Happy Chinese New Year 2025, the year of Wood Snake!
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The main path is a steady tarmac road stretching about 2.5 kilometers each way—making it a satisfying 5-kilometer round trip. As you begin, the road quickly reminds you that this is no casual stroll. The elevation climbs rapidly, rising from 98.76 meters at the base to 291 meters at the peak.
The first stretch tests your determination with its steep incline. But once you’ve powered through, the path evens out, offering a more relaxed pace for most of the journey. It’s the kind of trail that balances effort with reward, providing an experience that’s challenging yet comfortably manageable for hikers of all levels.
For those sticking to the tarmac, a good pair of regular running shoes will do just fine. But if the call of adventure tempts you onto the network of nature trails, it’s time to gear up. Proper hiking shoes, 1-2L of water, and a spirit of exploration will make all the difference as you delve deeper into Bukit Dinding.
Whether you’re here for a regular walk or an escape, the hike offers more than just a workout—it’s an invitation to connect with nature, one wall at a time.
As you stroll along the paved road, the whispers of neglect reveal themselves. Overhead, power lines bear the burden of fallen trees. Along the way, the degraded land is etched with scars of many landslides. Here, the road and slopes, though well-trodden by visitors, remain untouched by official care. The zoning of "private land" hangs heavy, leaving this green haven to fend for itself against the forces of time and nature.
Did you know the road you’re walking on and the power lines above were originally constructed to serve the telecommunications towers perched at the hill's summit? On the left side of the Peak lies about 50 acres of land earmarked to become a Permanent Forest Reserve (Hutan Simpan Kekal or HSK). Yet, this designation remains tangled in bureaucracy, leaving the community to contemplate alternatives to safeguard it.
Amid these uncertainties, the community is determined to transform Bukit Dinding into a beloved forest hideout for city dwellers. It now thrives as one of Kuala Lumpur’s most accessible green spaces.
Did you know that some of the most captivating paths on Bukit Dinding were crafted by a local woman with a passion for the outdoors? Known as the Kazumi Trail, this hidden gem began as an unnamed route, gradually gaining popularity as Kazumi documented her trail-building journey on social media.
Starting from the trailhead behind a fish-eye mirror on Jalan 1/27C, Seksyen 5, Wangsa Maju, these trails have become a favorite for adventurous city hikers. It offers a scenic escape with cascading small waterfalls and boulder-climbing spots. There’s even a section sealed off and marked as a snake's nest, adding a touch of intrigue. But don’t be fooled by its city center location—this is a challenging trek with steep elevations that test your endurance and determination.
The Kazumi trails are in two distinct versions: Kazumi Otai (ORANGE) for a rugged challenge and Kazumi Santai (BLUE) for a slightly easier pace. For first-timers, a popular route combination is the ORANGE - RED - BLUE loop — a perfect introduction to the trail network. But the beauty of Bukit Dinding lies in its variety. With a rainbow of trail colors to choose from, you can tailor your hike to your skill level and mood, making every visit a new journey through this urban forest sanctuary.
As you follow the markings, the trail leads to the breathtaking Lookout Setiawangsa Viewpoint, where you can pause to take in stunning views of the longest quartz ridge in the world (search it up!). From there, the path continues through the Bidayuh bridge, eventually guiding you to choose continuing to the peak of Bukit Dinding, or go home.
Before starting your journey, refer to the trail map provided at the top of this page, and prepare yourself for an happy adventure in one of Kuala Lumpur’s most threatened green spaces.
Kazumi, a spirited resident hiker, has left an indelible mark on Bukit Dinding by rediscovering and reviving its hidden trails. The challenging trails were laced with sweat, tears and heartbreak, built during her fierce battle with cancer.
Today, Kazumi channels her energy into promoting Bukit Dinding’s extensive trail network together with Friends of Bukit Dinding. Her passion lies in guiding hikers to discover the real Bukit Dinding.
Distance: 3.2km
Elevation: 100m
Connects: Setiawangsa Viewpoint & The Peak 291m
View: KL City Skyline
Distance: 1.8km
Elevation: 80m
Connects: Setiawangsa Viewpoint & The Peak 291m
Feature: Forest steps
Distance: 0.9km
Elevation: 71m
Connects: Setiawangsa Viewpoint & CP2
Feature: The Bidayuh Bridge
Distance: 1.2km
Elevation: 198m
Connects: Tarmac & the Mini Tahan & CP2
Experience: Ropes & narrow paths
Distance: 7.2km
Elevation: 239m
Connects: Kazumi Trailhead & Purple/ CP2
Experience: A roller coaster ride, the most extreme on Bukit Dinding, practice ground for mountaineering.
At Bukit Dinding, the steep gradients and narrow trails weave a thrilling story of adventure—but also demand respect and caution. To ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone, please practice NO-SHARE TRAILS between hikers and mountain bikers. Here, each group has its own designated paths: Hiking trails for hikers, while MTB trails for mountain bikers.
Why the no-share trails? The dynamics of trail use differ significantly between the two groups. Downhill bikers descend at high speeds driven by gravity, whereas hikers ascend at a much slower pace. This disparity in speed and direction, coupled with the presence of blind spots, significantly increases the risk of collisions. Additionally, the trail surfaces and terrains on Bukit Dinding are uneven and can be very narrow in parts, further escalating the potential for serious injuries in the event of a collision.
For the safety of all trail users, we urge everyone to adhere to the designated paths. When in Bukit Dinding, prioritize safety by following guidelines.
when your legs get tired, run with your heart.
An assembly of strong dedicated runners who routinely engage in night runs on Bukit Dinding and other proximate areas.
The Bukit Dinding night run began in 2017 by community runners from suburbs around the hill. In its early days the aim was to enable workouts during Ramadhan evenings and subsequently it has continues as a weekly routine until now.
This group organizes night runs twice a week. Participation is open to all.
from runners to runners, the challenge that will humble you!
Along with the great support from the running community, the 2017 BD Challenge was launched, marking the beginning of an annual tradition that has continued each year since.
The annual Bukit Dinding Challenge offers a 5KM fun run, along with endurance ultra competitions which includes the grueling 6-hour, 12-hour, and Relay of 3 runners.
Friends of Bukit Dinding is passionate about engaging the community and enhancing activities on the hill.