A friend wanted to hike & invited my partner & I to join her. She was not there when we arrived at 7:20 am. We could not find a proper parking space & had to join others who had double parked. The queue to the entrance was extremely long. We registered, took our temperature & continued waiting for our friend who arrived an hour later.
It was all the way up at the beginning of the hike. I was huffing & puffing as it was a little steep but the trail gradually became easier. I was told there were 9 erected trails which totalled some 14 km. These trails had been carefully constructed by volunteers & Temuan Orang Asli in close consultation with the Selangor Forestry Department.
We took the Denai Tiga Puteri trail that would lead us to the highest point of the forest reserve. At the top, the view was of the northbound & southbound traffic along the NKVE stretch with the Kota Damansara township & greenery in the background. Along this trail, we had stopped for a photo session at 1 particular huge tree which was rumoured to be more than 100 years old.
There were also wooden directional signages nailed to trees so that we won’t lose our way. We also saw some bikers going into other trails. Some hikers were on our same path training for their trail runs. Others brought their children that would put many adults to shame. At some steep areas, there were ropes to help us climb up.
Those unfamiliar with the trails can get the assistance of a Temuan guide by completing a booking form on MyChangkul’s online platform. Another option is to download the free Komoot app which works like Waze. You will be able to see the trail network & navigate yourself.
The Kota Damansara forest reserve has an area of 320 hectares. It is here to stay due to the relentless pursuits of individuals, organisations & societies championing for its continued existence. Malaysian Nature Society has been tirelessly defending for its conservation til it bore fruition with it being gazetted in 2010 as a forest reserve.
You can also contribute by being a member of KDCF Society. Membership is RM10 per year. However, you have the option to pay a RM100 for a Lifetime Membership. The membership fee goes to the maintenance of forest trails & keeping a strong number of membership. Showing a growing number of members might deter those who have ill intentions.
We would definitely come back to explore the other 8 trails & to connect with like-minded people of all ages, races & beliefs.