THE TRAIL
It starts off easy on a natural
trail until you reach the river with a broken bridge. Part of the bridge is
still afloat so you walk on that metal structure. Another river awaits where
you remove your shoes to wade across.
The water is cooling and it
reminds me of childhood trips to waterfalls. Don’t bother folding your hiking
pants up because you’ll find out later that earth will soil them worse than
water will. It goes uphill from here, with tree roots forming stairs and bamboo
plants criss-crossing the trail, which you either go under or above.
The ascent continues until a rock
structure called Batu Tedung where hikers usually take a short rest before
continuing. The structure is said to resemble the head of a cobra but after two
hours of an uphill climb, I am too tired to notice.
SECOND HALF
The air gets colder after the
rock structure and the ascent is more gradual. But with tired feet, it is still
another two hours before we reach the top.
A hike seems never-ending when
you are tired, but hiking is nothing if not to sharpen your mental agility and
resilience to deal with difficulty and see it through. We reach the peak four
hours after we start. There are two rocks near the summit with ladders tied to
them if you want to stand on the highest point. Some people climb up. I didn’t
because I am afraid of climbing such heights.
.
.
Bukit Kutu
Kuala Kubu Baru,
Selangor
HEIGHT: 1,053m
ESTIMATED CALORIE
BURN: 1,500 kCal
DURATION: Four-hour ascent,
three-hour descent (speed varies according to hiker’s endurance level and soil
condition)
RECOMMENDED STARTING TIME: As
soon as the sun rises. Spare time for delays, especially if you are hiking in a
big group. You should reach the river latest by 6pm, before it gets dark.
NECESSITIES: Two liters of water,
First aid kit for cuts and
blisters, small chocolate bars for quick energy, packed lunch, hiking pole,
hiking shoe with good traction, wet wipes.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Difficult for a
beginner, average for a regular hiker. Some people come here every weekend.
Once acquainted with the trails, the ascent and descent will be more manageable.
