Hiking at Shah Alam Community Forest (Shah Alam, Selangor)

Hello fellow hikers and friends,

In this article, I will be sharing with you one of my favorites hiking trails located within the vicinity of Setia Alam, Shah Alam. This very popular trail is named Shah Alam Community Forest (aka SACF).  

Note: View of surrounding housing and hills are from The Wall 

This particular hiking areas offer few trails of interest - highlight will be the like of Peak Garden, The Wall, Mirror Lake and Bukit Sapu Tangan. You can opt to go just to either one of these places or all of them in one go depending on the time you have.

If you cover entire loop areas, it will be approximately 10km. The hike is relatively easy/moderate depending on the trails you use (Trail A, B & C) and I did see quite a few families bringing their small kids along with them especially going to Mirror Lake for picnic.

Here's a trail map of the SACF with gives you a good view of where each of the track is leading to and how to read the signpost label station A, B & C.

Here's an example of available marked signpost throughout the trails.

Starting the hike - trails.

My plan for this hike is to start with Peak Garden, then to Mirror Lake, follow going up to Bukit Sapu Tangan and end the hikes at the same starting point. The trails are well marked, and you can see clear signpost as you start your hike, and it will lead you through depending on which area you wanted to go to. 

Trails leading to Peak Garden

Trails leading to Mirror Lake

To me, the highlight of the hike will definitely be Mirror Lake. The view is amazing where you can see the clear reflection of the forest on the water surface. And if you explore the surrounding forest area, you will get the feeling that you're in a Jurassic Park movie.

Lake view with mirror like reflection -1

Lake view with mirror like reflection -2

Here's a few snapshots of the lake surrounding areas.

Mirror Lake view with mist

Thick vegetation near the lakes

A crossing here (but the crossing area link has collapsed), hence we took a slight detour and hike around it.

From the Mirror Lake, we took a left turn and use a different trail which is less used by fellow hikers but the route to Sapu Tangan hill and the tower seems nearer. 

Trails leading to Bukit Sapu Tangan tower.

Here's a view of the at the Sapu Tangan Hill area (with Mirror Lake at the bottom)

Here's a view of the at the Sapu Tangan Hill tower.

As there are few trails and exit point, do look for the signpost and it will lead you safely back to original starting point. For me, my exit point is A (Alam Impian exit)

As precaution, do always remember to bring lots of water and snacks during this long hike like this one. (FYI - Btw, sometimes you do see someone selling drinks at The Wall and Mirror Lake)

Stay safe and happy hiking :-)

Total distance and hike duration:

• Depending on the trails A,B,C you choose, the distance will range between 5 to 9km
• All in all, the total hiking time is about 4-5hours.

How to get here:

• You can easily find the location with Waze/Google Map where it should guide you to Setia Alam areas to be specific. Once you arrived, the landmark for the starting point is just beside Ecoworld's Arundina property whereby you can also see a Syabas water treatment tank at the top of the hill. 

Note: Parking is not allowed at the foothill of the hiking area, I observed most of the regular hikers will usually park their car near the Petron petrol station or shop lot areas. (Approx 0.5km away from the start of the hiking area)

Things to prepare before the hike:

• At least 1.5L of water (for a short loop) and more if you decide to take the entire loop (The Mall, Mirror Lake, & Sapu Tangan hill).
• Some snacks/food to replenish your sugar level.
• Good pair of walking boot and poles.

Note: On some days, you may find someone selling drinks in the SACF area

• 1st drink seller - located near The Wall
• 2nd drink seller - located at Mirror Lake