You have probably spotted the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge if you have ever driven along Kuala Lumpur’s Middle Ring Road near Zoo Negara. It is that impressive line of hills rising up abruptly beyond the edge of the city.

Also known as Bukit Tabur, this rare geological feature is said to be the largest pure quartz dyke in the world.

Shaped like a protruding backbone, it measures 14 km in length with its ridge no wider than 200 m, narrowing down to just a few metres in some places.

As far as Malaysia’s mountains go, Bukit Tabur is not particularly high, ranking 291st in the list of Malaysia’s 300 Highest Mountains. All the same, it provides an energetic and challenging hike.

It has been a protected area for decades but Kuala Lumpur’s relentless growth is pushing development right up to the foot of the ridge.

For now it remains an excellent spot for hiking with, on one side, views of the city’s famous skyline in the distance. On the north-east, it overlooks reservoirs serving the city and unbroken forest reserves as far as the eye can see.

How to get to there

From the starting point, the path climbs steeply through woods for about 20 minutes before one emerges onto a clearing near the top of the ridge.

From here, you could walk left or right along the ridge. The left however, is much easier and safer.

The route is quite well defined and the views along the ridge-top are breathtaking. You will also find you’re clambering over crags in places until you reach a sharp pinnacle with a Malaysian flag on top.

From here, you can make our way back to the starting point, with the whole hike lasting about two and a half hours.

This hike is recommended for all outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Besides being an enjoyable day out, it also provides good exercise and is useful practice for anyone planning to take on more challenging hikes or climbs in Malaysia.

This article first appeared in malaysia-traveller.com