
What we’re about
The Kuala Lumpur Hiking and Trail Running Meetup Group is established with the purpose of finding like minded individuals who enjoy going out for the purpose of getting/staying fit and enjoying nature. This group was not so much about the activity being a social gathering, but about getting some serious exercise on a regular basis.
Although the initial plan was to organise interesting hikes in hilly terrain that will take up to a full day within two hours drive from the centre of Kuala Lumpur, our hikers are now expanding their views. New hiking venues, in other states and even other countries, are now presented and explored.
Meetup KL Hiking is organising events for all levels of hikers, from sheer beginners to experienced trailblazers. It is highly recommended to read the write-up very carefully and to understand the rating of a hike.
The rating system allows you to judge whether or not this hike will be too difficult for you.
Generally I'll do a survey hike before scheduling an event, so I know what to expect for the hikes which are organised. During the hike I focus very much on group dynamics, and it's a rule of thumb that nobody will be left behind. We're all links in the hiking chain and nobody is more or less important than anybody else... For every hike, I will be the last one to leave the venue in order to be sure that everybody made it out safely. Creating an adventurous but most of all a safe hiking experience is my goal.
For every event you will find specific instructions in the write-up. Every event has a MUST READ link to a Knowledge Base. Pay special attention to the topic "What is the procedure for this event...?"
There are some basic elements:
- wear shoes with profile (a pattern on the soles to prevent slipping and gliding); adidas kampung is good to start with...
- wear suitable and comfortable clothing (will get dirty...)
- bring appropriate shoes for river crossings, if any
- carry a proper backpack
- rain gear is recommended
- pack your valuables in plastic bags (mobile phone, camera, etc)
- be prepared for the unexpected (first aid kit, whistle, emergency blanket, headlamp, gps,...) - check the mandatory items listed in the Knowledge Base.
- leave a towel and some dry clothes in the car
- bring something warm to wear at the top if your hike is a climb
- a pair of gloves doesn't weigh that much (thorns, roots, trees, mud)
- if you are comfortable using a walking stick, bring it along
- bring enough snacks (carbohydrates) and drinks; 0.5 litre for each hour hike is normal
- mosquito repellent and leech protection is recommended
- please be responsible and don't litter – be sure not to leave any rubbish along the track
It should not be necessary to highlight certain common sense behaviour, but I do it anyway in order to avoid any misunderstandings:
All participants will respect each other's background, religion, race, complexion, etc and will try their utmost not to offend anyone with their behaviour. This would include bringing alcoholic drinks to the events and taking showers on public roads.
Although English is not the mother tongue for almost all members, I'm sure we all can refrain from using insulting words and expressions.
While hiking, we respect the nature surrounding us, as we are the “intruders”; the jungle doesn't belong to us. We will bring back any drinking bottles/food wrappers we used along the way. In short "Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures". In this philosophy the sweeper will remove the paper markers which we lay for participants to follow.
The Meetup website is publicly accessible. So don't post any phone numbers or e-mail addresses in the comment sections. We only mention mobile phone numbers in the carpooling list, which can only be accessed by the participants of a particular hike. The same goes for the carpooling link. Let's keep it private as we don't want anybody else than our hikers to make alterations to the list, do we...?
This group has no commercial agenda. There will be neither membership fees nor fees to join an event. Entrance, permit or guide fees to enter certain venues will be specified in the write-up of the event will generally be collected in advance and then paid to the respective authorities or organising bodies. Expenses for events that come with a price tag like camping trips, coach travel, hikes abroad, etc. will be shared by the participants for that particular event.
If an event host is asking you to answer some questions during the confirmation process, please do so. And be sure you answer them completely. This will make the pre-organisation of a hike smoother.
Normally, for every event carpooling is recommended. We don't organise carpooling but offer drivers and passengers an online platform where they can meet. On this carpooling platform, passengers have to look for and contact a driver in their neighbourhood to make the necessary arrangements; not the other way around...! Never add yourself as a passenger to a car without prior consent of the driver. Carpooling is by no means taxi service... Carpooling fees are settled directly between driver and passenger.
If you're interested to participate for an event, you click Attend on the event page(s) of your choice. Although every event page contains a link to a Membership Form, only the very first time you participate you have to fill in this form. The reason why we need your personal details are explained in the Knowledge Base for each event.
For most other events it will be sufficient to click Attend, unless specified otherwise. If there are any changes in your particulars, kindly submit the Update Form.
If you have clicked Attend, you make a commitment. Do realise that...! You are expected to show up for the event and to show up on time. We pay attention to hikers who simply don't show up for an event. Serial no show offenders will be removed as a member.
The indicated meet-up time is the time the event effectively starts, not the time you should reach the meet-up place. There will be no waiting for people who are late at the specified meet-up location. If you change your mind about attending, or you are unable to participate, you are expected to change your status to Not Attending before the event, otherwise it will result in a no show on your profile.
Before an event starts, scan the registration QR code at the venue and check-in online once you arrive. Change to your hiking clothes afterwards. Upon finishing the hike, scan the registration QR code at the venue and check-out online.
Although there are no fees, there will be a penalty of RM20 however in the following cases:
- If you join an event and are not a KL Hiking member
- If you didn't submit the Membership Form prior to your first participation
- If you attend an event without being listed as Attendee
- If you don't respect the mandatory cut-off times
- If you don't sign in/sign out on the event day - which is actually done with the QR code.
- If you are flagged as a No Show for three events
You are attending the hikes/runs at your own risk. The event host will try his/her best to assist and guide, but is in no way responsible, liable or accountable for any damage, personal injuries, death, etc. By clicking Attend for an event and/or signing in at the venue and/or making a payment, it is deemed that you have read, agreed and accepted the terms and conditions of the disclaimer which can be found here: Disclaimer
Tentative schedule for 2024
- January 2024: Krabi island (Thailand) - this event was postponed due to Covid-19 in March 2020. Provided we have 20 participants.
- 26/03-31/03/2024 (event is confirmed): Jeju Island (South Korea) - A few Olle trails and Mount Hallasan. Jeju Olle Gil is a long-distance footpath of 425 kilometres long. The trail is divided into 26 stages and we will hike a few of them. Jeju is also famous for its volcanic landscape of craters and cavelike lava tubes. Hallasan Mountain, a dormant volcano, features a crater lake at the 1,950m summit. Day hikes with day packs.
- April 2024: Gunung Rinjani and Gili Island. Provided we have 20 participants.
- April 2024: Pintu Wang Gunung (Perlis) and Gunung Baling (Kedah). Provided we have 20 participants.
- May 2024: Bako and Gunung Santubong and waterfalls (Sarawak). Provided we have 20 participants.
- June 2024: Gunung Trusmadi (Sabah). Provided we have 20 participants.
- Beginning of August 2024: Mount Fuji via Gotemba trail and Hoei crater (Japan). Provided we have 20 participants.
- 03/09-14/09/2024 (event is confirmed): Peaks of the Balkans - A loop of 175 kilometres in Kosovo, Albania and Montenegro. The ancient routes were cut during the cold war when tensions were high between Yugoslavia and Albania. Winding through meadows, mountain peaks, lakes, and woodlands, this is one of the most diverse walking trails in the world. Luggage transfer included.
- 15/09-23/09/2024 (event is confirmed): Lycian Way (Turkey) - The Lycian Way is one of the top 10 longest routes in the world. It consists of a combination of Roman, Seljuk, Ottoman period paths, goat paths and forest roads most of them stretching along the coast. A journey of more than 70 kilometres through history. Luggage transfer included.
- End October 2024: Machhapuchhre Base Camp (Nepal). Provided we have 15 participants.
- Beginning November 2024: Mardi Himal Base Camp (Nepal). Provided we have 15 participants.
Interested...? Kindly let us know by filling in this form.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Khopra Ridge - Khayer Lake - Mulde Peak (Nepal) - Rating: IBP 43-100 - 12D/11NNeeds location$740.00
(NEWBIES) Have you submitted the KLH one-time Membership Form?
If not, do so here.
(REGULARS) Is your info outdated?
If so, submit the Update Form here.DO NOT join this event without reading, understanding and accepting the contents of the Knowledge Base.
This trek is confirmed.
The Khopra Ridge trek is not only an alternative to the Annapurna circuit, it is far less crowded as well. The trek was officially opened about ten years ago but is still little known. It is one of the best off-the-beaten path treks in the Annapurna region which offers the best trek experience to trekkers who want to avoid big crowds.
This trek, along the ridge, brings us through medium to high mountainous areas, ranging between 2600 to 3700 m above sea level.
During the hike you will enjoy spectacular views of some of the highest mountains in the world Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Himchuli, Bhara Shikhar and even Manaslu.
Along the way we pass Mulde Peak, about 700 m higher than the famous Poon Hill, and beats its view from there by leaps and bounds.
A fit hiker would not face any issues with hikes in a 53 and 100 IBP index range.
The hike to Khayer Lake is optional. It will require a full day to reach the lake, situated just below 4700 m above sea level, and to return to the lodge. The IBP rating for this optional hike is a whopping 164. The lake is sacred to the local Magar community. Hindu pilgrims from the valley also walk up to the lake on Janai Purnima festival in July-August. At the Khayer Bharani shrine near the lake, one can see Annapurna I peering over the ridge.
We will spend our last night on the trail in a guest house in Ghorepani and witnessing the sunrise at Poon Hill the next morning will be an add-on bonus.
Arrival in Kathmandu has to be latest on 16/10/2023 and we have arranged for accommodation that night. Our activities will start the next morning with organised transport to Pokhara where we will spend the night before heading towards the Khopra Ridge.
We also spend a night in Pokhara upon return from the trek before returning to Kathmandu.
Physical fitness is MORE than a prerequisite! If you are passionate about hiking, you will be encouraged to stretch your limits and push some boundaries.
This hike is ABSOLUTELY NOT suitable for "beginners" and “less experienced hikers”, so be honest to yourself. So don't confirm for this event if this is the first time that you want to find out what hiking is all about...
This hike IS a challenge. Don't underestimate the difficulty of the hike and don't overestimate yourself...!
IMPORTANT: keep in mind that there is always a chance that we are not allowed to climb the Khopra Ridge due to dangerous conditions (eg heavy rain, landslide, earthquake, health measures...) - we cannot be held responsible for such cancellation.
- Langkawi Island - Gunung Machinchang - Gunung Kuang - Bukit Kilim - IBP 30-76Langkawi International Airport, Langkawi, KE$93.00
(NEWBIES) Have you submitted the KLH one-time Membership Form?
If not, do so here.(REGULARS) Is your info outdated?
If so, submit the Update Form here.DO NOT join this event without reading, understanding and accepting the contents of the Knowledge Base.
IMPORTANT: Limited slots available - We have to limit this event to 20 hikers. We accept bookings on a first pay, first serve basis.
We never hiked with KL Hiking in Langkawi before, so it's time to do so...
We have arranged accommodation in Langkawi for Day 0, so you can book any flight on Thursday 23/11, as long as you arrive before 'bedtime'...
On Friday we will hike Gunung Machinchang via the Seven Wells - IBP 76 and 11 kilometres in total. If the weather is fine, the views from the summit are exceptional. During the descent we will visit the blue pool and the Telaga Tujuh waterfall where you can have a dip in the cold water.
On Saturday we will hike Bukit Kilim near Kampung Batu Gajah. There are several Kilim hills and the hikes consist of a combination of Pinnacles and Tabur climbs.
On Sunday we have two hikes on the programme. Gunung Kuang - IBP 51 - 3 to 4 kilometres in total before noon and Bukit Kechubung - IBP 30, also 3 to 4 kilometres in total in the afternoon.
If all goes according to plan, we should finish the hike latest by 04:00pm. We'll freshen up along the way. If the timing is right for you, you can hop into the van heading for Langkawi airport.
Accommodation is in mixed dorm.
For more details and procedure, scan the QR code or follow this link
- 2024 - Tentative schedule of multiple day eventsNeeds location
Tentative schedule for 2024
- January 2024: Krabi island (Thailand) - this event was postponed due to Covid-19 in March 2020. Provided we have 20 participants.
- 26/03-31/03/2024 (event is confirmed): Jeju Island (South Korea) - A few Olle trails and Mount Hallasan. Jeju Olle Gil is a long-distance footpath of 425 kilometres long. The trail is divided into 26 stages and we will hike a few of them. Jeju is also famous for its volcanic landscape of craters and cavelike lava tubes. Hallasan Mountain, a dormant volcano, features a crater lake at the 1,950m summit. Day hikes with day packs.
- April 2024: Gunung Rinjani and Gili Island. Provided we have 20 participants.
- April 2024: Pintu Wang Gunung (Perlis) and Gunung Baling (Kedah). Provided we have 20 participants.
- May 2024: Bako and Gunung Santubong and waterfalls (Sarawak). Provided we have 20 participants.
- June 2024: Gunung Trusmadi (Sabah). Provided we have 20 participants.
- Beginning of August 2024: Mount Fuji via Gotemba trail and Hoei crater (Japan). Provided we have 20 participants.
- 03/09-14/09/2024 (event is confirmed): Peaks of the Balkans - A loop of 175 kilometres in Kosovo, Albania and Montenegro. The ancient routes were cut during the cold war when tensions were high between Yugoslavia and Albania. Winding through meadows, mountain peaks, lakes, and woodlands, this is one of the most diverse walking trails in the world. Luggage transfer included.
- 15/09-23/09/2024 (event is confirmed): Lycian Way (Turkey) - The Lycian Way is one of the top 10 longest routes in the world. It consists of a combination of Roman, Seljuk, Ottoman period paths, goat paths and forest roads most of them stretching along the coast. A journey of more than 70 kilometres through history. Luggage transfer included.
- End October 2024: Machhapuchhre Base Camp (Nepal). Provided we have 15 participants.
- Beginning November 2024: Mardi Himal Base Camp (Nepal). Provided we have 15 participants.
Interested...? Kindly let us know by filling in this form.
- Lombok 5D/4N - Mount Rinjani (Hard/Very hard?)Lombok International Airport, Kabupaten Lombok Tengah, NU$450.00
Limited slots available
(NEWBIES) Have you submitted the KLH one-time Membership Form?
If not, do so here.(REGULARS) Is your info outdated?
If so, submit the Update Form here.DO NOT join this event without reading, understanding and accepting the contents of the Knowledge Base.
Mount Rinjani is one of the best climbs in the region, and should be in every hiker’s bucket list. Many will want to do it more than once, especially since portions of the trail changed radically after an earthquake in 2018, quite soon after our previous trip.
Our event starts at Lombok airport where we meet our guide, Mountain Jack. We then head to a nearby restaurant for lunch. No need to carbo-load, as we'll get more than enough food during the hike. We'll still have a good buffet though, just to enjoy the local cuisine and get to know each other and our guides. Its a 2hr drive to Sembalun, just nice for a nap, or soak in the local rural scenery. Our homestay is surrounded by fruit orchards and vegetable farms, just nice for an afternoon stroll. Or maybe take a dip in the pool. Either way, Rinjani peak is never out of sight, a constant reminder of what's in store for us the next day.
This hike is suited for those wanting to enjoy a multi-day camping hike, minus a lot of the heavy lifting. Guides and porters will carry the camping equipment, drinking water, food, cooking equipment. They manage your tent, mattress and sleeping bag. They cook fresh meals, with all utensils supplied. Most importantly, they also set up the toilet!
The trail combines a wide range of experience, condition, scenery and weather. The farmland trailhead takes us into rolling hills of grassy savannah, then upwards into alpine and tundra region. Vegetation becomes sparser as we approach our first campsite along the rocky ridge. From here, we can look down onto Sembalun valley, and the next night's lakeside campsite. The temperature will drop quickly as the sun sets beyond the opposite ridge.
The next morning, we start in the dark for the summit. A rocky climb eventually leads us to the infamous (and dreaded) scree slopes. As you slide backwards with each step, your physical fitness will be tested along with your mental perseverance. We hope to summit in time to see the rising sun slowly lighting up the valley below, with Rinjani casting her shadow across Lombok Strait, towards Mount Agong in Bali 100km away.
The final few km to the peak is not easy, so some may choose not to summit. No shame in deciding to have a full night’s sleep instead.
Descending is fun and easily the most enjoyable section. High from the summit, retracing your steps down the scree slopes will be much easier. Go slow, and enjoy the morning sun and crisp air. Or run down the low impact terrain, it'll make you grin like a little kid, then try sliding down the slope on your bum!
After a late breakfast, we head down into the crater. This steep rocky section continues into alpine forest trail, towards Lake Segara Anak. Then wade across a cold stream to the campsite. Catch an afternoon nap, or just relax and rest. You can wash up at a nearby waterfall and hot spring, or try your hand at catching fish for dinner. We'll then dine under the stars, looking up at the hikers on the ridge above - we’ll be fast asleep when they wake up to summit the next day.
The next day starts with a leisurely breakfast before heading down to the Torean village exit point via a new trail, and we'll reach Torean around mid or late afternoon. The van will be waiting for us with our luggage. After a quick wash up it's a long drive to our hotel in Mataram.
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