Ketumbar Hill (Bukit Ketumbar) is a modest-sized hill of around 300 metres above sea level in the Cheras area of Kuala Lumpur.
The hill is part of a stretch of forest reserve which also includes Bukit Apek and Bukit Saga. Its location catches the breezes which help make the hike more enjoyable.
This is a popular hiking spot for nearby residents, especially in the early mornings, late afternoons and at weekends.
Community-spirited hikers have set up a “Jungle Gym” in a clearing near the top of the hill complete with improvised exercise equipment.
What makes this hike special is that the hill top is also frequented by a family of wild boars who often congregate at the Jungle Gym area.
These normally shy creatures seem to have become accustomed to humans and probably find it easier to scavenge a meal from scraps left behind by people rather than foraging around for edible roots which is their traditional diet.
These boars are wary and alert to people but otherwise go about their normal business of grunting, eating and mating so long as hikers do not provoke them.
They may look passive and cuddly, especially the young boars, but hikers should keep their distance, don’t feed them, avoid sudden moves, do not come between a mother boar and her young, and don’t bring along aggressive dogs for the hike.
Wild boars will normally only attack if they feel cornered or threatened but they are unpredictable and, since they are packed with 100kg or more of solid muscle and teeth, you wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of their aggression.
The hike
The trail begins at the far end of Jalan 6/95b (a dead-end street), just a short walk away from Ketumbar Heights Condominium. Ketumbar by the way, translates as “coriander” although there isn’t any of this herb growing here.
The path starts climbing straight away, initially with steps and later over the usual rough terrain. The path is not very well marked but is easy enough to follow. Ropes have been left in place to assist the climb.
The noise of traffic soon fades to a distant humming and is replaced by the sounds of insects, birds and monkeys thrashing about in the tree tops.
There are a lot of rudimentary exercise equipment here for those seeking a There are a lot of rudimentary exercise equipment here for those seeking a more serious workout.
Some people return back to the start from the Jungle Gym via the same route. This makes the hike shorter but you miss out on the best views if you do not continue the full circuit.
Distance covered
The distance walked is just 2.9 km or 4,946 steps, equivalent to 59 floors climbed. The highest point of Ketumbar Hill is around 300 metres above sea level.
Time taken:
- Start to Jungle Gym: 20 minutes
- Remainder of Circular Route: 40 minutes
- Total 60 minutes.
What to bring
The usual: water, insect repellent, comfortable shoes, hiking pole, mobile phone. Best not to bring any food because you do not want to be surrounded by hungry boars (they have a very good sense of smell but poor eyesight).
Ketumbar Hill
Jalan 6/95b
Taman Cheras Utama
Kuala Lumpur
Parking
There is free parking on the street but it gets busy here as there are many housing blocks nearby.
This article first appeared in malaysia-traveller.com