Sunday, April 19, 2009

Broga Hill



We first trek Broga Hill in the early 2000's and the trail was not well marked or clear but it was during a hash run that we cross over the Broga Hill top. And at that moment about 60 hashers just stop at the 1st Stop (Broga Hill shapes like the back of a camel) and enjoyed the panaromic scenery, Broga Town below towards East and Semenyih Town towards West. It was windy and everyone sort of just relax. Off course the Broga Town locals and orang asli frequent this place often.

It used to be popular for the locals and orang asli as this place has many wild board hideouts, so they would come out here to hunt or trap them and on the fringe of this hill (secondary forest) many wild boar traps are laid. I have personally come across a few while trekking there. Usually a shallow hole is dug, then a steel snarl or loop trap is laid in the hole and covered (camouflage) with twigs, the steel wire is then tired to a strong bended branch or strong shaft. When bended and once trip or released it has a powerful springing action. Once the wild board steps into the trap it triggers the trap snarling one of its leg. Once in while you might find other kinds of wild animals trapped.

As people are aware of the benefits of exercise especially with nature (i personally don't like to exercise within four walls) Broga Hill has become a popular trek on weekends as seen by the number of cars park from inside the oil palm estate (private land). The owner so far have not complain publicly, good for us. So in return it is hope that every visitor keeps the place clean.

"Take nothing but photographs!. Leave nothing but footsteps!"

There are 2 standard trails, if you a 'first timer' here, come on Sundays (before 6.45am) there will a regular group headed by Mr. Szeto, a middle age chinese trekker. He will be happy to show you the way. Normally he takes the back route going on the right through oil palm estate and then slowly snaking to the top through rubber estate route. For the normally fit this will take about 35 to 45 mins. And at the top along a ridge towards the left another 5 mins and viola! into a open area onto a big boulder to view the left side (Broga Town) and right side (Nottingham University Campus view ). From here onwards there are many view points for photography. The other route is on the left and straight up to Broga Hill view point 1, 2 and 3. This takes about 25 to 35 mins (normally fit). This other route especially if you need to view sunrise the trek should start around 5.30 am and only on clear skies.

After your climb there a few things you can do. Visit the rabbit farm just on the opposite side. Visit Broga Town for local breakfast at the coffee shop. Visit the Broga Rock Temple (Sek Dato). Visit Happy Fruit Land Farm. Well take your pick. Durian season is around May to July. There are many varieties from the numbered one to the Jungle types. Broga Town is a closely knitted community of around 500 families. Life here is what you expect of a small town, practically everyone knows everyone and a nice place to relax.

Click on the play button to view a slide show of Broga Hill






email ykkclow@gmail.com

4 comments:

Gnomon said...

Hi - I was trolling the web as I have a friend in Malaysia and was amazed at the clip with the ballet dancers - they were really good! I studied ballet for many years - Wondered where the dancers were from - and do they perform elsewhere? (I am in the US)

Anonymous said...

Ehr... They are from Kajang and no, not yet performing elsewhere.

Julian Gan said...

Hi YK. Check out my new blog on Banting Town. I've set your link on my page. Regards...

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