Klang Gates Quartz Ridge:
Hike Malaysia's Longest Rock Ridge

Klang Gates Quartz Ridge is special for several reasons.

First it stretches for over 22 kilometres, is only 200 metres wide and is made almost purely of quartz. Second it's one of my favourite adventure hikes.

It's a bit of a scramble on a narrow, rocky path that undulates over exposed craggy patches, scrub vegetation and even some forested plateaus.

The ecosystem changes are noticeable if you look at the flora and fauna carefully.

The best part of the hike is observing the city environs from atop the ridge. Great views of the Kuala Lumpur skyline and the reservoir make for nice picnic spots. Walk the trails at a leisurely pace and search the nooks and crannies.

Sit down amongst the brush or watch panoramic vistas for wildlife to catch songbirds flickering nearby and eagles cruising the currents.

Keep alert to ensure safe-footing on thin ledges and to enjoy a one-of-a-kind hiking experience.

Klang Gates Quartz Ridge: A Panoramic View

The ridge offers panoramic views from an assortment of angles. Be sure to bring along your camera or video recorder to capture your journey atop the rock ridge.

Or just find a quiet spot to absorb the morning sunrise.

Klang Gates Quartz Ridge: Trail Starters and Tips

Finding the entry point to the trail is usually the toughest part. There are no signs, just local knowledge. So let me give you some directions first.

• Head for the Taman Melawati exit, which is just after the entrance of Zoo Negara (on your right).
• Go straight until you reach the first roundabout, take a left turn (9 o'clock).
• Come to a second roundabout (Bulatan Mas) and go straight (12 o'clock) till you reach a T junction.
• Take a right turn onto a narrow road hugging the hillside and continue straight.

• Veer right at uphill fork road and follow until you see cars parked along the roadside near Puncak Niaga facility.
• Get out and look for the short cement wall where the trail begins in an old orchard.

The start of the trail - a 20 minute workout - is a rutted gully leading uphill in a hurry. It first cuts through an abandoned orchard until you scamper over bigger rocks to a flattened space that serves as the main meeting point.

This is where the two ridges taper down and you get your first look at the dam. Looking towards the water, hike the left arm of the ridge not the right arm.

Hiking from start to end takes 3 hours. You are exposed to the elements most of the day, that means it's hot. Take all the necessary precautions regarding sunscreen, protective gear, food and water. Most day-trekkers usually hike up the path and come back down quickly the same way.

That's the safest way to go. The exit point is tricky and not well marked. Plus you'll have to double back on the road to your parked car.

In brief, the terrain offers a challenging, enjoyable and exhausting outdoor hike.

Klang Gates Quartz Ridge: Vistas and Viewpoints

There are more choices than just hiking at Klang Gates. Explore the ridge outcrops and find attractive observation points of the horizon to test your photography skills. Early mornings make for nice misty vistas over the dam or shots of Bukit Tabur. Or search for remnants of exposed quartz crystals embedded in broken crevices.

Protected as a wildlife sanctuary back in 1936, Klang Gates is mountain goat (serow) habitat. Today seeing a serow is probably impossible - but keep looking!

In the wooded areas, signs of wild pigs show up as hoof-trampled paths. As for birders, try to spot the Black-necked Tailor Bird or the Banded Bay Cuckoo.

Unfortunately, disturbance from development, fires and agriculture has changed the environment and also threatens some of its 265 plant species.

The popularity of the rugged trail sometimes hinders its safekeeping. So always keep in mind that the quartz ridge is a valued ecosystem to preserve.

Klang Gates Quartz Ridge: General Information

Open to Public:

Everyday From Sunrise to Sunset
(Too dangerous at night or in rainy weather)

• No map available
• Fitness required
• Not suitable for small children; kids require supervision
  
• Please keep trails clean
• Take plenty of water and snack foods
• Take stairway next to Puncak Niaga to refresh in cool streams below