Kuala Lumpur Hiking & Trail Running

The Kuala Lumpur Hiking and Trail Running Meetup Group is established with the purpose of finding like minded individuals who enjoy going out for the purpose of getting/staying fit and enjoying nature. This group was not so much about the activity being a social gathering, but about getting some serious exercise on a regular basis.

Although the initial plan was to organise interesting hikes in hilly terrain that will take up to a full day within two hours drive from the centre of Kuala Lumpur, our hikers are now expanding their views. New hiking venues, in other states and even other countries, are now presented and explored.

Meetup KL Hiking is organising events for all levels of hikers, from sheer beginners to experienced trailblazers. It is highly recommended to read the write-up very carefully and to understand the rating of a hike.

The rating system allows you to judge whether or not this hike will be too difficult for you.

Generally I'll do a survey hike before scheduling an event, so I know what to expect for the hikes which are organised. During the hike I focus very much on group dynamics, and it's a rule of thumb that nobody will be left behind. We're all links in the hiking chain and nobody is more or less important than anybody else... For every hike, I will be the last one to leave the venue in order to be sure that everybody made it out safely. Creating an adventurous but most of all a safe hiking experience is my goal.

For every event you will find specific instructions in the write-up. Every event has a MUST READ link to a Knowledge Base. Pay special attention to the topic "What is the procedure for this event...?"

There are some basic elements:

• wear shoes with profile (a pattern on the soles to prevent slipping and gliding); adidas kampung is good to start with...
• wear suitable and comfortable clothing (will get dirty...)
• bring appropriate shoes for river crossings, if any
• carry a proper backpack
• rain gear is recommended
• pack your valuables in plastic bags (mobile phone, camera, etc)
• be prepared for the unexpected (first aid kit, whistle, emergency blanket, headlamp, gps,...) - check the mandatory items listed in the Knowledge Base.
• leave a towel and some dry clothes in the car
• bring something warm to wear at the top if your hike is a climb
• a pair of gloves doesn't weigh that much (thorns, roots, trees, mud)
• if you are comfortable using a walking stick, bring it along
• bring enough snacks (carbohydrates) and drinks; 0.5 litre for each hour hike is normal
• mosquito repellent and leech protection is recommended
• please be responsible and don't litter – be sure not to leave any rubbish along the track

It should not be necessary to highlight certain common sense behaviour, but I do it anyway in order to avoid any misunderstandings:

All participants will respect each other's background, religion, race, complexion, etc and will try their utmost not to offend anyone with their behaviour. This would include bringing alcoholic drinks to the events and taking showers on public roads.

Although English is not the mother tongue for almost all members, I'm sure we all can refrain from using insulting words and expressions.

While hiking, we respect the nature surrounding us, as we are the “intruders”; the jungle doesn't belong to us. We will bring back any drinking bottles/food wrappers we used along the way. In short "Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures". In this philosophy the sweeper will remove the paper markers which we lay for participants to follow.

The Meetup website is publicly accessible. So don't post any phone numbers or e-mail addresses in the comment sections. We only mention mobile phone numbers in the carpooling list, which can only be accessed by the participants of a particular hike. The same goes for the carpooling link. Let's keep it private as we don't want anybody else than our hikers to make alterations to the list, do we...?

This group has no commercial agenda. There will be neither membership fees nor fees to join an event. Entrance, permit or guide fees to enter certain venues will be specified in the write-up of the event will generally be collected in advance and then paid to the respective authorities or organising bodies. Expenses for events that come with a price tag like camping trips, coach travel, hikes abroad, etc. will be shared by the participants for that particular event.

If an event host is asking you to answer some questions during the confirmation process, please do so. And be sure you answer them completely. This will make the pre-organisation of a hike smoother.

Normally, for every event carpooling is recommended. We don't organise carpooling but offer drivers and passengers an online platform where they can meet. On this carpooling platform, passengers have to look for and contact a driver in their neighbourhood to make the necessary arrangements; not the other way around...! Never add yourself as a passenger to a car without prior consent of the driver. Carpooling is by no means taxi service... Carpooling fees are settled directly between driver and passenger.

If you're interested to participate for an event, you click Attend on the event page(s) of your choice. Although every event page contains a link to a Membership Form, only the very first time you participate you have to fill in this form. The reason why we need your personal details are explained in the Knowledge Base for each event.

For most other events it will be sufficient to click Attend, unless specified otherwise. If there are any changes in your particulars, kindly submit the Update Form.

If you have clicked Attend, you make a commitment. Do realise that...! You are expected to show up for the event and to show up on time. We pay attention to hikers who simply don't show up for an event. Serial no show offenders will be removed as a member.

The indicated meet-up time is the time the event effectively starts, not the time you should reach the meet-up place. There will be no waiting for people who are late at the specified meet-up location. If you change your mind about attending, or you are unable to participate, you are expected to change your status to Not Attending before the event, otherwise it will result in a no show on your profile.

Before an event starts, scan the registration QR code at the venue and check-in online once you arrive. Change to your hiking clothes afterwards. Upon finishing the hike, scan the registration QR code at the venue and check-out online.

Although there are no fees, there will be a penalty of RM20 however in the following cases:

• If you join an event and are not a KL Hiking member
• If you didn't submit the Membership Form prior to your first participation
• If you attend an event without being listed as Attendee
• If you don't respect the mandatory cut-off times
• If you don't sign in/sign out on the event day - which is actually done with the QR code.
• If you are flagged as a No Show for three events

You are attending the hikes/runs at your own risk. The event host will try his/her best to assist and guide, but is in no way responsible, liable or accountable for any damage, personal injuries, death, etc. By clicking Attend for an event and/or signing in at the venue and/or making a payment, it is deemed that you have read, agreed and accepted the terms and conditions of the disclaimer which can be found here: Disclaimer