The Bukit Kutu hiking trail is a must when you decide to venture beyond Kuala Lumpur (fondly known by the locals as KL).
There are various spots around Klang Valley for you to hike, offering different scenery and difficulty levels. However, there comes a point when you’ve ventured up them all and want a change of air.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Bukit Kutu hiking trail, then you’ve come to the right spot. Here, we cover the essentials of what should be your entry towards hiking beyond KL.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy using the link, you help put food on my table at no extra costs to you. I appreciate you.
| Summary of Bukit Kutu Hiking Trail |
|---|
| Height: 1,053 metres (3,455 ft) above sea level Distance: 10.5 km Elevation gain: 943 m Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced Route type: Out & back Average time: 3.5 hours ascending (up), 2.5 hours descending (down) Permit required: Yes. Info stated in this article below. Parking: Free Entrance fee: RM 1 per person Kid-friendly: No Nearby attractions: Yes Retreats or getaways: Yes Google Maps guide to Bukit Kutu attractions and activities here. |
Why Does The Location Matter?
Bukit Kutu is located in Kuala Kubu Bharu, which is around a 90-minute drive from KL. Therefore, it is not that far away from the city center. This makes it perfect for venturing beyond KL but not having to travel too far.
Furthermore, Kuala Kubu Bharu is known for its nature. Try looking online for the best things to do in Kuala Kubu Bharu. You’ll see that the list is dominated by activities involving nature.
If you didn’t click on the link but are curious about what came out on top, well, we’ll save you some time. It really shouldn’t come as a surprise. The top-ranked thing to do in Kuala Kubu Bharu is to go up the Bukit Kutu hiking trail!
| By Road – By far the easiest since parking is convenient. You could temporarily rent a car via SoCar for a day if you’re visiting KL. Use the North-South Expressway, which will lead you to Rawang if you are coming in from the South, and Tanjung Malim if you are coming from the North. Traveling along the old trunk road to Kuala Kubu Bharu for both exits would be best. Follow the sign boards along the highway. You won’t miss it– the distance should be about 40km from Fraser’s Hill and 60km from Kuala Lumpur. More details below. By Train – Take the Kuala Lumpur’s KTM Komuter. Then, change the trains at Rawang and take the shuttle from Rawang to Tanjung Malim. The bus runs every hour and takes about 25 minutes. |
Do You Need A Hiking Permit For Bukit Kutu Hiking Trail?
Yes, you do. But don’t get discouraged. Seasoned hikers will tell you that some of the best hiking trails often do require a hiking permit.
There are limited spots for the Bukit Kutu hiking permit. The quota is set for only 100 per day and they do tend to fill up quickly. Therefore, please plan in advance and apply early.
The easiest way to obtain the Bukit Kutu hiking permit is to fill up this form online. You can then choose to email it to [email protected]. However, online payment is not yet available, so if approved, you’ll still have to do a walk-in payment over the counter.
Alternatively, you can print three copies of the application form. You can then proceed to submit them and make payment at Pejabat Hutan Daerah Hulu Selangor. The fee is RM5.
What Else Do You Need To Bring?
Do not be fooled by the name “Bukit”. In reality, the Bukit Kutu hiking trail is anything but a mere ‘bukit’.
The Bukit Kutu height is actually 1,053 metres (3,455 ft) above sea level.
The elevation places the Bukit Kutu difficulty at a moderate level. Therefore it is advisable to bring the following:
- Adequate amounts of water. Consider at least 2 litres.
- Snacks, preferably with carbohydrates. You can also pack a meal for lunch.
- Essential hiking equipment (hiking shoes, compass, whistle, first aid kit, etc.)
- Mosquito repellent
- Anything to repel or remove leeches
- Extra clothing for after the hike
Getting to Bukit Kutu hiking trail
Map from: Alltrails
According to Google Maps, Bukit Kutu is located 73.6 km from Ampang Jaya. If you are from this area, it will require a one hour and 10 minutes drive. It can be summarised as below:
- Head to Lebuhraya Bertingkat Ampang – Kuala Lumpur/E12
- Take Route 1, Rawang Bypass/Route 37 and Route 1 to Jalan Ampang Pechah in Rasa
- Continue on Jalan Ampang Pechah. Drive to Route 55
When you arrive at Kuala Kubu Bharu, head directly towards Kampung Pertak. There will be multiple signs which will point you in that direction.
The parking area at Tapak Berkelah Sungai Pertak is the closest to the trailhead of the Bukit Kutu hiking trail. However, during crowded times, you may have to leave your car at the Bukit Kutu Parking which is only slightly further away from the hike spot.
Time To Hike Bukit Kutu!
From the parking area at Tapak Berkelah Sungai Pertak, move along the road above the river site.
For the first hour of the hike, you will cross two small rivers. There is a bridge for the first one and a partially collapsed one for the second. You will have to be careful when crossing the latter.
After that, you will arrive at a trailhead junction. Always remember that the entry towards the Bukit Kutu hiking trail is the one on the right side.
It’s important to know that Bukit Kutu isn’t the only hiking trail here. The left entry will take you to Lata Medang, Lata Makau, and Gunung Rajah which are entirely a whole new trek.
Red caution tape is tied to trees as markers to guide your path. After around one further hour, which involves getting wet while crossing another river, you will arrive at a giant rock wall. This is a common checkpoint which offers amazing scenery.
Keep ascending for around an hour and just before you reach the summit of Bukit Kutu there will be an old chimney. It is said to be a leftover from colonial times. A 10-minute walk behind this chimney is the remnants of an old mansion.
| Fun Fact About Bukit Kutu Did you know that Bukit Kutu used to be a weekend retreat for the British and it was bombed by the Japanese during the war? It was once a colonial hill station called ‘Treacherous Hill’ until usurped by neighbouring Fraser’s Hill in popularity. Today, this colonial hill station was once called the ‘Treacherous Hill’, only left its bungalows’ remains (chimney, fireplace and well) that overlooked the lush valley. |
The Peak of Bukit Kutu
Just around two minutes from the old chimney is the peak of Bukit Kutu. Yes, you’ve finally reached the summit! You are 1,053 metres above sea level.
At the summit, there are a few huge rocks with ladders tied to them. Climb on top of them and you’ll be treated to some glorious panoramic views of the area. There are no ropes to support you, so do take caution not to fall off.
Descending down the Bukit Kutu hiking trail is fairly easy. Additionally, you’ve just been awarded with some magnificent views at the summit. Your morale is already boosted at this point!
The Bukit Kutu hiking trail can serve as your entry point if you want to venture beyond KL.
The location is not too far away and is of moderate difficulty. As mentioned before, you’ll pass a few rivers, a giant rock wall and the remains of an old mansion on your way to the peak.
After you’ve finished the trail, you can even go swimming in the Pertak River.
| For all the recommendations mentioned, I have tried my best to save the listings and bookmarked them under the Kuala Kubu Adventures list in the Google Map here. |
Nearby Attractions
Here are some fun activities you can enjoy after your hike:
- Tapak Berkelah Sungai Pertak for picnic and camping
- Sungai Selangor Dam for picturesque scene
- Kuala Kubu town for local delicacies and food
- Kuan Jin Kok temple for fortune telling service
- Sungai Chiling waterfalls
- Sungai Selangor for white water rafting
| To book for white water rafting, choose either: Oxbold or Xtradventure |
Retreats Near Bukit Kutu Hiking Trail
If you fancy some getaway time with your family and friends, check out these homestays:
- Kuala Kubu Baru Wind Valley Camping Site for an adventurous night in nature with your pets (pet-friendly)
- Cabinstay at KKB
- Rainbow Lifestyle Camping
- Fraser Valley Kuala Kubu Bharu for glamping
- The Sticks for a luxurious overnight stay
- Sarang by the Brook
If It’s A Long Weekend, Drop By Kerling
- Batu Bertenggek waterfalls for a short hike and waterfalls
- Stay at Kerling Happy Farm Home or enjoy campsites: Geng Phicau, Ali River, Duo Camp, Campenture.
- There’s also a nearby hot spring called Kerling Hot Springs.
- Enjoy the holiday bliss with your friends and family at Beacon Resort. Suitable for huge group!
Thank you for the informative post! It was an enjoyable read. I’d love to know more and stay in touch—any chance we could connect?
It feels like you’ve read my mind! You seem to know so much about this topic, as if you wrote the book on it. Adding some visuals could make it even more engaging. Excellent read—I’ll definitely be back!