Bukit Kodiang is challenging to climb but the view from the top is worth all the work. — Photos: AIN SAFURA
If a “cloud carpet” view from the top of a hill is too mainstream for you, then perhaps a panoramic view of green padi fields would entice you more.
This is exactly what you would see when you get to the top of Bukit Kodiang in Kedah.
The Triassic Kodiang Limestone Formation is located 35km north-west of the state capital Alor Setar.
You can spot this isolated carbonate hill from the middle of a field at Kampung Kandis, which is surrounded by padi fields.
Bukit Kodiang is also known as Bukit Mok Cun.
Bukit Kodiang these days is also known as Bukit Mok Cun, thanks to a famous TV series featuring actress Erma Fatima, who played a lovable character named “Mok Cun” from Kodiang. The hill is also becoming popular among avid hikers and adventure seekers looking for some physical challenges.
The best time to hike up this hill is between December and January, when the weather is more forgiving. However, as more people are coming here for the gorgeous view of padi fields, perhaps visiting during the different padi seasons (planting, harvesting etc) would be good too. This way, you get to see the padi fields in different hues – green during growing season and golden yellow just before the farmers begin harvesting.
There’s also a train that runs through the nearby village so if you’re lucky you might be able to capture a shot of that in your picture too.
The trek up the 140m hill is steep and difficult in terms of technicality – most of the trail is at a 75° incline, but there is one part where it hits a 90° incline! This is when you have to climb the “Tangga Merah” or “Tangga Bomba”.
It will generally take between 30 and 45 minutes to get to the top.
However, always go at your own pace and don’t worry too much about being “slower” than other climbers.
For folks who want to take things up a notch, they can try the Dropzone activity, which is similar to a zipline. This activity is safely conducted by licensed professional instructors from Persatuan Sukan
Mendaki Kedah and AWEEN Kembara Team (Facebook: AWEEN Kembara Team), so rest assured that you will be in safe hands.
For safety purposes, it is recommended that you get a guide or experienced hiker to accompany you to Bukit Kodiang. Also, you would need to wear proper hiking or trail shoes for this hike, as the trail conditions are unpredictable.
Getting there
From Kuala Lumpur, the drive to Kampung Kodiang Lama would take about five hours on the North-South Expressway. Head towards Jalan Kampung Telok Tenggiri and then make your way to Kodiang. Google Maps or Waze will take you past rural areas that are surrounded by beautiful padi fields.
You can also take a bus to the Jitra bus station, and then get on a taxi to Bukit Kodiang, which is about 30km away. Alternatively, you can take the train to the Kodiang KTM station and walk through a plantation for about 3km before hitting the hill area.
Bukit Kodiang
Kampung Kandis,
06100 Kodiang, Kedah
