My friend and I actually planned to hike at KL East Park almost a year ago. But life happened—she got busy with her studies, our schedules never matched, and the plan quietly sat in our chat archive. Until recently… we finally made it happen!
And honestly? It was worth the wait.
The moment we arrived at KL East, I immediately felt the difference. Even though it’s still part of Kuala Lumpur, the area has a completely different vibe from the city centre. It’s quieter, calmer, and more… breathable. Skyscrapers are visible in the distance, but around us, greenery surrounds the streets, giving it a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere.
For those who haven’t been, KL East is a modern township developed by Sime Darby, designed to be a self-contained neighbourhood. It features residential apartments, landscaped parks, a gallery, and even a premium mall—KL East Mall—all within walking distance. Nestled within this township is KL East Park, a small yet scenic hill perfect for an easy hike with city skyline views.
This was my first time visiting, and I instantly fell in love. The area manages to feel both natural and modern at the same time, making it ideal for anyone who wants a bit of nature without leaving the city.
If you’re planning to hike at KL East Park, let me walk you through everything you need to know so your trip can be smoother than ours.
📍 Where Is It Located?
KL East Park is situated in the KL East township, along Jalan Lingkaran Tengah 2 (MRR2), on the edge of Kuala Lumpur heading towards Ampang.
It’s about:
- 20–25 minutes from KLCC (depending on traffic)
- Easily accessible via MRR2 highway
- Near Zoo Negara and Ampang area
Once you enter the KL East area, you’ll immediately notice how organized and clean the township looks. Clear signage will guide you towards KL East Park and the designated parking area.
Because it’s within a private township under Sime Darby, the whole place feels secure and well-maintained, which I personally really appreciate.
✅ You Need to Book in Advance
This is important; you cannot just walk in.
You need to book a hiking slot at least 3 days in advance. The booking system is there to control the number of hikers per session, and honestly, I love this system because the hill doesn’t get overcrowded.
Each slot is shown as a 2-hour session.
We picked the 9.00 am – 11.00 am slot. But don’t panic about the 2-hour limit. We actually took more than 2 hours because we kept stopping to take photos and enjoy the views. I even asked the staff about it, and they said it’s totally fine. They won’t chase you down the hill 😄
After your booking is approved, you’ll receive an email with a QR code. That QR code is what you scan at the entrance to access the trail.
And the best part?
It’s currently FREE, which makes it even more worth adding to your weekend plans.
You can book your slot [here]
✅ How Long Does It Take to Reach the Top?
Honestly? Less than an hour.
This hike is very beginner-friendly. If you’re new to hiking, this is such a good place to start.
However, there are quite a lot of stairs. So be prepared for some legwork! But overall, the trail is:
- Clear and well-maintained
- Easy to follow
- Equipped with benches at certain points for rest
During our hike, the path was slightly damp (maybe it rained earlier), so it was a little slippery in some parts. But nothing dangerous. Just make sure you wear proper shoes, and you’ll be fine.
You can even bring your kids—just monitor them properly. There are rangers on duty, so safety-wise, it feels reassuring.
And the best reward?
Once you reach the top, you’re greeted with a stunning view of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline. You can clearly see iconic buildings like:
- Petronas Twin Towers
- Menara TRX
- KL Tower
I spent more than 30 minutes at the top just taking photos. The breeze, the view, the company—it was such a wholesome moment.
✅ Where to Park
There is a designated visitor parking area.
Important:
There’s no parking right next to the trail entrance.
You’ll need to:
- Park at the visitor parking.
- Walk about 5 minutes to the park entrance.
The good news?
There’s a covered walkway, so even if it rains, you’ll be protected. You just need to cross the road carefully from the parking area.
✅ Are There Restaurants Nearby?
There aren’t any restaurants or convenience stores close to the park area, so it’s best to bring your own water (and maybe a light snack) for the hike.
But don’t worry, KL East Mall is just within walking distance. So after your hike, if you’re feeling hungry, you can easily head over for a proper meal or a relaxing coffee break. There are plenty of options, such as:
- A’Decade
- De.Wan 1958 by Chef Wan
- K Fry Urban Korean
- And many more
So you can totally reward yourself with a good meal after burning those calories 😌
✅ Overall Experience
I truly enjoyed my time here.
To me, this felt more like a relaxing trekking experience rather than an intense hike, which I personally prefer. It didn’t leave me exhausted. No leg aches the next day. Just a refreshing, feel-good kind of tired.
One thing that surprised me—we expected the top to feel much cooler. But it was actually still quite warm. Not unbearable, just not the chilly breeze we imagined. So make sure you stay hydrated, especially if you’re hiking later in the morning.
The trail was easy to follow. The environment was calming. And spending time in nature with good company?
That’s therapy.
KL East Park is perfect if you:
- Want a beginner-friendly hike
- Don’t like overcrowded trails
- Love nature but still want city convenience
- Want a short weekend escape without leaving KL
Sometimes we think we need to travel far to find peace.
But sometimes, it’s just 40 minutes away.
And I already know this won’t be my last hike at KL East Park.
—Auri Duham🌻
