My anniversary hike to Bukit Kutu via the Old Colonial Trail was enthralling, educational and a great workout. It is also one of the best scenic hikes in Selangor! #bukitkutu
In February 1883, Kuala Kubu old town was destroyed by a catastrophic flood from the broken dam. Since then, the old part is known as Ampang Pecah meaning broken dam.
The Trailblazers attempted a trans-Kutu on the Old Colonial route or Legenda trail to the ruins of the bungalow on top of Bukit Kutu 1050m. This route is less trodden and slightly raw and steeper than the normal trail. #bukitkutu1053m
We tracked through a myriad of terrains, hiking over bushes, forested area, rocks, river crossings, bamboo forest, root and rock climbs! This trans hike can be your ultimate outdoor wanderlust!

Starting point: Parked opposite the football field. 3°32'37.2"N 101°41'08.3"E If you are going to do the trans you will need to arrange for a second vehicle for pick up either way!
Hike Duration: Allow around 7 hours from the entrance of the jungle, 6km in and 6km out.
End Hike: Pertak Waterfalls
Hike Difficulty: 3.5/5
Break it into 3 parts, part 1, is a moderate ascend, part 2 involves some steep inclines and part 3 is downhill
Scenery Rewards: 4/5
PERMIT IS NECESSARY!
Note: You could start from Pertak falls and descend to Ampang Pecah. However, note that the route is raw and the canopy is thick. It does get dark quick here, and the afternoon showers and overcast sky could make the route dim. Therefore if you are thinking to do this in the afternoon, a headlamp might come in handy!
What to bring
1. Basic first aid stuff such as disinfectant, ankle guard in case you sprain your ankle, band-aid.
2. Walking stick
3. Raincoat and Poncho ( you will be able to find them at any convenience store or Daiso or Mr DIY shops for about RM6.00)
4. Head-Torch, if you start before 7am
5. At least 2l of water, pack lunch, snack
6. Change of clothes, especially if you want to refresh yourself by the waterfalls at the end of the hike.
7. Good pair of hiking shoes is absolutely necessary
8. Gloves
9. Leech Alert! So do bring a Dettol or Listerine spray
10. Check the weather forecast
11. A GOOD ADVENTURE SPIRIT
If you end your hike in Pertak Waterfalls, there is a haphazard changing facility there!

PART 1- Orchard, flat open space, Camp ( Gold Hill)
Walk up the trail leading to the forest, there is red/white tape marking the trailhead.

Mangosteen flowers are always amusing.
The hike starts with a moderate ascend rising from the orchards, with mosquitos swarming us. The trail gets narrower and for about 30m ahead. We were trampling on bushes, scrubs on this rather raw trail.
Hungry leech and thicks normally latch on from the thickets of ferns along the slope! Try to past this point fast and furious!
The Trailblazer team did a great job clearing the weed a few days earlier in anticipation of this group hike.
The trail here is rather dim as it appears to be in the shadows of Bukit Kutu. Therefore hike when there is light! From the Campsite, (Gold Hill graffiti) the trail eases for about 50m to the water point.
When you reach the waterpoint the stream is on the lower slope on the left. There is an empty bottle left on a stub of a tree as a marker.
PART 2: Waterpoint to Bungalow
The trail from the water point to the bungalow is a series of inclines and it gets steeper after the big boulder. If you are looking for a challenging workout, this would be it!

BUKIT KUTU 1053m & the Ruins
If you come from the old colonial trail, you will arrive from the flight of stairs of the ruins. These are relics of the sanatorium.
Nothing much left of the ruins of the Sanatorium and bungalow.

As you descent from the peak, you will see a tall structure which is the few relics left of the bungalow. A fireplace, the main entrance steps, the chimney and also a well! (more history on the bungalow)
THE 3 BOULDERS
To get to this peak, on a weekend would mean to patiently wait for your turn as the way is precarious and dangerous and only possible for 2 at one time. I won't suggest going up there in rainy or windy conditions! And also won't recommend more than 2 people on that rock! You will fall a long way if you try anything stupid at the top!

Do you have acrophobia? Are you afraid of heights? If you are, forget about going up! 3 flights of daunting and precarious climb up a rickety ladder to a flat space no more than one foot and slopping at all sides is really scary! And descending is even more terrifying! But, if you are willing to risk it all, just DO IT and HOLD ON TIGHT!



On a clear day, you could see the Titiwangsa mountain range at the backdrop. #Bukitkutu

PART 3 RETURN
It took us about 2.5 hours to descend with plenty of photo stops. Once you have cleared the rocky terrain from the peak to Batu Tedung, you will be tempted to hop and skip and hop all the way down to the Pertak falls.



There is only one thing you could do after such an exhausting hike! Cool down in the cold and refreshing falls!
Note: If you are coming from Pertak, you may need to remove your shoes or wear sandals. Generally these streams are shallow and clam but recently due to heavy downpours there has been tragic events! Always check the weather forecast!
Flora and Fauna
the amazing beauty of the ginger flower. Etlingera Metriocheilos unique to Malaysia, Borneo, Indonesia
mushroom galore
Some amazing trees you encounter along the trail

some of these trees remind me of Groot or from the 'Trees' in Lord of the Rings!

Reflections
The old colonial trail up to Bukit Kutu feels unexplored and dark. Could it be the poor lighting conditions, due to the thick canopy or the dampness of the air or creepy crawlies that contributed to that eerie feel, is my wild guess!
My hike this round to Bukit Kutu is less crowded due to the quota system from the Forestry Department of 100 permits per day! It means that you won't have to queue for an hour to climb up those boulders! The incredibly view on the top was just as I have envisioned..... nothing less than staggering! #bukitkutu
Trailblazerhikingclub managed the paperwork and did such a great job in clearing parts of the old colonial trail, which would otherwise still be part of the jungle. Big shout out to the team!
Note: The Selangor Forestry has limited, one guide per 7 hikers in the wake of tragic landslides in 2022. Do DM me for guide information.
Check it out vlog by HIKEGUY.
Not all who wander are lost.....JRR Tolkien
Date visited: 1st May 2021
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