Discover History of Broga Hill

Broga is a small town in Semenyih, Hulu Langat District, Selangor, Malaysia. Broga takes its name from the River Broga which runs through the area. The name Broga is believed to be derived from Buragas, a mythical beast that lives in the forest. Broga was mentioned by Freddie Spencer Chapman in his book, The Jungle is Neutral, to be a location where British-backed rebels fought against the Japanese during World War II.

Broga is unique in that it sits right on the border of both the states of Negeri Sembilan and Selangor. On the Selangor side, Broga falls within the mukim (sub-district) of Semenyih in the Hulu Langat district. On the Negeri Sembilan side, it falls within the mukim of Lenggeng which is part of the district of Seremban. The Government Health Clinic and the town football field is located on the Selangor side of the border and the police station is located on the Negeri Sembilan side.

Broga sits on the edge of the Titiwangsa Range. Consequently, the town is surrounded by lush green hills of a tropical rainforest, the most prominent of which is Broga Hill. The hill, approximately 400m in altitude, is notable for its unique appearance as it is rather devoid of trees, which is an uncommon sight amongst the tropical rainforests surrounding the region. Remnants of burnt out tree trunks indicate that the area may have been ravaged by a forest fire and the trees did not regrow.

Broga Hill is easily climbed by most people due to its aforementioned altitude, becoming a frequent destination for casual hikers. The hilltop offers a good view of the surrounding area and has become a popular picnic and photography spot. Broga Hill became increasingly well known after some scenes from a local movie “Ola Bola” were filmed here. Despite the fame, recent developments of the hillside have permanently damaged the unique beauty of this hill.

Information About Broga Hill.

Trail

Broga Hill has 3 peaks. The first two peaks offer a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding area and the final/last peak with block view.

There have been quite a fair bit of changes to Broga Hill trail in recent development . Due to the popularity and high foot traffic to Broga Hill, certain sections of the trail condition has deteriorated showing signs of soil erosion. There are currently two trails to Broga Hill summits. Both trails start from the carpark, diverge at the start of the Broga Hill trail, and merge back at the 2nd summit.

CarPark to Start Of Broga Hill Trail:

The carpark of Broga Hill is within a Plantation. At the far end of the carpark, there is a signboard giving direction to the start of Broga Hill trail. Follow the signboard and walk approximately 350m on a gradual incline to the starting point of Broga Hill trek.

The starting point of the trek is marked by a big signboard “Selamat Datang Ke Bukit Broga (Welcome To Broga Hill)”. Just in front of the signboard, there is a drink stall selling coconut juice and snacks during the weekends.

From here, you can choose between the two trails to climb. The old trail starts at the small fence opening on the left of the big signboard. The new trail starts by going straight through under the big signboard.

Broga Hill via Old Trail:

The old trail is shorter, but steep at certain section. From the start of Broga Hill trail to the 2nd Peak, the hiking distance is about 1km.

At the starting point, look for a small fence opening on the left. You will spot a signboard “Eco Farm And Park @ Broga Hill (Lot 1837) Entrance Fee RM1.00”. An attendant may be present to collect an entrance fee of RM1.

Hike into the forest trail in gradual upslopes for the first 250 meters. At the end, you will reach a cross junction, which immediate ahead of the junction is a narrow steep upslope, which only allows one person to climb up at one go. Take this route to continue hiking up Broga Hill via old trail.

If you find this upslope too steep and narrow, you can consider doing a small detour by an alternative route (which is less steep) about 25 meters away on the right. This alternative route will eventually lead back to Broga Hill old trail. To find the alternative route, turn right at the junction and walk about 25 meters and turn left when you spot a trail heading upward. However, this alternative route has got soil erosion problem at certain sections. As of Apr 2017, the alternative route is still walkable but do access the condition of the trail and proceed with caution.

Back at the main Old Broga Hill Trail, after climbing up the narrow steep upslope, continue hiking straight for about 120 meters and turn left at the T-junction. Continue hiking for another 270 meters after the T junction and you will end the forest section of the hike. A view welcomes you on your left. You now see a Y-Junction, take the trail on the right – steep upslope to reach Broga Hill 1st peak.

After reaching the first peak, continue hiking straight for about 270 meters to climb up to Broga Hill 2nd peak, which offers the best view out. From the 2nd peak, you can reach the 3rd peak by hiking a further 280 meters. The view at the 3rd peak is limited as it is partially blocked by rocks/trees.

Broga Hill via New Trail:

At the starting point, walk straight ahead below the Signboard “Selamat Datang Ke Bukit Broga – Welcome To Broga Hill”. From here, you will hike down a little, before eventually climbing up a short section of upslope with staircase-like steps. Eventually, you will reach the part whereby the trail is on deforestation ground. Continue walking up the slope (about 20 to 30 degrees incline) which eventually leads to the start of the Stairs section. Continue walking up the trail of stairs which will lead you to Broga Hill 2nd peak.

COST

Parking at the plantation may cost you RM2.00. [Update:the attendant is now collecting parking fees charged at RM1 per passenger].

Restroom facilitates are located to the right of the entrance to the plantation. They may be chargeable but are usually locked once the vendors had left for the day. No permits are needed for hiking at Broga Hill.

CONTACT

Nearby Hospital: Kajang Hospital – +60 3-8736 3333 (googlemap)

General Emergency Numbers: Police / Ambulance Tel: 999 / 112 from a mobile telephone

Fire and Rescue Department (known as Bomba) Tel: 994 / 112 from a mobile telephone

Civil Defence Tel: 991

OTHER

During the weekends, there could be mobile vendors at the foot of the hill selling drinks, breakfast and fruits during the morning peak hours. Do bring along insect repellent as there are a lot of mosquitoes near the foot of the hill and plantation.

[Update 9/1/19]
Camping Ground available at the vicinity of Broga Hill Carpark – Contact: 016 – 293 0188 or 016 464 2797.

Traditional Archery at the vicinity of Broga Hill Carpark – RM 5 for 5 arrows. RM 10 for 12 Arrows

Video Documentary

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious and Most Merciful.

First and foremost, thanks to Allah SWT for given me an opportunity and strength to do and completed this project successfully without hesitation within the given time period.

There are many individuals who have helped me in completing this project. I would like to start with sincerely thanking my supervisor, Dr. Roslinda Binti Ramli for her supportive advice, guidance and encouragement in giving me wonderful up-lifting creative ideas and opinions at every step of ways in the production and development of this project.

I would to extend my sincerely gratitude to all lecturers of Faculty Science and Technology Information who have helped and gave me their comments and suggestions on this Final Year Project.

I wish to express my sincere thanks to all my friends and individuals who have participate in giving ideas, advices, moral support, superb dedications and cooperation throughout this project development.