The Perseids Meteor Shower is expected to be visible across the stretch of the Malaysian skies this Saturday at 12.30am.
However, due to the heavy light pollution in the city centre, the best places to catch the meteor shower is a place which is void of light (or at least close to it). Your best bet would then be hills as it gives you a good vantage point and the fact that you’re higher off the ground helps too.
As the meteor shower is predicted to appear past midnight, it’s advisable to hike earlier and set up a good spot while you wait. A word of caution though, to hike slowly and go in a group, as it may be hard to watch your footing especially in the dark. It’s also advisable to go with an experienced hiker who is familiar with the trail.
Here’s a list of places that you can consider heading to this weekend. Best part is, some of these spots are also known to be ideal stargazing places in Klang Valley so there’s a higher chance of getting a good view of the showers.
1. Bukit Gasing Forest Park
This hill is nestled in the heart of Jalan Gasing, Petaling Jaya. It is a popular hiking spot amongst hiking regulars and it is a fairly simple trail which is a good place for beginners to start. At the end of the hike, there will be a tall tower overlooking the entire Petaling Jaya. The tower is a good spot to wait for the meteor shower as it is at the peak of the hill and there’s a pretty spacious area to rest.
2. Bukit Kiara Park
The Bukit Kiara Park is a scenic place to take a walk in the evening as you prepare for the sighting of the meteor shower. Whilst walking through this trail, you might hear the sound of running water and that’s because a lake actually runs through the area. Beware of the monkeys which some have encountered here in the past. As it is not a hiking trail, it’s also an ideal place to bring younger kids as they can run around in the playground whilst waiting.
3. Puchong Hill
This hill is broken into 2 separate paths and because it has been trekked countless of times before, it is no longer as slippery as before (except for rainy days) and you’ll be able to gain your footing easily. More experienced hikers should be able to reach the peak within fourty minutes. However, with poorer visibility in the evening, it would probably be an hour-long hike. There is a meeting point at the peak of the hill where you can rest on some large rock formations while you wait.
4. Broga Hill
Broga Hill is definitely the word on everyone’s lips when it comes to great hikes in Klang Valley. It’s also one of the more well-known places for night hikes for the purpose of stargazing. It’s a good place for beginners to start too. There are 3 peaks in total and depending on your stamina level, you can choose to wait at any of these peaks which overlooks a great view too.
5. Kota Damansara Community Forest
During the day, the Kota Damansara Community Forest is navigated mostly by hikers and bikers alike. There are 7 trails in total and you can choose the one which best fits your own fitness level. Some of the hikes are only 25 minutes long, making it one of the easier hikes out there. Opt for the Petaling Trail for the easiest trek which will still lead you to a place that is dark enough to observe the meteor showers clearly.
6. Saga Hill
The Saga Hill is also known as the Apek Hill and this is a slightly tougher hike as compared to the rest. This is due to the fact that the ground is often muddy and there are steep inclines in the hike as well. This trek should only be reserved for those who has experience in hiking and not be attempted by beginner hikers, especially during the evening/night. With that being said, the view at the end of the hike (as well as throughout the trek) is pretty rewarding.
Feature Image Credit: CBS News/
