If you’re looking for an amazing sunrise hike with stunning views, look no further than Broga Hill.
Also known as ‘Bukit Lalang – named after local grass species, this popular hiking spot is located near Broga Town and is known for its panoramic views of the plains. You can see a mixture of oil palm plantations, rubber plantation, rainforest, distant hills, villages, and small towns on a clear day. It’s best to visit at dawn when the mist and sun create an envelope of white carpet- it’s truly surreal.
Due to its accessibility and short walking distance, Broga Hill is hugely popular among locals and tourists alike on weekends.
Location
Broga Hill is located on Selangor and Negeri Sembilan border, 50km from Kuala Lumpur and 33km from Seremban. The hill is located in Semenyih, Selangor but the nearby Broga town is part of Seremban District, Negeri Sembilan.
Getting There
If you are looking to explore a little bit beyond the city limits of Kuala Lumpur, Broga Hill is an excellent option because it’s only about a 40-minute driving distance.
However, there are no public transport options to Broga Hill, so the best way to get there is by car or E-hailing ride. The journey by car is relatively straightforward.
Most hikers park their cars at the private car park at the oil palm estate and hike from there. The car park is about 4km from the University of Nottingham in Semenyih. Look for the entrance on the left across a rabbit park.
Entrance/Admission
However, do note that the land where the car park is located is private property. There is no parking fee but you’ll need to pay a small entrance fee even if you don’t park there. The current fee is RM 1 per person, but this may change in the future.
Update March 2022:
Thanks to the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKJ) efforts, there’s a new entrance and parking area that’s free to use.
The entrance to the trail is located about 500 m from the main road. And while the path is still under construction, MPKJ has erected metal poles and safety ropes along the route. You’ll also find benches, signage, and information boards along the way.
Remember that the trail can be dirty during rainy days, so wear appropriate footwear.
The Hike
Broga Hill is the most popular hiking destination in the area, and for a good reason – it’s a quick and easy hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. No hiking experience is needed.
However, if you’re looking for a more significant challenge, you can hike two other peaks in the area – Gunung Tok Wan and Puncak 18. These hikes take considerably longer than Broga Hill, but they’re well worth the effort.
Broga Hill Peak (375m)
At 375m, Broga hill is not too challenging for regular hikers and fit walkers. You can reach the main peak in about 30-40 minutes, but it may take longer if you’re new to hiking. It all depends on your fitness level.
There are two shorter peaks before the main peak, but the steepest section is only up to the first peak. A gradual ascent follows, with a grassy path leading to the other two high points.
To get to the hike’s starting point faster, park your car near the end. Then walk about 300m to the signboard that marks the beginning of the trail. Just look for the big signboard that says “Selamat Datang Ke Bukit Broga” . You won’t miss the place as there’s a coconut juice and snack stand here on weekends.
To reach the peak, you can take either of two routes. While the old route begins at the opening in the fence to the left of the signboard, the new route goes directly underneath it.
The hike up to the first peak is the steepest, but it’s still nothing too complicated. Most people stop to take a break at the first peak, getting some water and enjoying the view. The panoramic views from the first two peaks are stunning and worth the effort of hiking up.
The third and final peak is the highest point on the trail at 375m, but there’s no view from here as trees and bushes obscure it. Even so, it’s a great sense of achievement to reach the summit.
From here, hikers have two options: continuing further up the hiking trail or returning to the start. Continuing further will take hikers to Gunung Tok Wan (675m) and Puncak 18 (809m), but there are no panoramic views of the valley from these two points.
Instead, hikers will be surrounded by mountainous forests, offering a different experience from Bukit Broga.
If hikers decide to return to the start of the trail, they can reward themselves with refreshing coconut juice. The drink will taste delicious after the hike!
Gunung Tok Wan (675m)
The hill is located approximately 4km from Bukit Broga, and the hike up to the summit takes around 1.5 hours. The trail conditions are dry and mostly straightforward, although a few sections are moderately inclined.
Puncak 18 (809m)
The trail to Puncak 18 is 1.2km long and takes around 45 minutes to hike from Gunung Tok Wan. The path can be slippery if it rains, but it is an easy trail overall.
What to Bring
When planning to hike up Broga Hill, there are a few things you should remember to pack.
First, the hike is relatively short, but it is pretty steep, so make sure to wear shoes with a good grip.
Second, insect repellent is a must – there are lots of mosquitoes in the area.
Third, don’t forget to bring a hat or sunblock; it can get quite hot and exposed at the top of the hill.
Fourth, bring your phone or camera to take pictures – the views are stunning!
Finally, remember to pack some rainproof gear – even if it’s not forecast to rain, it’s always better to be prepared.
Also, try to keep your backpack light; there’s no need to bring too much food or water, as mobile vendors sell drinks and snacks at the foot of the hill during weekends.
Extra Tips
Here are a couple of things to consider when planning your visit to Broga Hill.
First of all, there is a no-pet sign at the entrance, so leave them at home.
Second, the restroom facilities are located near the entrance but are locked after the caretakers leave.
Finally, it is worth noting that the view from the peak is genuinely breathtaking, which is best seen at dawn, so make sure to plan your hike accordingly.
Nearby Attractions and Activities
If you find yourself in Broga, there’s plenty to keep you occupied beyond hiking the hill.
There is a camping ground near the car park, so you can pitch a tent and stay a while.
If you’re feeling more active, you can try traditional archery for a small fee.
And if you want to explore the local area, there are plenty of eco-tourism and agricultural attractions. There are many farms, nurseries, orchards, and fishing ponds to be explored.
Plus, don’t miss the chance to visit the Sak Dato Taoist temple just past Broga town. The temple is tucked away on a hillside, and it boasts a beautiful garden and an impressive view of the valley. It’s also home to the tallest statue of Sun Wukong (Monkey King in Chinese Mythology) in Malaysia.
So whether you’re looking to relax or explore, Broga has something for everyone.
After hiking up and down Broga hill, you’ll be worked up an appetite. Luckily, there are several delicious Chinese restaurants located just behind the temple. These restaurants boast stunning views of the green hills, making for a truly unique dining experience.
Be sure to try their steam fish, which is fresh from the restaurant-owned fish farms. Accompanied by mouth-watering vegetable dishes, it’s the perfect way to end your hike. And before heading home, make sure to grab a hearty meal to replenish your energy levels.
Accommodation
Staying in Kuala Lumpur is the best option. It’s only a 40-minute drive from KL, so you can easily make a half-day trip to Broga Hills.
However, if you’re looking for somewhere to stay near Broga Hills, some options are worth considering. For a quick and easy getaway from the city, Semenyih Ecoventure Resort and Paradise Valley Broga are both excellent choices. If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, there are also several homestays available in the town of Broga.
Emergency Contact
Emergency Response Service (MERS) Dial: 999 or 112 (from a mobile phone)
Kajang Hospital: +603-8736 3333