Spread over acres of secondary forest marking the boundary between Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya. Rope bridges with beware of the snakes signs. Snake bridges! What more could you want?! Just like Bukit Kiara hike in Kuala Lumpur, the area of Bukit Gasing Forest Reserve is less one hike and more a maze of routes across a myriad of jungle trails for you to explore at will.
Easy and convenient. Just type in Bukit Gasing Hiking Trail and that will get you to the main entrance. I got off at Taman Jaya station and it was a 25 min walk to the main entrance. And also a parking lot at the Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi entrance to the southeast. Bukit Gasing park is officially open 6am — 7pm, which is fair enough. Nobody wants to wander around the jungle in the dark.
I know, not exactly exotic. I also like to think if I start these green escape hikes in the most boring city-type-place possible like a Starbucks in a mall, it increases the experience of contrast when I get into the jungle. Mall to the jungle in less than an hour. What a whirlwind! I changed at Masjid Jamek and jumped off at Taman Jaya. From there it was a thoroughly pleasant 25min stroll to the Bukit Gasing entrance.
The train ticket was around 3. Super boring photo at the train station. Stick with me, it gets more interesting. I promise. The whole journey from Lalaport Mall to the Bukit Gasing entrance is about an hour.
Grab works great in Kuala Lumpur. Public transport is one of the best ways to get to know a new city. Plus the more leisurely pace feels like a more natural way to start a hiking adventure. It gives you time to think about what lies ahead. It eases you in. At least it usually does. Unless you get a little drama as I did. Sat on the MTR surrounded by locals I was lost in daydreams until my gaze fell on a dragonfly which had found itself in the carriage.
