Outdoor fans happy with the reopening of trails and waterfalls in Klang Valley

KLANG Valley folks are glad to finally get back to their favourite hiking trails and waterfalls with the reopening of several permanent forest reserves in Selangor on Saturday (Feb 5).

Hiking and other activities in forest reserves had been off limits to the public due to the monsoon season which made it dangerous for hikers trekking in these areas.

Selangor Forestry Department (JPNS) in a notice said the hiking trails in several forest reserves would be reopened on Feb 5, except Gunung Nuang where the department was carrying out maintenance works.

"All hikers must apply for a permit prior to entering these forest reserves.”

However, eco-parks and amenity forests such as Kota Damansara Forest Eco Park in Petaling Jaya and Bukit Wawasan trail in Puchong, were allowed to continue operating.

At Bukit Apek in Cheras, hiker Cindy Toh, 45, said she was glad to be able to resume her hiking here.

"Although I could’ve gone to other trails such as Bukit Kiara in Kuala Lumpur, I still prefer coming here.

"The trails are challenging but still manageable. Plus it was great to see some of the regular hikers," she said this morning.

Mas Izawati Mohd Salleh, 32, said hiking was her way to de-stressing from work.

"I have a desk job, which means long hours of sitting at the desk. Being outside is the best way to relieve stress."

Some of the forest reserves that have reopened for hiking include Bukit Saga, Bukit Apek, Bukit Broga, Bukit Kembara, Air Terjun Kubang Gajah (also fondly known as Air Terjun Sofea Jane), Bukit Kutu and Air Terjun Lubuk Kawah.