikers which direction you should take as most of our guesses were wrong.
8. When you finally come to this fork, you will get to the suspension bridge regardless of whether you choose either left or right. Though the left route may seem straight and easy, don’t get deceived by its appearance as the true challenge lies ahead. To summarize, taking the left route meant that you will come down from a steep descent (advised against those with bad knees); taking the right route meant more climbing but not as hard on your knees (there are still sharp descends but not as crazy as on the left).
9. We took the right route. Climb up the first flight of stairs and hold onto the ropes if you need them (this will be the same route you will come down to if you choose the left route earlier).
Get Through The Devil's Staircase
10. A few ups and downs later, you will start to see the devil’s staircase.
11. Before finally arriving at the famed suspension bridge!
12. Skip the suspension bridge and go underneath if there’s a traffic jam, but why would you do that?
13. And there you have it! It’s worth it, I promise!
What To Bring To Bukit Gasing?
- Water
- Mosquito repellent (The mosquitoes here are intense!)
- Towel
- Walking Stick (Only if you have really bad knees. My parents used each other as walking stick—sweet and pretty useful at the same time. With that being said, if you have a partner, bring them along so you won’t need to use a walking stick at all!)
Things To Take Note In Bukit Gasing
- Watch your belongings as there had been a few incidents of robbery. There are also a lot of monkeys near the Hindu temple and they can sound pretty terrifying.
- Come very early. It will be crowded at weekends. Most sources suggested 6.30 am—7 am. However, we found ample parking spaces on a Saturday when we arrived at 8.45 am and an almost empty parking lot at noon!
- Always ask the friendly hikers for guidance when you are lost. Say hi when you meet other hikers!
- There are lots of shortcuts that are mostly steep and intense hills. Do exercise caution. When in doubt, turn back.
- Download the trail map.
- Do not hike in monsoon season as it will be muddy and slippery.
- There are no leeches here, so don’t worry about that!
In A Nutshell
For those looking for a short getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, Bukit Gasing is most certainly a good choice! It’s even perfect for those staying in KL and Selangor but doesn’t want to travel too far! Moreover, the trails are not too hard to take on and are suitable for most fitness levels.
The Bukit Gasing suspension bridge is definitely not to be missed, followed by the Hindu temple and abandoned bungalow. Remember that parking spaces are limited at the PJ entrance and go early to avoid the crowd! Most importantly, download the trail map or ask other hikers to navigate your way around Bukit Gasing!
Less than 30 minutes away is KL Forest ECO Park with their picturesque canopy walk. Make sure to drop by if you’re in that area!
Happy hiking!
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This is the best guide I have ever found. There’s is no one as comprehensive as this, with pictures as well.
Many readers will truly appreciate the effort you took. Thank you.
I have never been to Bukit Gasing before but after reading this, I’ll definitely will find time to go there.
Thank you for your post. With my 3 kids, we enjoy this hiking thanks to you!
The pictures are very helpful.
Happy to help!
Wow great! I just went there and wished I read your guide before. We missed out on the suspension bridge.
Love your guide