A piece of nature right at our door step

Tired of the hustle bustle city life? Want to get in touch with nature, but too lazy to travel too far?

Welcome to Air Hitam forest reserve.

It is no secret Puchong folks have been trekking the Air Hitam forest reserve trails for some time now. At around 3000 acres, the reserve is a surprise survivor of green lung encompassed by rapidly ongoing  development of Bandar Kinrara, Pusat Bandar Puchong, Equine Park and a few other developments.

Green lung in Puchong surrounded by developments

The Air Hitam forest reserve belongs to the Selangor Forestry Department, leased to University of Putra (UPM) for research purpose. There had been some altercations between hikers and UPM officers who were trying to prevent hikers from entering the forest reserve before, but that matter had been resolved.

Now hikers are free to trek the trails without any worries even though there are still Selangor Forestry Department signs warning hikers to stay away.

The Selangor Forestry Department does not interfere with hiker activities as long as they stay within the trails, without damaging the surrounding, and keeping the forest the way it is.

Warning sign from Selangor Forestry Department

The beginning of the trail is at Jalan Bukit, Pusat Bandar Puchong, not far away from Wawasan Park in Pusat Bandar Puchong.

From BK3, it is only around 5 to 7 km away depending on which road you take.

There are plenty of car park spaces around but don't be surprise it is packed during the weekends, especially in the mornings and evenings, as trekking activity is gaining popularity.

Map from BK3 to the start of trail

From the snap shot of Google earth aerial view below, the beginning of the trail is just right next to a few shop lots. The trail then gradually winding up the hill and slowly disappearing into the lush green forest.

Google earth view of the trail

Trail entrance

Once inside the forest, the hikers can choose to take the trail that goes one loop, which will take about 1 hour or more. Alternatively, the more popular and less strenuous route is just trek up to one of the peaks and turn back, which takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

The trails are just moderately tough (quite similar to Gasing Hill), suitable for people of all ages. Anyone in reasonably good health will have no problem handling the walk.

Part of the trail

Small stream with crystal clear water

Great view of Puchong skyline from the trail

Every morning and evening plenty of nature lovers are enjoying the hiking activities in the forest. It is a great way to do some exercise, meet like-minded people, and enjoy perhaps the last piece of untouched forest in Puchong.

The best thing is, it is only a few minutes drive away from BK 3.

It is a great alternative for BK3 residents who frequently walk up to the BK3 water reservoir in the morning, who are looking for something slightly more challenging.

At the same time getting in touch with nature.

What's next?

With the construction of Ampang LRT line continues, our fight for realignment still hangs in the balance. We have exhausted almost all avenues in our fight, but continue to reach out to the people that can possibly help us to find a solution.

On Tuesday, 4th of July, we finally get another chance.

This time with the help of Dato Yap Pian Hon, we managed to arrange a meeting between Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar, chairman of Suruhanjaya Pengakutan Awan Darat (SPAD), Dato Yap, Prasarana and BK3 protem committee members.

Meeting in SPAD's office

We again presented our case with several proposed options for the realignment of the LRT track. However, Prasarana again citing technical and cost as some of the reasons that are preventing them from further pursuing the possibility of realignment.

In addition, some of technical issues also involve possibilities of restructuring the ramp and highway alignment, which fall under the jurisdiction of JKR. All that will probably involve additional funding as well.

Unfortunately, SPAD mentioned that their hands are tied in our realignment issue. They have no say in anything that involves cost. Unless there is instruction from higher authority, there is really nothing much they can do.

They also mentioned we are probably a little late in highlighting this issue, even though we told them since as far back as in 2009, when the project was announced, we have already voiced our concerned. We then continue to highlight the issue again many times since beginning of 2011, when the project was awarded, non stop until now. Most of our correspondences are copied and hand delivered to SPAD as well.

However, SPAD did mention anything is still possible and ask Prasarana to stop cutting the trees at the green lung until this is officially settled.

One thing we must highlight is Prasarana has already obtained all the necessary approvals from all relevant authorities to construct the track at the green lung. In other words, they have the legal right to go ahead with the tree cuttings and construction of the tracks at our green lung.

As with station no. 5, it is still put on hold at this moment, and we hope it remains so forever. For the convenience of BK3 residents, there is a station no. 4 walking distance away at BK2 that can serve our community equally well.

Meanwhile, we will continue to take our fight to the next level.

Prasarana must try harder to realign track from green lung to median!

This morning BK 3 residents came out in full force, urging Prasarana to try harder in order to move the LRT track away from their green lung area to the median.

No one is against the LRT project, the residents just have a simple request.

The message is loud and clear.

SAVE OUR TREES
NO LRT TRACK NEXT TO OUR HOUSES
NO NOISE POLLUTION
GIVE US BACK THE GREEN BUFFER ZONE
RAISE UP STATION 04 & THE TRACK TO CLEAR THE RAMP
LISTEN TO THE 'RAKYAT'

AND.. PRASARANA MUST TRY HARDER TO COME UP WITH A SOLUTION.

A big "THANK YOU" for all the residents who turned up and showed their support this morning.