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
Upcoming events
10
KL Ancient City Heritage Walk (1857-2026) Botanical Park-Royal Selangor Club!
Royal Selangor Club, Jalan Raja, Kuala Lumpur, MYKL Ancient City Heritage Walkabout (1857-2026) Botanical Rainforests-Royal Club!
Meet at the ABOVE coordinates SHARP 7: 30AM.
Distance 12 KM small hillocks & mostly undulating terrains, NO CLIMBS, Rain Forests with 4,000 Trees & a Botanic Park since 1890's!
Suitable for All Levels & above 10 years old Kids.
NO littering, plucking Plants, damaging anything at all only walk, take pictures, bring your own mobiles or camera. Be prepared for a 3-4 hours FULL mild Walkabout-Tons of Picture Taking Places/Opportunities.
ESSENTIALS:
- MINIMUM 1 Liter Water.
- Dry Fit Wear & SUN Hats/ Glasses
3)Walking or Hiking Shoes/Sandals
- Walking Stick if Required
- Whistle
- Mobile Phone
- A healthy smiling attitude!- don't have?- you will Finish with one!
Walkabout History Since 1857
The founding of KL was almost an accident. In 1857, 87 Chinese prospectors in search of tin landed at the meeting point of the Klang and Gombak rivers and set up camp, naming the spot Kuala Lumpur, meaning ‘muddy confluence’.
KL botanical gardens, 160 acres was opened 13 May 1889, by Sir Frank Swettenham, 1st Resident Governor General of Federated Malay States
Now it's 3 to 4 times the size of Gasing, includes the Tugu, Bird, Butterfly & other Parks
Large variety of trees & plants from all over the world is still thriving now, some unique ones are Mahogany & Brazil Nut trees from the Amazon, 140 years old now & which lives up to a 1,000 years!
Our Route Takes about 1.5 Hour of walking, However Picture Taking & Breaks makes takes 3 Hours
Our KL Heritage Hikes commences at the founding grounds, parks, sportings arena & buildings of the colonial masters, the British, since 1881.
- Selangor Club 1884
- Railways 1886
- Govt Printers 1890
- Anglican Church 1894
- Govt Buildings 1895
- Courthouses 1896
- Theatre 1900's
- 1st Hotel 1910
- Armory & Gurdwaras
- National Monument
- Parliament
- KL Botanical Park 1889
- Carcosa-Govt Generals Residence 1885-View
- Birds Eye of Brickfields
- Exotic Trees, Brazil Nut, Mahogany, Tembusu, Pulai, Eucalyptus, Baobab, African Sausage, Upside Down Bottle Tree
- Tun Razak Memorial
- Victoria Fountain 1890
- Chartered Bank 1857
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, I acknowledge I have read, agreed and accepted the terms and conditions of this disclaimer.
4 attendees
Everest Base Camp, 15 Days, 3 Flights, Hotels, Porters, Hotels, Meals RM6,800
Location not specified yetEBC Group Chat
Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary: 11th - 26 October 2025
That is a detailed and well-structured 15-day itinerary for an Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek starting by road to Salleri/Kharikhola and flying back from Lukla. This route offers a good balance of road travel and trekking, allowing for gradual acclimatization and an efficient return journey.
Here are some details and general advice regarding this itinerary:
Itinerary Details and Comments- Day 2: Long Drive The drive to Kharikhola is a long and challenging day on mountainous roads. Be prepared for a rough but scenic journey. Starting the trek further down the Solukhumbu region helps with acclimatization by avoiding the immediate high altitude gain of flying directly into Lukla.
- Day 3: Short Trek Day The drive ends at Surke, and the trek to Phakding is relatively short, which is a gentle way to start walking after the long drive.
- Acclimatization (Days 4-7): The itinerary incorporates standard acclimatization practices, including a rest day in Dingboche with an acclimatization hike. This is crucial for safely reaching higher altitudes.
- EBC & Kala Patthar (Days 9-10): The plan effectively covers EBC in the afternoon/evening and the sunrise view from Kala Patthar the next morning before descending. This is the classic approach.
- Return Journey (Days 11-12): Trekking from Pheriche to Namche and then to Lukla are long descent days. Ensure you have comfortable gear as the downhill trek can be hard on the knees. The flight from Lukla to Kathmandu is a short but spectacular experience.
- Flexibility: Having Day 14 as a free day in Kathmandu (or a buffer day) is highly recommended. Flights from Lukla are heavily weather-dependent and frequently delayed or canceled. This buffer day prevents stress if your flight is postponed.
Cost Includes
Cost Includes ● International Flight Ticket KUL-KATH-KUL and 35 Kg Luggage ● Airport Pickup and Drop in private vehicle ● 4 x Night’s hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on Bed & Breakfast Plan ● Teahouse accommodation during the trek ● Three meals a day during the trek ● In case, if needed Kathmandu to Manthali to Kathmandu transport ● 2 Trekkers :1 Porter including insurance, transportation, food and accommodation ● English Speaking Trekking Guide with Insurance, Transportation, Food and Accommodation ● All Trekking Permits ● All Government and Local taxes Cost Excludes ● Meals in Kathmandu & Nepal Visa Fees ● Extra night accommodation in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the trek (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary ● Personal expenses (Phone calls, Laundry, Battery Recharge, Shower, and Tea / Coffee) ● Other costs not mentioned in 'Cost Includes' section ● Travel and Rescue Insurance ● Tips for Guides, Porters, and Drivers![img]()
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Past events
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