Bukit Hijau Recreational Forest, or Hutan Lipur Bukit Hijau, is a popular picnic destination especially for people living in southern Kedah and Penang. Bukit Hijau, which means Green Hill, is most famous for the seven-level cascading waterfalls over Sungai Mempelam, the river that runs across the recreational forest.
Bukit Hijau can get very crowded especially over weekends, so it is a good idea to arrive early and find a good spot. Cement walkway and steps help visitors climb the hill side, although personally, I would prefer that the forest is left in a more pristine state. Photography enthusiasts should be delighted by the sight of the waterfall as well as its surrounding greenery.
Bukit Hijau is a great place for a dip. However, like all waterfalls, please be aware that the current can be dangerous. I have actually seen a victim of drowning being carried out of Bukit Hijau. I do not know how it happened, but it reminds me to always exercise caution when playing in the water, at Bukit Hijau or anywhere else where there are waterfalls. It doesn't mean that you should stay away from Bukit Hijau - lots of people have visited it without any incidents. Yes, accidents can happen anywhere, at waterfalls or the sea or mountains, so always be careful.
The water of Sungai Mempelam cascades down the falls at Bukit Hijau.
If you are travelling from Penang, take the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway. Then follow the roadsign pointing to Baling. Eventually you will see the brown signboard for Hutan Lipur Bukit Hijau. Alternatively, if you're on the North-South Expressway, you can also exit at Sungai Petani South (Exit 168). Drive through Sungai Petani town, and then take the right turn into Route 67 towards Kuala Ketil. After Kuala Ketil, be on the look out for the Hutan Lipur Bukit Hijau sign on the right side of the road.
About the Author: AsiaExplorers is researched and written by Timothy Tye. We take reasonable care to check and verify the accuracy of the content. However, we disclaim any responsibility for any inconvenience, mishap, injury or death resulting from following the advice provided directly or indirectly by AsiaExplorers and the comments on its pages. All the photographs in AsiaExplorers are available for publication. Please contact AsiaExplorers at the following email address for your enquiries:
