Bukit Putih

Bukit Putih is located on a short series of low peaks in a small forest reserve off Cheras in Kuala Lumpur. Residents within Cheras and locals who know this place frequent Bukit Putih for a moderately challenging hiking session during the whole week, more so on weekends. Within this area is another popular hill for hiking called Bukit Saga, a short distance away from the peak of Bukit Putih, which can be accessed from Taman Saga in Ampang.

As most of the hikers are middle-aged to senior citizens, Bukit Putih has earned a popular nickname in Chinese - 'Ah Pak San', or Apek Hill, which is slang for old people, the former refering to their white hair in Chinese. Don't be mistaken though, the trails that wind around and on top of the hill do have moderately challenging ascents and descents at some parts, and if you were to traverse all the trails, it could easily take up most of the day. The outer fringes of the hill are made up of mostly of rubber trees but further in, it transcends to old secondary or primary forest. Despite its proximity to urban areas, Bukit Putih has a surprising number of wildlife living here, including birds, squirrels and monkeys.

Banded leaf langurs (Presbytis femoralis), a less common species of primate than the long tailed macaque, can easily be spotted perched among the tree tops while hiking here. Locals that live around the hill and use it for recreation have even formed an organisation dedicated to preserving and maintaining the trails and environment. As such, the trails are well-marked with labels and bands to point you in the correct direction while hiking.

The peak of Bukit Putih itself is a clearing with various crude exercise instruments. Over here, many of the senior hikers will congregate to discuss politics, family matters and all things under the sun. The trails lead to different 'stations' or check points around the hill. One of them even takes you to a small but scenic waterfall located down below following a steep descent.

To get to Bukit Putih, visitors need to follow the roads leading into Taman Cuepacs in Cheras. Ask around for directions and it will eventually lead you to the trail entrance. In previous years, hikers have collided their heads with local residents due to littering and parking problems. So, if you come by car, park your vehicle along the main roads outside the housing area, and then trek in.