HAPPY Hikers Kuala Lumpur

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About us

**https://www.meetup.com/happy-hikers-kuala-lumpur/**
Go Take a Hike! — My Journey With Happy Hikers Kuala Lumpur
By Ganesan S. Pillay – Founder & Lead Hike Captain
I grew up in the beautiful wooded hills of Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur. Thirty-five years later, life brought me back to the forest again — this time beside the lush 160-acre Gasing Hills. Gasing Hills has always been a beginner-friendly hiking haven, and I spent countless weekends on its trails with my two children. They grew up with wildlife, greenery, and the scent of the forest floor, just as I did. My Historical Heritage Hike of KL remains my most personal journey and our most popular free hike.
Fourteen years ago, as I searched for a healthy hobby for my quasi-retirement years, I began hiking every weekend. Hiking alone was dull, so I formed a small group called “Happy Hikers.” A handful of outdoor-loving friends joined me. We started with simple loops in Gasing Hills. The little group grew, and today we stand at 3,000 hikers strong.
Soon, our adventurous bunch — Malaysians and international friends — wanted more than the familiar trails of the Klang Valley. We ventured further, climbing dozens of local mountains: Nuang, Datuk, Tabur, Pine Tree, Ledang, Rajah, Bunga Buah, Kinabalu, Repin, Kutu, Galla, Irau, Berembun, Hitam, Raka, Brinchang, Jasar, Broga, and many more — not once, but repeatedly over 14 years.
Hiking became a family affair. My supportive (now ex) wife joined many adventures and even summitted Mount Kilimanjaro on her 55th birthday. I myself led 45 climbers up Mount Hallasan in Jeju on my 60th birthday. My children, now in their 30s, are strong hikers too.
Happy Hikers has completed more than 1,500 adventures, including:

Mt Pulag (Manila) – thrice
Mt Kinabalu – many times- Barefooted
Gunung Agung, Bali
Gunung Rinjani – five times-Barefooted
Pangkuban Perahu – twice
Doi Pui & Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai – twice
Mt Fansipan, Vietnam
Mt Fuji, Japan – eight times-Barefooted
Mt Homan & Mt Takao – about a dozen times
Mt Apo, Philippines
Shivapuri, Nepal
Hampta Pass, India – thrice
Tibet–Kailash
Pulchowki
Annapurna Base Camp – seven times-Going for the 8th Barefooted
Everest Base Camp – six times (going for the 7th!)
Kilimanjaro-2 Times, Barefooted till 5,000 Meters

I’ve also hiked across Europe, and even past 6,000 meters. Now, at “67 years old”, I’m aiming for peaks above 7,200 meters. Never in my youth did I imagine attempting these feats at retirement age.
Hiking has built confidence, resilience, and mental clarity — for me and for my members. Our hikers have grown fitter, healthier, and more self-assured. We’ve overcome personal challenges, built lifelong friendships, and developed powerful habits of wellness and gratitude.
We hike on Saturdays and Sundays, usually for 3 hours. Twice a month we climb a major local mountain, and every month we go overseas. Morning hikes are our favourite — the mind is fresh, the body is rested, and motivation is highest.
What do I personally gain?
Better sleep. Less stress. Stronger muscles. Improved immunity. Lower LDL, higher HDL. Vanished back pain. Sharper thinking. A healthier heart. Even better sexual health. Hiking is nature’s most underrated miracle drug.
The only pain I feel is the heartbreak of seeing forests destroyed for development and timber. I wonder if future generations will ever experience the beauty we now have. That is why Happy Hikers has organized seven annual jungle clean-ups — with the eighth coming soon.
Happy Hikers eventually grew into an enterprise and is now owns Lifetime Adventures Holidays Sdn Bhd, a licensed travel agency — turning passion into purpose.
As we all age, my message is simple: embrace the great outdoors. It’s free. It heals. It strengthens. It energizes. Whether on a hill, mountain, or forest trail, nature transforms us. Every hike adds years to our life — and joy to your existance!.
So…
Go take a hike!
Ganesan S. Pillay
Founder & Lead Hike Captain
Happy Hikers Kuala Lumpur
019-228 6666 | 012-203 8889

https://www.facebook.com/groups/RSCHHHH/

Featured event

Bukit Kiara Adventure, Moderate-Strenuous & Optional Lunch at Royal Selangor

Sun, Apr 19 · 7:30 AM MYT

Royal Selangor Club Kiara Sports Annexe, Jalan Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, Wi, MY

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Kiara Hike

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A) Bring Enough water to drink 1 liters.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY

Distance to Cover 12KM Height & Elevation 600 Meters

Time taken, 3.5 Hours

Difficulty Levels, Moderate to Slightly Strenuous

Do RSVP, at meetup so we can LIMIT numbers.

For hiking enthusiasts, Bukit Kiara (BK) may not seem to be a good choice to trek up as the highest point is only 250m. But for those who hike up on a regular basis, the rewards can be immense and immeasurable. The diversity of trails there has attracted a big following for being an excellent hiking site. There are several trails up BK, formerly a rubber estate. There are easy trails with gentle inclines, such as the popular Twin Peaks trail; not-so easy ones; and finally the challenging trails that involve steep inclines which cyclists shy away from. Firstly, the hike gives one a super workout and an adrenaline rush. After hiking for about 5km to 10km, which can take about 1.5 to 2 hours, an indescribable “feel good” sensation emerges which money just cannot buy. Those who have had good workouts will know exactly what I mean. As you huff and puff up the hills, your stamina starts to improve and you breathe more easily. If you do it regularly, over time, you will see and experience the benefits to your health and overall well-being. Your bones get stronger and your mind, sharp; the backache that you have been suffering for so long just disappears! Be mindful that a hike is never a race or any sort of competition. Time is not of the essence. It is not the destination but the hike to reach the top while immersing yourself in natural surroundings. Take a break if you have to, and observe the greenery and the flora and fauna.

ESSENTIALS:

1 0r 2 Liters Water, Snacks/ Bites etc
HEAD-light/Torchlight
Proper Hiking Shoes, NO Adidas Kampung
Walking Stick if Required
Whistle
Mobile Phone
A healthy smiling attitude!- don't have?- you will Finish with one! Cheers!!!

Everyone taking part in the Group activities does so at their own risk. We do not employ qualified guides, leaders or first aiders on some of our events. The group works on the same basis of being a group of friends who go out walking together, who invite others to join them on this basis via Meetup Website.

I am attending the Events/Hikes/Tours at my own risk. I understand that the organizer, co-organizer and/or event hosts will try their best to assist and guide, but are no way responsible, liable or accountable for loss, damage, personal injury, death etc. By clicking the RSVP button & having paid, I acknowledge I have read, agreed and accepted the terms and conditions of this disclaimer.