I love the beauty of nature. I love to be surrounded by nature. Birds chirping, butterflies fluttering, cheeky monkeys and their antics, unknown critters skittering in the bushes, tree leaves blowing in the wind, breathing in fresh air, it is a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Beautiful and relaxing.
I love hiking! In school, I was a Girl Guide and a Ranger (Girl Guide). So, I have always loved hiking.
I still remember the Fundamental Principles of Girl Guiding, outlined in the Original Promise and Law.
Malaysia Guide Promise
On my honour, I promise that I will do my best:
To do my duty to God, King and my country Malaysia;
To help other people at all times; and
To obey the Guide Law.
Malaysia Guide Law
- A Guide’s honour is to be trusted.
- A Guide is loyal.
- A Guide’s duty is to be useful and to help others.
- A Guide is a friend to all and a sister to every other Guide.
- A Guide is courteous.
- A Guide is kind to animals, and conserves the environment.
- A Guide is obedient.
- A Guide smiles and sings under all difficulties.
- A Guide is thrifty.
- A Guide is pure in thought, words and deed.
This morning, I went hiking at my favourite Bukit Kiara Park in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.
Bukit Kiara Park has often been described as the ‘green lung’ of Kuala Lumpur, boasting many jungle trails through its characteristic hills. Its tranquil and pleasant setting is home to flora and fauna – wild plants, birds, monkeys and other animals. When the sun rises, the monkeys go into hibernation. The monkeys will usually come out of hiding in the early evenings.
Bukit Kiara Park is just a stone’s throw away from my home. It is a popular place for outdoor activities such as hiking, jogging and mountain biking. There is a paved road for hikers and joggers that leads up and around the hill. There are many interesting jungle trails around the hill for adventurous hikers and mountain bikers. The jungle trails can be steep and rugged, it can be dangerous due to thunderstorm and rainy season that leads to landslide and uprooted trees. Therefore, hikers need to be vigilant at all times and they should bring along their hiking gear such as walking poles, compasses, emergency whistles and etc.
Hiking on the tarmac trail takes approximately an hour to complete. Well, some people may take up to 90 minutes. It takes more than 1.5 hours if you decide to explore the many jungle trails.
Most of the time, I hike alone. I enjoy solitude and my connection to nature. Occasionally, I would hike with my former colleagues.
Last but not least, I would like to share some hiking photos as well as inspirational and motivational hiking quotes with you.
You can view more photos in Hiking at Bukit Kiara Park Album in my Facebook.
I sincerely hope you will enjoy these photos and quotes!
Wild mushrooms growing on an old tree stump.
Hiking Quotes for Inspiration and Motivation
“Hiking is a bit like life: The journey only requires you to put one foot in front of the other…again and again and again. And if you allow yourself the opportunity to be present throughout the entirety of the trek, you will witness beauty every step of the way, not just at the summit.” – Unknown
“I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost
“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.” – Henry David Thoreau
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” – Albert Einstein
“In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.” – Aristotle
“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.” – John Muir
“I have two doctors, my left leg and my right.” – G.M. Trevelyan
What a gigantic ant!