Can you go to Gopeng and not get wet? With this Perak adventure tourism town’s #1 attraction being its river and whitewater rafting, I didn’t think so. But turns out you can….
The last time I was in Gopeng it was to go whitewater rafting. Unfortunately our dinghy took a tumble and despite several attempts at rescue, we were swept away by the strong current down a series of rapids before finally deciding to save ourselves and swim to safety. I hadn’t returned to Gopeng since. I didn’t have a reason to. It’s activities are largely centred on its river and I wasn’t about to rush into (or down) that again. And then KL Hiking gave me a reason to return: Bukit Batu Putih.
Not to be confused with Gunung Batu Putih in nearby Tapah, which is a drill sergeant tough with ladder climbs; Bukit Batu Putih in Gopeng, is short, easy and has epic views over the very river I nearly drowned in. (Yeah, I’m being melodramatic…..) Also not to be confused with Bukit Batu Putih in Melaka which is also short, easy and has epic views, but of the Port Dickson coastline.
The trailhead is located in the eco-adventure heart of Gopeng, near the intersection of Jalan Kampung Pintu Padang and Jalan Batu Putih, just a stone’s throw from the entrance to Hoga Gaharu Tea Valley, a 300 acre plantation of organically grown gaharu or agarwood trees.
The trail was clear and well marked, even if I didn’t understand what the zone or distances meant, and though there is one junction, the route is pretty much straight all the way up to the top. It’s also mostly flat with gentle inclines which become more pronounced closer to the summit.
As we had come from Bukit Bangkung in Chemor, we were grateful that the first 15 minutes of our hike was spent in the shade of rubber trees and secondary forest. It was pushing 11.30am when we arrived and it was blazingly hot.
It was after exiting the shade and leaving the drone of insects behind that our first lookout point came. Beyond a cluster of limestones rocks lay a seemingly endless plateau of green punctuated by limestone outcrops, and Sungai Geroh as it twisted and turned through the valley like a mercurial serpent. It was breathtaking.
Back on the trail, a quick scramble over some rocks and we were back in the brush albeit briefly. From below, the sounds of surging water and squeals of delight rushed up to meet us.
On the other side, the next lookout point was even more dramatic. To give you an idea of just how dramatic it was, I was there 15 minutes, both taking photos and waiting for my turn to have my photo taken (cause I don’t do selfies). I had assumed that this was our destination, and it was only when everyone had melted away that it dawned on me that it was because they were making their way to the peak. Yes, the peak, that thing that hikers usually strive for.
Now the group’s stragglers, May (whom I met on a trip to Sungai Lembing) and I forged on to find Alex and a few of the others resting under the shade of a tree.
There were one or two other lookout points on the final push up towards the summit, but nothing compared to what we had seen. Ferns that had previously bordered either side of our exposed trail were now replaced by long sharp grass. And then after a hurried dash, we arrived….
For all that buildup, the peak was pretty anti-climatic. Lacking the charismatic outcrops that punctuated the hillside, this small featureless clearing, used by campers who stayed to watch the sunrise or sunset, enjoyed similar views as the other lookout but traded the drama for the scenery on the other (north side) of the ridge and two nearby peaks. Still, it had to be done. Bukit Batu Putih bagged. Photo to prove it. Now time for durian. And lunch. In that order.
11.40am Enter trailhead
11.50am First lookout point
12nn 2nd lookout point
12.15pm Leave 2nd lookout point
12.20pm Arrive at peak
12.25pm Leave peak
12.55pm Exit trailhead
Altitude The sign at atop Bukit Batu Putih puts the peak at 310 metres but my Garmin 62s registers it as 255 metres. Sorry, guess some hills feel a need to overstate their physical attributes….
Time and distance Around 1.5km and between 20 to 30 minutes up, depending on the frequency and duration of your selfie stops along the way. This place is photogenic so expect to stop and snap often.
Rating Easy. Not steep with a clear trail and minimal obstacles, which makes it suitable for beginners and small children; just be sure to keep a tight rein on them especially as the ridge has a pretty severe drop.
Cost Your RM3 entry covers the cost of trail upkeep by Belia Kampung Pintu Padang and is to be paid opposite the trailhead.
Facilities Free parking for hikers can be found at Jalan Bunga Pakma just after the junction (in photo below) where it intersects with Jalan Kampung Pintu Padang. Toilets are located next to the Bukit Batu Putih sign opposite the trailhead.
Tip Most of the trail is exposed to the elements, so go early and bring sunblock and sufficient water.
GPS coordinates (trailhead) 4.456386, 101.193745
GPS coordinates (parking) 4.456276, 101.193302
For further info, go to http://www.facebook.com/Bukitbatuputihgopeng/. You can get in touch with Belia Kampung Pintu Padang by calling any one of the following persons:
Ady +60 14 245 3055
Akram +60 17 516 3836
Amirul +60 111 642 4413
Post hike treat Even whitewater-phobes like me will wanna dive into the river after. When it’s in season you can also gorge on durian kampung.
POKOK KELAPA 