Bukit Senaling Hiking : The showdown of fogs and clouds

We were off to explore the new kid on the block of beginner-level hiking destinations (category: got admission fee,meh?!!): Bukit Senaling, Nogori Sembilan.

We started quite early, aiming to catch a sunrise. We made a stop at PETRONAS Senaling for Fajr prayer, and discovered the place was run down with lots of people. All had the same idea: hiking and trekking Bukit Senaling.

A random guy just knocked on our window and asked where are our friends (we read it as a last-minute offer to join his line up). After that, confusion ensued, with darkness deterred our ability to see the direction to the starting point. Finally, our gogo had to send the local guide to fetch us. Hahaha. The Dark Side wins this time.

What you can learn from our slight mishap: About 2km from PETRONAS please slow down and you shall soon see a bus stop and a small bridge on your right. But do not cross the bridge. Look just a bit further to the front, you can see a path that is parallel to the water stream. So turn right, don’t ever cross the bridge and immediately turn left to drive along the path. You will get to the “parking lot” soon.

Bukit Senaling quickly has climbed up the chart of beginners’ hike, surpassing Broga that has lost its luster. (Thanks to the short-sighted and not-so-SDG-oriented land-owners). The way the community here monetizes manages the hiking experience is quite sustainable. The youth association provide the guides and personnel at the checkpoints as well as continuously monitor the terrain- hopefully they will close the trek for a few weeks in a year, so to reduce the stress on the vegetation and terrain.

The crowd

As like any other mainstream trail, it feels like “lawatan sambil belajar” (the gist: lots of people) The first half of the trail is just passing by crops and palm oil land. Not so much a steep incline. Then the terrain changes gradually to rocky, big gravel trek.

We reached a very wide clearing that offers a nice view of fogs and clouds. Plus, there are pretty flowers in this area. The only tragedy here was that I forgot to charge my drone: it hovered for 2 minutes and gracefully shut down. The bros made this as a point to tease me for the next 2 hours 😅

My Naboo guards who are merry and well, always have something funny to say

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The second half of the trail is about steep ascend through jungle (a bit mossy) and lots and lots of ferns. We hiked along many kids and they were doing great!

Welp: it is a white studio!

We reached the top which actually ridges that lead to the real summit of Senaling. It felt to me like Bukit Tabur, but with more greeneries. Or, if you have been to Kinabalu, remember the 2-3 kilometers after Mersilau starting point? Fogs and clouds were everywhere.

Since it was weekend, and there were like 200 hikers, the ambience was like “Pasar Malam”. We rested to wait for the engulfing fog that to give way to the clouds. Since 3G signal is so strong, like half of us got fixated to our phones, updating our Instagram or Whatapps. It is ironic.

Appreciation mode: I did notice the guides were vigilant in making sure we watch our steps, so kudos!<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

The fogs and clouds started to have a showdown in front of us. In seconds, fogs cleared up and we saw the carpet-like clouds (awan karpet) but before we could even captured it properly, the fog came again. It was like the Nature pulling beautiful pranks on us. But, honest-to-God, it look and feel amazing. And, what not to be grateful for? You are healthy, granted an eye-sight to witness the nature and have an opportunity to enjoy fresh air. Looking at the horizon, I silently pray for a more peaceful world where everyone including those under shelling, in refugee camps or struggling in poverty-stricken communities will get to enjoy this moment for awhile.

Kabhi Foggy

Kabhi Cloud

Talking about the line-up: they are all sporting and constantly cracking up jokes, so thank you for laughs!

Do you know that orange becomes more popular since Trump is President?

For “otais”, this hike would seem to be meh so perhaps you can finish the whole trail quickly and go conquer Gunung Angsi which is like 30 minutes away.

You are welcome😌

So, that’s it folks! Have fun hiking at Bukit Senaling, Negeri Sembilan. As always, continue to be responsible hikers!