Name: Bukit Kutu
Location: Kuala Kubu Baru, Selangor
Starting Coordinates: 3.572510N, 101.738128E
Starting Height: 290m above sea level
Bukit Kutu Difficulty: Moderate, good stamina needed for some steep area but comes with a good array of obstacles (which I won’t spoil it here)
Average Completion Time: 6 hours (4 hours uphill and 2 hours downhill)
Bukit Kutu Distance: 6.5km
Things to prepare to Bukit Kutu:
- 1.5L Hydration Bladder (Or alternatively One 1.5L Water bottle and a small 500ml bottle)
- Extra change of t-shirt and pants
- Chocolate and energy bars
- Raincoat (or an emergency blanket)
- Durable hiking bag
- Extra change of socks
- Walking pole (optional) Shopping for outdoor gears? Check out our deals here
Getting to Bukit Kutu (around 90 minutes from KL)
If you are coming via the highway, exit via Bukit Beruntung and head towards Kuala Kubu Baru. Cross ahead of Kuala Kubu Baru and head directly towards Kampung Pertak. After the second bridge, from Kuala Kubu Baru, you will see a sign which points towards Kampung Pertak, where you will take a right turn into Kampung Pertak. From there, go straight until you reach the gravel (small stone and sand) road. The entrance bridge will be up ahead will be the entrance to Bukit Kutu.
Bukit Kutu Parking
You can choose to park near the entrance but please remember to never leave your valuables unattended. If you are lost in Kampung Pertak, do not hesitate to ask the locals for directions. They are very friendly and will be more than happy to guide you to the correct way. Hiking Up The important thing to remember about the route in Bukit Kutu is, do not take any left turn during the first hour of the hike. You will cross two small rivers as well during the first part of the Bukit Kutu hike and a broken bridge as well. Don’t bother trying to not get your shoes wet. It will eventually get wet further in the path. There will be a few checkpoints along the way but if you keep towards the right path during the first hour, you will be on the correct route. There are markers along the Bukit Kutu trail as well in the form of red caution tape tied to trees, so feel free to follow that as well.
There will be a lot of bamboo trees along your path. If you notice unbelievably tall bamboo trees and fallen ones blocking your path, you are on the right track. Just crawl under them.
Along you way, you will come across steep root climbs like the one that you see below. Please watch your step at this point. It is very easy to tumble and injure your legs here.
Two hours into the hike, you will reach one of the common checkpoint of Bukit Kutu hiking trail, the tall stone wall. It’s an amazing spot to take a break and take some really amazing shots. Please refrain from damaging the stone wall and feel free to absorb in the air of magnificence around the area. You are one hour away from the peak at this point.
Keep climbing up from the stony path and you will reach a small hidden route behind the boulder. It’s hard to see from the top but some hikers have left a mark at the route and it is very noticeable. Just follow the marker and keep hiking up. From here onwards, the route is pretty straight forward. Once you reach the chimney, you are almost at the summit. The right path of the chimney leads to the summit boulder and the path behind the chimney leads towards the old ruins. The chimney is said to be a leftover from one of the buildings back in the times. (picture time!)
Be very careful when you are moving around the last boulder. There will be no ropes or anything to support you on your side. Falling from the last boulder will cause unimaginable injury.
Once you get down from the summit of Bukit Kutu, go towards the trail behind the chimney. A 10 minutes walk will lead you to the old ruins where an old mansion used to stand atop of the hill. There is not much left of it but since you are up there, why not give it a visit?
Hiking down the track will take you another 2 hours but please take it slow and refrain yourself from jumping down the ledges. The pressure on your knee from landing will be very damaging in the long run. Once you reach the river at the bottom, it’s time to enjoy yourself with some swimming in the cool freshwater river. All in all, the hike will be a good sweat for the outdoor enthusiast who is looking for a day away from city life. If you have any questions regarding Bukit Kutu hiking trail, please feel free to drop them at the comment section below and I will answer them as soon as I can.
Hi Mike, may I know can I hike Bukit Kutu in this RMCO period? Do we need to apply for a permit ahead? We are planning to go on this Saturday.
Currently Jabatan Perhutanan Hulu Selangor still not giving permission to hike Kutu.
Until further notice
We just came back today. Many ppl hiking now. No restrictions
Did you apply any permit to hike bukit kutu?
Hello, could anyone confirm is govt permit required for kutu hiking this week?
Hello do you need any permit to hike?
Hi there!
Yes you do. 🙂
Regards,
Mike
That a good track 👍🏻
Tomorrow I climbed bukit kutu
30/7/23
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the very informative guide. Going to give it a try tomorrow.
Hi there… just wanna ask you, is it okay for kids to hiking Bkt Kutu as well? and if I’m from Seremban should I spend a nite somewhere near before hiking on the next morning? Thanks so much for your reply.
Kids are fine, make sure you get the permit. You can stay overnight at KKB if you want to. 🙂
– Mike
how to get the permit?
You can apply from Jabatan Perhutanan Selangor 🙂
Hai, may i know if permit can be apply online?
Hi Mike, I would be hiking soon. Would you be able to guide me and my group up please ?
Thank you
Best regards
Tahera
Hey there, sorry but I’m not a guide unfortunately.
Hi mike!
Im going there in a week. So thing is, i have TERRIBLE fear of heights. Is it compulsory to climb up the stairs to the boulders?
HI there!
Nope, it’s not compulsory. 🙂
Mike
Hello mike, it’s oke to hike this Bukit if the person never have experience in hiking?
Hi mike, is’t suitable if I bring one group with 35-40 people to climb up Bukit Kutu? and at the top of this hill, is there any open space for us to do some activity?
Well it wouldn’t be a problem but just make sure u guys dont litter. 😉
-Mike
Nk naik bukit kutu perlukan permit ke sekarang??
Yeaps. Wajib dah. 🙂
– Mike
Hi Mike, how to apply for the permit?
Back when I hiked, we didnt need permit so I’m not really sure but I think Jabatan Perhutanan Selangor should be the one covering it.
– Mike
Hi Mike..
What would be the suitable and correct time to start our hiking..
I think 7am – 8am is a good time. 🙂
– Mike
Just hiked Bukit Kutu last weekend, unfortunately only managed to reach the summit (near the chimney area) as it was raining so we didn’t climb on the rocks as it was deemed too risky. Didn’t even go to the old mansion ruined. Nevertheless, it was a worthwhile hike and am looking forward to complete this in the near future.
Wonderfulll!
I hope my guide helped!
– Mike
Hi Mike, do i need to have a permit in order to hike bukit kutu? Tq
Yes you do! 😀
– Mike
Thanks – I’ve referenced your blog post on my recent trip report, from my hike last year. https://hikingtheworld.blog/2016/06/28/bukit-kutu/
Ah thahnks!
– Mike
Hello mike…my brother is going this weekend…he wants to know..is it safe to park his motorcycle at the parking space? Ader org Jaga vehicle kita tak?
No issues at all. But takde orang jaga. 😀
– MIke
hi i planning to bukit kutu this week friday with friends. is that good time to go on weekdays?
Does bukit kutu has any permit ?
Hye …How much if we want u to guide us at there? and how many people that can go up there? what time for go hiking up there ?
Seriously, you don’t need a guide. 🙂 How was the trip?
– Mike
Great and doable hike, Did it for the first time with a small group on Friday last week. Met two other small groups. Weather was perfect
Yay you did it! Glad you liked it!
– Mike
Very informative post for Bukit Kutu first-timer. I hiked Bukit Kutu with a few close friends over the weekend. It was our first time there. We took about three hours to reach the top and two hours to descend back to our car.
Overall not very tough unless one is a complete couch/desk potato. Good weather helped too. It was partly cloudy and quite windy as we were near the top. Plenty of visitors on weekend morning and plenty of markers along the trail make the hike easier and more enjoyable.
Great view of the dam from the top of hill and as we dipped in the cool refreshing river water on the way down. Thanks for the tips provided in the post above.
Ah glad it helped you my man! And I hope you had enough we-fies up there!
😀
– Mike
Hi Mike ,
Im planning to go there this Sunday with a few friends. One of my friend is quite big size, do you the route and the track is okay for her?
Of course! She will be fine! It’s not of extreme level.
– Mike
Hi mike,
Very interesting article and helpful information on your bukit kutu journey and the reader’s comments as well. Btw, is the route suitable for the children of age 9th and 12th years old? I am planning to bring my 2 boys together with me.
Bring them! Let them explore! I am sure they will love it!
– Mike
Hi. Sorry if I missed out but do we need hiking permit for Bukit Kutu? Thanks
Oops just saw the previous comment after posting. 😀
There’s no need right.
Actually, you need. That is the new rules I heard.
– Mike
Yo mike..nice share bro..been to the waterfalls many times before this,n this weekend we r planning for a hike to the top..going with a goup of 8..n some have experienced b4 to the top..when was ur last hike to bukit kutu?n mike,do we need to get any sorts of permits to hike there??
For bukit kutu, you don’t need any permit. Just go on. My last time was…. last year I think. Been quite a while. Should head there again to stretch my muscle.
– Mike
Thanks mike for the review. Plan to hike bukit kutu with housemate this saturday and we prefer to follow other group. do you know any group that going to hike this weekend?
That’s I’m not really sure but there will be a lot of people there. Just say hi and tag along. Hikers in Malaysia are real friendly guys.
– Mike Chu
Really looking forward to this hike! I’m just waiting for my exams to be over XD. Thank you sir, for sharing this amazing place with us.
Ah no problem! And good luck for your exams! 🙂
– Mike
OMG… this comments section reads like a convention of old women doing everything possible to avoid enjoying themselves and challenging their common sense. As with so much travel the goal is not so much the destination but the journey. If you are going with a large group of people, one might as well be a zombie for what you will learn and what you will gain from the journey. Getting lost is part of the journey and you will learn more by getting lost than you will by mindlessly following a guide.. or the person in front of you in a group of 20. As Nike says… Just Do It !.. Be alert and use your common sense and leave your fears at home. BTW, the ultimate answer to the leech problem….panty hose the sort of heavy duty ones your granny would wear to the mosque. Bullet proof and you can see the varmints if they get too far up your leg. Knee length ones are the best choice. Everyone will laugh at you but you will be the only one not itching yourself crazy all night. For added protection spray your shoes with Mosi-guard, all natural ingredients, expensive, but works like a charm… even after getting wet. The tiger leeches you will have to deal with yourself
Thanks for the comment. Well, I don’t blame some people for wanting to know more and having the fear of getting lost. Not everyone is the same and it’s fine if they ask. It’s better safe than sorry. But thank you as well for the tip.
– Mike
Hi Mike,
Thanks for you experience sharing.
What do you think if I (actually 3 of us) to start hiking in the early morning…let say about 4-5 a.m.
Thinking to see the sunrise on the top.
That would be possible. But make sure you don’t injure yourself in the dark. If you are experienced enough, then go for it!
– Mike
Thank you Mike
Really appreciate it very much..
I am looking forward to hiking there.
You are most welcome! Let me know if you did enjoy the hike!
– Mike
Hey Mike,
I am planning to go Kutu hill on 1/5/16…with frens and family..probably 6of us..
My first time there ,, I would appreciate any good information that will be helpful…
I want to have a fun hike without getting lost…especially getting there and path to follow…
I am from Seremban …friends from KL…
Hey there!
Don’t worry, you won’t get lost if you follow the trails and signs correctly. Printscreen my article and keep it in your phone. Follow along and make sure the picture matches and you will be fine. 🙂 I believe my guide is very clear for a good day of hiking.
– Mike
Hi Mike. Thanks for your excellent guide and write up. I’m actually planning to join a group of hikers to Bukit Kutu some times this month end. However, as I’m really new to hiking, I’m quite worried that I can’t cope with them..I do jog as much as I can maybe 3 times a week
My concerns
– it’s suitable for beginners to hike here ( noticed you’ve answered this earlier, but just want to check again..haha )
– I’m actually afraid of heights, but that shouldn’t stop me from hiking here right? I actually enjoy hiking and all the wonderful natures..
– any tips to get stamina before hiking
Thanks so much in advance. Really enjoy your useful tips and blog
Hey Suraya!
Thanks for getting in touch. Glad you found my write-up helpful.
Well, first of all, if you can’t cope with them, then go at your own pace. It’s hiking, not sprinting. As long as you reach the top, that’s all.
And to address to your concerns:
– Yeap, it is. It’s perfect for beginners.
– Of course not. You are not jumping off the hill, just hiking it. If you are afraid, don’t climb on the stones. 🙂
– Yeap, go walk up the stairs of a tall building and when you start breathing hard, keep walking a while more. When you feel you have reached your limits, go a few more steps then stop. 🙂
– Mike
Can u whatsap me..im really to know about bukit kutu
This my number 012-17853185
Hi Mike, can I check if you have any recommendations for any homestay/hostels near Bukit Kutu? Probably in the Kuala Kubu Baru area. Thanks in advance!
Hey there!
I did a quick google for Hotels in Kuala Kubu Bharu and I found a few decent ones. Maybe you can do the same and check what triggers your fancy. 🙂
– Mike
hi mike
i intend to go there in april
is it okay to go up there with group as big as 100+ people?
Well, it’s a real big group and everything will be delayed. That’s the truth. Plus, it’s hard to control such a big group.
– Mike
Yo Mike,
Happy CNY.
its my 1st time to climb this mt, and i’ll do it on midnight, any advice.?
thanks
Make sure you bring extra battery for your headlights and in fact, bring an extra headlight. Other than that, just watch where you are stepping and you’ll be fine.
– Mike
Hi mike!
Nice write-up. the last peak looks dangerous but so inviting. any tips?
Hi there!
Well, to be honest, it is dangerous. There are no railings to hold you. The surface area is minimal and you really got to watch your steps. Tips wise, if you are afraid of height, don’t. If you are rushy, don’t. If you are unsure, go on all four. That would keep you safe up there.
– Mike
Hi mike,
Just came back fr bkt kutu hiking today. Went there with our 5kids. Very gud hike and we really enjoyed it especially the last dip in the river. Btw, just to say that you hv gud info in here in your blog. We read it togetger with other comments several times before today. Thanks.
Hello Shikin!
How was the peak? Pretty amazing right? Well, I do what I can to provide what I can. I really hope it helped your hike. 🙂
– Mike
Hey, was wondering if it’s okay for all girls(3 of us) hiking to Bukit kutu? Since we are all girls, I’m a bit worried.
It should be fine considering the amount of people there. Just keep a close eye on the signages and always be careful. 🙂
– Mike
Hi Mike,
I’m planning to hike on bkt kutu before CNY with a group of 4. I would like to ask is it possible to get lost if i get to the wrong track? and how and how long it takes to arrive the waterfall? we are planning to camp at the chimney spot so may I have your guidance and advises as this is our first time hiking bukit kutu? Thanks 😀
Best,
Justin.
Hello Justin,
First of all, yes, it is possible to get lost. It’s a forest after all but just be alert, follow my guide and there will be markers along the way as well. If you are planning to camp at the chimney, waterfall would be a very different destination. I’m not really sure about the waterfall though but I know it takes roughly 3 hours to reach the chimney. Drop me an email at [email protected] if you need more information. I’ll be more than happy to assist.
– Mike
Hey Mike…
Is parking safe at the further most place? Do pls let me know..
Tks
Jay
Hey Jay,
I have been there several times and I consider myself lucky. I could say its safe and I could say its not but being Malaysian, just do the wise thing, don’t leave valuables in clear view and park as close as possible to the entrance. Hope it helps.
– Mike
Thanks so much for the useful information! Am gonna give it a try tomorrow!
Sweet! Have fun, be safe and be a responsible hiker!
– Mike
how to apply for the permit?
You gotta do it with Jabatan Perhutanan Selangor if im not mistaken
Very useful. Keep up the good work! ?
Thanks! 😀 Please do share it out to your friends as well!
– Mike
Hi Mike. I just want to ask a question. Is there any fee to hiking at Bukit Kutu?
Hey there!
Nope, there is no fee needed to hike Bukit Kutu. It’s free! Please keep the place clean. There have been people who are littering around the place and personally, without lacing my language, I am going to say that they are really stupid uneducated chumps who shouldn’t be hiking at all.
– Mike
dear Sir,
1st we cross the steel bridge keep right go straight until we meet river crossing, go straight all the way up is there any turning before reaching the summit attack. May I need your advise please. hear from you soon.
thank you.
Regards
Esther
hiker adventure
Hi Mike!
I’m planning to hike end of this year but all alone 🙁 am just a bit worried. Would it be safe if I’m alone? If I go on a weekday, would there be people?
Hey there!
There can be never a right or wrong answer for this question is there? But if you are worried, which means you are not confident. I would suggest getting a partner or two. If not, get a guide. You can contact me if you need a guide.
Weekend will have more people for sure. I would suggest weekend, in case, you get lost. 🙂 I have friends which are guiding and providing transport from KL itself. Let me know if you are itnerested. My email is [email protected]
– Mike
Did not manage to go, try to source for guide service but no available date…Any bros here going in the future, kindly do let me know.
Thanks alot.
Are you alone? I can guide you and your team up if you want. 🙂
Drop me an email: [email protected]
– Mike
Anyone planning to go on 14/12/2015…I am alone in KL and wish to escape from the city for a good hike..
Do let us know if you enjoyed it!
– Mike
Thanks for your offer to assist us on route at bukit kutu.
Definitely will go again to revenge my failure trip.
But the lost part very beautiful route with water fall.
Some friends which is didnt follow my trip asking to there again.
Mind to share ur email address with me.
Thanks
Here we go:
[email protected]
– Mike
Do hikers easily to get lost while walking on the track ?
For Bukit Kutu? Never heard of any cases yet. 🙂
– Mike Chu
I went to Bukit Kutu yesterday and not familiar with route.
I dont come across to ur blog and read ur guide.
I did big mistakes big follow left route route on 1st hour.
Along the way on left side I can see river, walk towards at the end is water fall.
I still keep going further and follow the route.
I thought was on correct track, until I hit very thick jungle and no more track to go.
I was bring few friends also unfamiliar with such area.
We was starting at 10am until 3pm still havent reach to the top. After stop at some place at no where, we decide to make U turn and going back.
On the way go down, we lost the track.
Everyone panicking and worry of lost.
We keep follow the river ans hit big rock and someone’s falling down.
Luckily at last after hit bush, bamboo and sharp thorn we manage to back on track.
Everyone thank to God and feel better.
By that time already 5pm and start raining.
Very hard to walk on slippery surface, few friends keep falling down.
Some start to get injured and walk in pain.
After walking another 2 hour plus we reach to broken bridge.
Big lessons to US yesterday.
I am SO sorry to hear about that. I wish you would have found my blog sooner. It could be confusing especially at the junction. I hope everyone is okay and the injury will heal eventually. Please let me know if you are going again. I will join and lead the team up.
– Mike
Dear Mike chu
i’m planning to go to Bkt Kutu, I and my group also get lost in the jungle cannot reach to the summit. can you assist and join us for my bkt kutu trekking. ok with you.
from esther sometimes early January 2016 prepare for coming hiking trip to INdo 2016 later.
hear from you.
Thank you.
Esther
Hello Esther!
Sent you an email. We can talk from there. 🙂
– Mike
hai mike, i plan to go there tomorrow. tryin to be a solo hiking. any advise pls?
Becareful and enjoy yourself. 🙂
– Mike
hey mike, do you recommend to hike bukit kutu on rainy days?
Funny thing is, I just came back from Kutu last weekend and during the descent, it was raining heavily! If you want a direct answer, I would say no. It gets very slippery, very dark and the current of the two river that you would be crossing gets really strong. We had to hold hands to cross to make sure everyone is okay. So, no. Pick a better day. Besides, you want the view at the top. Rainy days = no view. 🙂
Hope that helps.
– Mike
Hi Mike, i plan to get sunrise at Bukit Kutu tomorrow. What is the earliest time we can hike? Thanks Mike.
To be on the safe side, I would suggest for you to start hiking by 3am if you are fast. Make sure you bring your headlight or torchlight. Night hike is for experienced people, so please please be careful. Alternatively, you can stay a night up there and wait for the sunrise. The campsite there is nice and there is water in the well (perigi).
– Mike
Thanks Mike
Hi, I remember last time I went there theres a waterfall right?
Yes but that is on another route. The waterfall takes on the left side at the beginning of the route. Perfect place for a weekend retreat if you ask me.
– Mike
I am planning to hike here next week. Just a group of 2-3. Looks nice!!! Was it crowded when you trekked there?
Awesome!I’m sure you will have a jolly good time! No, it wasn’t crowded at all. There was about 15 people on the top but that’s a fairly small amount actually.
– Mike
I’m planning to hike Bukit Kutu someday. I’m just a beginner and my stamina is not really good. My weight is 90kg with 170cm tall, is it possible to reach the summit within 4 hours?
Yes, I trust you can. In fact, I have a day hike there on November. If you are interested to join me, let me know.
– Mike
Thanks for the info! Me and a small group of girls gonna climb kutu this weekend and i hope everything’s gonna be just fine. Gotta take your tips for guidance tho!
Most welcome! Trust me, you will enjoy it for sure! 😀 Remember to keep the place clean.
– Mike
Hello there Mike! Very helpful article! Thank you.
Would like to ask, do hikers need to report/register to the local authorities befor going up?
Hello there!
Thank you for reading our guide! I’m glad we could be of help.
Reporting to the local authorities is optional but we would recommend it since it doesn’t take too much of your time. Optionally, please always remember to tell your family and friends on your hiking dates and time. That way, they would know if something goes wrong and finding you would be easier. That is to ensure that you are well prepared for unpredictables.
– Mike
Hi, im gonna hike bukit kutu tomorrow, this will be my first time hiking at bukit kutu, since i dont have anyone experience with me go along to hike at bukit kutu so is it possible when i go there tomorrow i can meet up other hikers also at there and follow them? is it always got ppl hiking during weekend?
Hey there! There will be a lot of people to join during the weekend so be friendly and tag along! Hikers are a friendly bunch and they always welcome new friends. 🙂 Have fun tomorrow! You will like it!
– Mike
Hi Mike!
Just like to ask if there are any toilets or campsite nearby?
The nearest toilet that I remember is at the entrance of the Orang Asli Settlement where if I am not mistaken, there is a public toilet there and a small grocery store operated by the community there as well. You can camp at the foot near the streams or at the top near the chimney.
– Mike
hi mike! going up and down..is it the same path?
Hey there!
Yes, it will be the same exact path. Don’t worry. Familiarity will be there.
– Mike
Hey Mike,
What time did you start and finish?
We started around 9am and we took our own sweet time with the hike. We reached our car at around 3.30pm.
Don’t rush it. 🙂
– Mike
hye mike..
I Will be heading there tomorrow,
thanks for your info 🙂
Heya! Have fun! I’m glad my information did help you!
– Mike
hai, can i ask the maximum of person that able to climb this place? thank you
Hello! Do you mean what is the essential number of people in a group? Well, I have seen groups as big as 20 people going up, so it depends on how fast you want to go.
– Mike
Hi, is this place bukit kutu suitable for beginners? Especially ladies?
Oh yes, of course. Just take it slow and you will do just fine. 🙂
Please feel free to ask if you need any further guidance.
– Mike
If ill go for two. Got a lot of people hiking on saturday ? Im just afraid if both of us. Hehehe
There will be people, don’t worry. It’s not super crowded, but there will be people.
– Mike
Hello there Mike! Really nice post here. Part of me wants to follow this guide DIY but a part of me (the paranoid part) also wants to hire a guide. Do you happen to know a guide? We’re foreigners and I think it would be better to have a guide.
Hello there Mary! Oh yea I would totally understand and of course, having a guide would be a smart choice. I have someone close to me which I can totally recommend on guiding you up. Drop me an email and I’ll send over the contact personally. Here we go: [email protected]
– Mike Chu
Hi Mike, I’m intending to hike there as well but with a guide. Can I also email you to get the guide’s contact details please? Thank you.
Regards,
Tahera
Hi Mike, would there be signs or directions along the track all the way to the top so hikers won’t get lost?
Heya Farhana!
There won’t be proper signs but there are some signs sprayed on the stone when you are reaching the top. You will see it, a good example would be CP8 (Checkpoint 8). You won’t get lost in the trail as long as you follow my guide and remember, always walk the path with no grass. That is the path commonly used and would be the correct route. 🙂 Please feel free to ask if you need any further info.
– Mike
Hi, do we need to prepare for leeches there? Will be heading there this Saturday, great guide!
Hey there! Nope, do not worry about leeches. During our hike, there was no leech at all. But just in case, minyak angin cap kapak wouldn’t be too heavy. Keep one in your bag. 🙂
Are you going in a group?
-Mike
hi, yeah a group of 6-7. Will be using your article as a guide. thanks 🙂
It’ll be fun! Please feel free to share your pictures with us!
– Mike