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Bukit Kutu is moderately challenging and it can take between 3
and 4 hours to trek to the peak.
It's moderately challenging for
two reasons. One, the trek takes one along a trail that is not
well trodden. Because the trail branches off numerous times, it
can be misleading at times. Unless you are familiar with the trail,
you might find yourself tracing your way back or the fork you
last left pretty often. Two, except for a few sections, the trail
is not very steep. Even so, the steep sections do not pose as
daunting a task as the Gunung Nuang's slopes.
THE TREK
Early in the trek, one has to walk across two streams. It may
seem somewhat troublesome if you're wearing hiking boots, but
the cool water in these streams is a pleasant remedy for sore
feet on the way down.
After
the second river crossing, take the path that leads to the left.
It's very much a heavily used 4x4 trail now. As you follow this
trail, there's a path to the right that one needs to use to get
to the peak of Bukit Kutu. This path is not very distinguishable
as this Bukit Kutu trail doesn't seem used. You might miss it
easily.
The
obscure path to the right leads to the peak
After that, the trail takes one to three more streams. These streams
are small, and they won't get you feet wet — you can hop
across one, and you'll be walking on tree branches and bamboo
trunks on the other two. {In 2005, I explored a different junction
in the trek and bypassed all these rivers}
After that, the trail gets steeper
and it leads one through a thick jungle where durians grow. While
some may not fancy it, the strong aroma of durians in the jungle
can be pleasant and even therapeutic. About midway into the trek
one can see one of the most expansive rock face. I was really
awestruck by the sheer size of it the first time I saw it. I'm
still amazed at this wonder each time I've been up there.
Apart
from that the trail is very much like many other tropical trails.
Yet, this trail seems to boast a lot more bamboo plants than other
trails. There are two sections along the trail that will require
one to exercise some form of physical manuevers. One was climbing
over the bamboo plants, the other one has to crawl under a ceiling
of babmboon plants (probably fallen over because of the plants
weight).
At
the top of Bukit Kutu, one will find that what used to be a British
Hill station is now in ruins. Because Bukit Kutu doesn't seem
like a popular spot for trekkers, the cleared landing that can
be a good campsite is now enveloped by thick undergrowth. It is
here that one can collect clear drinking water from one of the
wells dug up since the colonial days. There isn't a good view
here because of the undergrowth. But the rock summit nearby offers
a full 360-degree unobstructed view of the surrounding Kuala Kubu
Bharu area, and the Straits of Malacca Straits (and even Sumatra)
on a clear day.
 View
from the peak
Overall,
the trek makes a pretty good day hike. For an overnight trip,
camping by the river at the foot of the hill for the night and
doing a day-trek up-and-down the hill the next day is an option.
To
Get There:
The
drive from Kuala Lumpur to Fraser’s Hill takes about two
hours. Using the North-South Expressway, take the Rawang exit.
Head north for Kuala Kubu Bahru. Along the way, you will pass
through several small towns — Serendah, Batang Kali and Rasa.
Keep an eye on the many signboards and use them to guide your
way.
From Kuala Kubu Bahru, take the
road that leads to Kuala Lipis/Raub. Along the way, take a right
turn into Kampung Peretak. Drive pass the houses until you come
close to a river. You begin walking from then on. But if you have
a 4x4, you may want to drive further in to the first river crossing
to save some walking time.
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