Hiking at night offers a whole new experience and it is a great way to escape the crowds and the heat while taking in a different view of the city.

In the dark, the same old trails of Bukit Kiara become totally different and unfamiliar and I was nervous the first time I joined a group hike after dark with Pathfinders 55.

With headlamps and torches in place, our party of 22 set off at 8pm, maintaining an even pace to allow us to keep the group intact.

At night, depth perception becomes a guessing game and the shadows and silhouettes of the surrounding landscape can be unnerving, especially since the bobbing beam of our headlamps made shadows and reflections seem to move unexpectedly.

Expect to take about 15 minutes to adapt to the “new” environment and we were sure to take extra care to avoid tripping on hidden protrusions or loose rocks.

As time passes, your senses will adjust accordingly and you will be able to enjoy the surroundings.

A bonus is that we did not seem to be bothered by mosquitoes, which are normally out in full force in the day.

The night air also has a stillness to it, amplifying the various night sounds and leading us to converse in hushed tones.

From the foothills of Bukit Kiara, the jungle trail leads up a gentle incline parallel to the vehicle-free interior road of Bukit Kiara before opening up to a vista of the city skyline with the KL Tower and Petronas Twin Towers shining brightly in the distance.

The first half-hour passed quickly and we reached the junction where the trail joined the road, marking the turnaround point for those opting for the shorter route.

Our night hike passed the Penchala Look-Out Point and ended at the Sri Hartamas Look-Out Point where the clear night offered a great view of the twinkling city lights.

After a short rest, we backtracked to the fence, turned left and headed down the pebbly path to re-connect with the road. The return journey was quick, along the internal road that loops around Bukit Kiara.

Even a short two-hour hike can be thrilling at night, so if you’re up for an adventure, bring along a flashlight, some extra batteries and a buddy!

Tips for a safe and comfortable night hike:

1. Let someone know. Before heading out, let someone know where you are going (trail and route) and when you expect to be done.
2. Pick a trail you know. For first-timers, stick to easy and flat routes with fewer tripping obstacles. Navigating in the dark is much easier when you are familiar with your surroundings.
3. Go with friends. It will be safer and a lot more fun.
4. Slow down. It’s about safety not speed. You also want to go slow enough to enjoy your surroundings and be able to spot hazards such as low-hanging branches and boulders.
5. Stick together and have regular head counts. If you reach a junction first, wait for the whole group to catch up before choosing the next trail.
6. Stop frequently to take it all in. Night hiking offers a whole new world of unique sights and sounds that cannot be experienced during the day. Listen for wildlife, look up at the stars, and immerse yourself in the sensation.
7. Stay hydrated. Even though it is cooler at night, proper hydration is key to a safe hike.
8. Keep it short and start small. Don’t plan on any major hikes at night. Hiking in the dark feels more strenuous, as you’ll have to concentrate more and pay additional attention to footing.
9. Overprepare! Be sure to bring two sets of spare batteries and an extra flashlight, just in case.
10. Be aware of wildlife. At night, wildlife is much more active. Slow down, pay close attention to your surroundings, and always stay on the trail. Respect the environment.
11. Expect bugs. Bug spray, long sleeves and long pants keep you covered.
12. Go out in the moonlight. Full-moon hikes are gorgeous and you’ll be amazed at how much light there is. Even during the half-moon, a surprising amount of light can reach the trail.