Dr Pola Singh strolling along one of Bukit Kiara’s trails (All photos: Zahid Izzani/The Edge)
Twice a week, I lose myself —happily and deliberately — in the verdant embrace of Bukit Kiara.
At 76, I cannot ask for more. I often tell friends that I am wealthy — not because of what I own, but because of the health I enjoy. And much of that wealth, I owe to a hill that sits quietly beside my home.
Bukit Kiara is just a two-minute walk from my house in Taman Tun Dr Ismail in Kuala Lumpur. Over the years, it has become more than a recreational spot; it feels like an extension of my living space, sanctuary and silent companion. While many people my age talk about slowing down, I talk about trails, gradients, bamboo groves and the sheer joy of putting one foot in front of the other — uphill.
Those reading this may envy me, and rightly so. To have a lush green hill in the heart of a bustling city like KL is a privilege few urban dwellers enjoy. Bukit Kiara is not just a hill — it is a living, breathing green lung serving both the capital and Petaling Jaya, freely accessible to all who seek it.
A haven for everyone
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Some may dismiss Bukit Kiara as “not challenging enough”. After all, its highest point is only about 250m. Hardcore mountaineers may scoff. But for anyone seeking a satisfying, regular and deeply rewarding workout, it is close to perfect.
Here, beginners find gentle trails with forgiving inclines. Regular hikers can push themselves on longer routes. The more gung-ho adventurers can test their grit on steep, punishing “killer” trails that even cyclists tend to avoid. From Twin Peaks to the lesser-known jungle paths, the diversity of trails is what gives this refuge its charm and reputation.
In fact, the trail has been voted the second-best hiking trail in Malaysia, a recognition that speaks volumes about both its beauty and the community that cherishes it.
Forty-five years of addiction
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I have been hiking this hill for over 45 years, and yes — I am happily addicted.
Each session, usually between 5km and 10km, takes from 90 minutes to two hours. Somewhere along the way — often after the lungs have protested and the legs complained — a magical “feel-good” sensation emerges. Those who exercise regularly will know exactly what I mean.
Over time, something remarkable happens. You breathe easier. Your stamina improves. Your bones grow stronger. Your balance sharpens. Even that stubborn backache you thought was part of ageing may quietly disappear.
My doctor recently congratulated me and pointed out that my last visit had been 22 months ago — and that I looked good. Hiking, I believe, is one of the simplest and most effective ways to boost one’s immune system.
Why the jungle beats the road
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Unlike walking on tarmac, hiking demands attention. The jungle keeps you mentally present. Uneven ground strengthens the “soul of your feet”, improving balance — especially important for seniors. Fallen trees, muddy patches, rocks, and the occasional wildlife sighting (tortoises, wild fowls and even snakes) keep you alert and alive in the moment.
And then there is the silence.
When I hike alone — something I often do — I enter a world of my own. Surrounded by towering trees and filtered sunlight, my mind becomes unusually active. Ideas flow. Problems untangle themselves. New perspectives emerge. Some of my best writing and clearest thinking have happened while hiking Bukit Kiara.
It is no exaggeration to say this hill has strengthened me — body, mind and soul.
More than exercise
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Hiking is never a race. Time does not matter. The reward is not the destination but the journey itself. Pause when you need to. Observe. Listen.
One must-stop rest point is the bamboo grove along the Twin Peaks trail. Many hikers swear they feel rejuvenated simply by sitting there quietly for a few minutes.
And when you finally reach the top, the panoramic view of the cities reminds you just how precious this green oasis is — surrounded by concrete, yet stubbornly alive.
I am especially encouraged by the growing number of parents hiking with young children. Beyond fitness, it is about bonding, instilling respect for nature and creating memories that screens can never replace.
On the social side, Bukit Kiara has gifted me friendships. Hikers greet one another. Small talk happens naturally. There is a shared, unspoken understanding: we are all here because this place gives us something money cannot buy.
A treasure under threat
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But with popularity comes danger.
Bukit Kiara has long attracted greedy eyes. Developers see commercial potential where we see heritage, health and hope. Of its original 620.8ha, much has already been fragmented. While parts have been gazetted, the fight to fully protect Bukit Kiara is far from over.
This is why I, together with the late Liew Khooi Cheng, co-founded Friends of Bukit Kiara. Our aim was simple: to protect this green lung for our children and their children. Through walks, documentation, writing, and quiet persistence, we continue to advocate for accountability, transparency and full gazettement.
I do not oppose development blindly. But development must never come at the cost of a city’s soul.
Some friends jokingly call me the “Guardian of Bukit Kiara”. I am nothing of the sort — just a man who loves a place deeply and has benefited immeasurably from it.
Bukit Kiara has given me health, clarity, friendships and purpose. In return, all I ask is that we protect it — fiercely and collectively.
So if you are looking for a place to begin hiking, to reclaim your health, or simply to reconnect with yourself, Bukit Kiara awaits. And when you walk its trails, remember: every step is not just exercise — it is an act of stewardship.
This is my life.
This is my hill.
And it is a treasure worth defending.
This article first appeared on Jan 19, 2026 in The Edge Malaysia.
