This huge boulder area is a popular rest area
Going up Bukit Kutu was not one of the easier hikes for me. It was quite a tough climb. The initial 4WD road was okay but as the climb gets steeper, it stayed that way almost all the way to the top. Yup, it was not an easy climb at all.
Personally, having to climb up such a steep terrain within a time limit isn’t really something enjoyable. But because of the group’s safety, time limit was the only way to make sure that everyone had ample time to ascend as well as descend. With the cut off time in place (we were told that by 2pm, everyone MUST descend), the group minimizes the possibility of people struggling down the hill in the darkness of the night. I doubt if many of us brought a minimum kit to last a night there.
I brought my GPS with me and I tracked the entire walk up to the peak of Bukit Kutu. Below is a profile of the climb from the data downloaded from my Garmin.
The Bukit Kutu profile based on my GPS
What can I say. I was huffing and puffing all the way to the top that I probably missed 1001 things along the way.No thanks to my lack of stamina, this is a classic example of how the ‘end destination’ superseded the ‘joy’ factor of the journey. I can only ‘vaguely’ recall the journey being steep climbs, fallen trees, more steep climbs and people (lots of people!)
Somehow, there were at least 60 people (including our group) on Bukit Kutu that day. Some camped at the top and was descending down while others made their way up very early in the morning.
At the top of the Bukit Kutu peak stands a chimney of an old house that was built long time ago. Surrounding area around the chimney is relatively flat land and is a popular place for campers and day hikers.
Flat ground around the old chimney, popular among campers
I got to the peak of Bukit Kutu in one piece (thank God!). A little bit more climb up from the Chimney area looks like the ‘real’ peak. It is marked by yet another one of the familiar yellow metal boards.
The yellow metal sign on the top of big rocks at Bukit Kutu reminds people that the area is a gazetted reserve area
I wonder how the authorities actually enforce this
Crowd is never my thing, so I decided to descend. It’s great to be able to walk down, knowing that I have achieved yet another peak and the next item of the day is food and lots of fluids. I can now give Bukit Kutu a permanent cross off my to do list.
Yo! Irene and I were marshalls on one of nomad’s races and our marshalling spot was on the summit of bkt kutu. but i remember there was a metal trig on the summit… if i remember correctly la. anyway, looks like it was good fun, and a good work out for u! haha…
keep up the good work man. blog’s looking good
I know! The climb was terrible. But I reckon the place is beautiful. Lots of things to see. Bamboos there are great!
Hi,
I plan to hike Bukit Kutu. Is it easy to hike for 1st timer to Bukit Kutu? ie is the trail is easy to follow or they are many hikers during weekend?
Thanks
Keong too ^^
Hi Keong!!
People get lost very often at Kutu (even if they have maps).
The initial part of the trail has many forks because they are access to fruit orchards.
I strongly suggest you go with someone who is really familiar with the place. Or hire a local Orang Asli guide at Kampung Pertak.
The trek is tough for me as I am unfit. The last 1km is all steep terrain. Take it slow, so that you can enjoy the walk and also to avoid getting hurt. The place is not easy for someone with sprained ankle or sort to descend.
Hope the above helps.
Hi, thanks for the GPS elevation report, it’s great and clearly shows how tough the climb must be. Just a comment on the photo of the camp site. Are those rubbish abandoned by campers? I see them all the time where ever I go.
Hi Lih…yes, unfortunately those are rubbish left by people who visits the place. They can be both from campers as well as day trippers I think.
Sigh…it is sad really that people still do not have the basic moral and civic mindedness to keep their environment clean.
Just interested in the guy’s GPS for terrain. Wonder the brand is Oregon 450? I am just contemplating to buy one but would like to get feedback from those using it before I buy. Prefer review from someone using here in Malaysia. Your response is appreciated.
Hi William…I have seen some people using the Oregons. The new models these days are fine really. I am using a 70csx. The csx comes with the extra strong antenna for a stronger lock on the satellites. It is an older model but served me really well. I suppose all the new models come equipped with this ’strong’ antenna.
I just know your blog, very interesting.Congratulation to you Mr Keong.I’m not familiar in English, i think in Bahasa also can..The latest product GPS in market
for Garmin is Montana 600 series and really strong. I own it one and still learn how to maximise the use. I like to joint your group if you don’t mind.I’m a rookie in jungle tracking.