Tabur Hill East '18

Tabur East

One sunny Sunday morning, Roselyn and I were chilling and talking about what our plans were for the day. We hadn’t planned any hike for that weekend, so we decided to hike Tabur East. I’d gotten into an accident some days before and my car was still in the workshop, so we took a Grab and got there around noon.

We thought Tabur East would be great because it met all the criteria for a spontaneous hike:

Short hike

Easy but not too easy (good practice)

Very near (20 mins drive from where I live)

Great view

Bukit Tabur, also known as Bukit Hangus, is not really a mountain, but part of the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge which can be seen from the MRR2. It is about 500 metres above sea level. I imagine the ridge would look like a bony spine from above, stretching its way across KL. No idea why it’s called Hangus though. Maybe because the afternoon sun can burn you to a crisp at the peak?

Interesting fact abut the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge: it is said to be the largest pure quartz dyke in the world. It’s about 14km in length with a ridge no wider than 200 metres at the largest points, and just a few metres at its narrowest.

Tabur is divided into the West and East side, the latter being the tougher of the two. There are five peaks overall. On one side you get a panoramic view of the KL skyline, and on the north-east side, a view of the vast protected area and reservoirs.

As of March 2014, climbers need to register with the Selangor State Forestry Department (stationed at the head of the trail) and pay RM5 per person.

There was an unfortunate incident a few months ago so the trail head on the East side was closed off. We decided to risk it to get the biz-kit. We’d seen a few other hikers cross the security tape, so we followed them. Better stick with the crowd in case anything happens.

WARNING: just because we did it does not mean we are encouraging you to do the same. We’re crazy and you are a perfectly rational and responsible person. Some guy actually hiked the trail in slippers, he’s crazier. Remember to always move with nature and never challenge it. Take every step with care.

We brought with us a first aid kit, some high-calorie snacks, headlights, and plenty of water.

The weather was beautiful. Clear skies and a soft breeze accompanied us on the hike. The climb is steep, and for some parts you use your hands to climb along the rocks, which can be pretty sharp (use gloves). I noticed the recently-installed metal rungs and safety ropes which were a big help.

Along the trail there are several spots to take photos. The view from these spots is already breathtaking, we were afraid the peak would be an anti-climax. Be very careful when stopping to take photos. It is too easy to lose your balance and fall due to the narrow size of the ridge and loose rocks.

There are a few ‘peaks’ along the way which made it seem like we had reached the top when we hadn’t. Don’t be taken in by the amazing view and your screaming thigh muscles and continue to the actual peak.

We reached the peak expecting to be disappointed, but we weren’t. The view was amazing. In that way, I guess we were disappointed because we weren’t disappointed?

We had a moment of silence for those who had lost their lives along this trail.

Overall, the east trail is about 2km, with the highest point at 357 metres. From the top you can see Tabur Extreme, a trail so extreme it’s called Extreme. It’s not like Greenland which is called Greenland even though it’s not green at all. It’s great practice for those looking to improve their stamina and work their leg muscles.