Hiking Up Bukit Larut

I was out on the street when the sun had just rose from its sleep. The various cars lined in front of the entrance signalled there were myriad earlier birds than me. Keenly striding past the gigantic gate, the lush green forest enticing me, dragging my light feet to quickly explore the historic hill on the tarred road.

Known as one of the tourist attractions in Taiping, either local dwellers or visitors would not miss their chance to step foot at the famous Bukit Larut. Formerly known as Maxwell Hill, it has been around for over a hundred years but its natural landscape is seemingly frozen in time, the longevous greenies remain healthy, the animals still inhabit somewhere in the thick forest, continuing their lineage from previously deceased ancestors.

“The insects which dwell in it are bigger than on the street
they casually cross the feet of humans who visit.
As the hill has long been found and formed
it is undoubtly deemed as the town’s significant heritage….”

The cool morning breeze smoothly caressed my skin as I sauntered up the hill. Coming from every side, the singing of birds merrily echoed, as though as announcing the day had rose again. Simultaneously, loud howling of monkeys and chirping of crickets resonated through the peaceful hill, responding to one another, the bizzare sound, at times, perplex the hearer.

On my way up the hill, a small streamlet caught my eyes, it attracted passersby who rarely got to experience the nature.

“Spring water fountains into streamlet
dragonflies dancing happily on its lucid surface
its babbling offers serenity
its icy sensation tingles at the first touch
settling beneath enormous ancient trees”

As the sun splashed its luminous light to bright the Earth up, slowly the quiet hill began to be filled with more humans. Geared with various items, a young man holding a long sturdy branch, another with a towel dangling from the neck and some ladies with mini backpacks, ready to climb the hill with vigour.

“Good morning.” With a smile as bright as the sun, a Chinese elderly greeted me while leisurely striding down the slanty hill, wearing a tired but satisfied expression on his face.

“Good morning, uncle.” I made sure to gift him the same angelic smile to brighten up his day. Albeit estranged to one another, the friendly visitors greeted one another like their instant meeting had long commenced before.  

“The pleasant people are undivided by age and race
as they naturally speak the same national language.
The hill is a place untainted of the smell of racism
it is a place of harmony and unity…..”

As the lengthy hike got immensely higher above the land, the ethereal panorama of the colourful city appeared in sight. Tall and enormous buildings seemed tiny and compact, the magical view naturally looked like a drawing in some children’s storybook.  

As the clean and natural ambience remains untainted in the longevous hill, the elderly never fail to frequent it albeit many years have passed and the young visit to seek tranquillity. Silent but packed with secrets to life, the aged Bukit Larut will always be there to welcome its visitors.