Batu Dam Mountain Biking Trails

"Ride One of KL's Best Tracks"

The Batu Dam mountain biking trails traverse all types of terrain. And the rides are good for all kinds of riders, newbies and wannabe pros alike.

The trail first follows the level shoreline road with plenty of muddy trenches and small creeks to splash or spill in.

Set amid forested hills in the background, the canopy-covered road turns to singletrack and rises slowly across bamboo thickets, bigger streams and challenging slopes.

A good test of your singletrack skills, try your best to jump over small logs, glide down slippery descents and muster enough peddle power for hill climbs.

Don't worry if your skills are rusty, you can always dismount and walk. Either way it's a great workout!

My favorite sections are the long, fast descents in jungle habitat. Revving up the heartbeats as the bike builds up speed, rumbles downward, swerves to miss rutted paths, and swings into the next curve before finally bottoming out in slow safety. Wicked Fun!

Take the trails at your own speed and just enjoy the views. For beginners, circle halfway on the lake road and return back. The two main mountain biking trail loops take at least 3 to 4 hours to complete, so take a practice ride before tackling the hill climb routes.

Mountain bike action at Batu Dam can be full-throttle or just a ride in the woods. Take the older kids or take the dog and get some exercise before a cool dip in the river, not the lake. Or gear up for a wild, thrilling bike-thumping romp!

The Batu Dam mountain biking trails traverse all types of terrain. And the rides are good for all kinds of riders, newbies and wannabe pros alike.

Remember ... the reservoir is smooth and clean for drinking water. But the Batu Dam mountain biking trails can be a mess. Tropic storms and heavy monsoon rains play havoc with the jungle, causing lots of broken branches and fallen trunks.

Always keep in mind that delays are normal, not unexpected. So take plenty of water, energy snacks and patience. Early morning rides are better than getting caught in a late afternoon thunder-buster.

Venturing off the lake path means you're on your own with fewer riders to find you if trouble brews. So forego solo treks and make safe decisions based on fitness, time allowances and track and weather conditions.

Kuala Lumpur Mountain Biking Guide

• KL Mountain Biking Trails
• Mountain Biking Tips
• Mountain Biking Safety
• Mountain Bike Video Skills
• Mountain Bike Shops
• Mountain Biking Clubs

Batu Dam Mountain Biking: Loop One

Discover Scenic Slopes and Ulu Yam Yummies

Around The Lake Route - Part 1

• Start on the west side of the dam just above the main parking lot
• Head north towards the forests by staying on left, lake to right
• Follow the shaded dirt road over small creeks, then bends right past a hut with a yapping dog
• Just keep the lake in view to your right, no problem
• Go slightly up slope until path splits, keep to the left bend going up (right path goes down to stream)
• Enter the bamboo thicket and watch for path fork to right
• After the right fork, arrive at a junction and veer left to reach the rocky stream (listen for water)
• Use this cool stopping point to splash and refresh for the uphill battles ahead
• Cross the stream to the orchard, veer right and stay on main path and get ready to burn
• Now the trail gets steeper with lots of roots and branches to thwart your smooth ride
• After a few uphill struggles you'll reach a hot, open patch with a dirt track T-junction
• Catch your breath, drink some fluids and get ready to make a Matrix-type (Red or Blue pill) decision - Right or Left?
• Right = Around The Lake; a moderate series of fun downhill biking and not as fun uphill walking with a tarmac finish
• Left = Back To The Lake; an undulating series of tough scrambles over jungle hills and rutted tracks
• Remember to keep aware of energy levels, time constraints and bad weather lurking

Around The Lake Route - Part 2

• Ahh ... the Right Choice! If you feel twisted, this route goes clockwise around the lake
• Get ready for some downhill biking runaway train action or just use your brakes
• Get prepared for a few lingering hill climbs/walks once the fun of gravity subsides
• After a kilometer or two the trail slides down out of the forest to the back end of the lake
• Go left and head past the Riverstone Eco-resort to reach the tarmac of the Ulu Yam Road
• Turn Right to exit onto Ulu Yam Road and watch out for fast cars
• Follow the blacktop past a small bridge and a few picnic rest stops on the right side.
• Batu Dam is on the right now and drinks and snacks are sold at the second rest stop
• Enjoy Malaysian roadside cuisine as a reward for not getting lost
• Continue on the Ulu Yam Road and try to enter the gate on the right (the chain usually opens)
• Follow the road over the dam back to the starting point or ride the grassy slope to the parking lot
• If the gate is locked, follow the Ulu Yam Road all the way back to the other side ... sorry!
• For those who count, this loop is about 13 kilometers

Batu Dam Mountain Biking: Loop Two

Exploring Tough Terrain and Treefall Thickets

Back To The Lake Route

• Ahh ... the Left Choice! If you feel twisted, this route goes counter-clockwise back to the lake
• If the path is clear, get ready for some gradual climbing for starters
• If the path is blocked by jungle debris, then get the parang/machete out and whack away
• Next is a loooonngg, rattling (with no shocks) descent with plenty of heart attack action
• When you open your eyes a stream should appear, or you may already be in it
• Cross the water and follow the path for another kilometer or two
• Usually a slower go here due to tight spots, log jams and other barriers for riding non-stop
• Another uphill climb rewards you with a steep descent that finishes near a bamboo thicket
• Somehow the loop joins back at the merger point of the previous junction
• Just turn right and go back over some covered ground leading all the way to the dam start point
• For those who survived, this loop is about 12 kilometers

Batu Dam Mountain Biking: General Information

Operation Hours:

Fees and Advice:

• Entry and parking fees - none
• Bring liters of water, a brunch meal and snacks for the long ride
• Bring a change of clothes, a towel and a pair of flip-flops for the ride home
• No restroom or changing facilities available
• Suitable for older children mainly around lakeside perimeter trails
• Leeches in the wet season
• No maps available

Getting There

• Follow Jalan Kuching north towards Batu Caves, veer left at sign for Kuantan and take a 3 o'clock at the roundabout junction
• After the roundabout exit left downhill at Batu Caves and turn immediately left to follow signs for Ulu Yam Road
• After 5 minutes come to a traffic light next to a mosque and turn right onto Ulu Yam Road towards Selangor State Park-Sungai Tua
• Look for signs pointing the way to Batu Dam and pass by both a bus depot and a junction on the right
• Go straight ahead until you enter the parking lot gates just below Batu Dam and ride up to starting point
• Alternatively drive past the parking lot and continue up the hill to park on the shorefront fringes

Batu Dam Mountain Biking Trails ... Ride On!