Hiking Bukit Mertajam hill via Kampung Besar trail

The Kampung Besar trail is one of the lesser known yet popular hiking trail of Bukit Mertajam hill (also known by locals as Tokun Hill). This is an alternative way up the telecommunications tower at the peak of the hill other than the popular asphalt trail at Bukit Mertajam Recreational Forest in Cherok Tokun. It has recently gained popularity among local hikers during the conditional movement control order in several states in Malaysia. Halfway up the hill there is a rest station where it offers a panoramic view of Bukit Mertajam town and the rest Seberang Perai, even as far as Penang Bridge and George Town in Penang Island. The trail starts at Jalan Kampung Besar next to a Taoist temple “玉封震山阁老佛庙” (In Malay: Persatuan Penganut Dewa Zhen Shan Kok Lau-Hut) (Refer below for further directions and map). 

Next to the temple there are ample parking spaces for you to park your car here before you begin your journey up the hill. There you will see a cement paved trail at the end of the parking lot. At the start of the trail you will see fruit trees such as durian trees and huge boulders lining along the path. The trail passes through a privately-owned fruit orchard. There are also benches where you can take a rest before continuing up the hill.

Look out for this signboard as you drive along Jalan Kampung Besar. This is where the hiking trail starts.

The trail starts at the end of the parking lot next to the temple. 

Fruit trees at the start of the trail. 

Large boulders can be seen along the trail. 

Some rare finds along the trail. 

View of Berapit village, paddy fields and Penang Island beyond as you are halfway up towards the rest station. 

You will soon reach a fork. You can take either path as they will meet higher up. The left path will take you to the recently completed flight of steps to the fruit orchard. I heard from a fellow hiker that there are fierce guard dogs at the orchard along the path. Most hikers will take the right path as it will lead to the rest station which offers scenic views over the town.

Some of the fruit trees along the path towards the rest station. 

Looking back to the trail below. 

You will reach the rest station after approximately 40-45 minutes depending on your pace and fitness. There you will be rewarded with a view of the Bukit Mertajam town. It is possible to see Penang Bridge and George Town on Penang Island further in a distance on a clear, sunny day. 

View of Bukit Mertajam town, the rest of Seberang Perai, Penang Bridge, Pulau Jerejak and Penang Island beyond from the rest station. 

Southwest view of Bukit Mertajam High School, Bukit Minyak, Bukit Tengah and Juru. 

Surrounding the rest station is a fruit orchard maintained by the farm owner. Some of the fruits cultivated here includes nutmeg, durian, cocoa and mangosteen. Remember not to pick any fruits! 

Nutmeg at the orchard. 

Cocoa plant at the orchard. 

Some of the rare and colourful mushrooms along the hill slope. 

You can continue the path up to the telecommunications tower at the peak of the hill via a mud and soil track as the cement paved trail ends. The hike will take another approximately 45-50 minutes. The hike is more challenging as the trail becomes steeper and it may get slippery especially after rain as compared to the cemented paved trail which is a fairly easy hike for beginners and old folks alike. 

How to get there

As you start your journey from Bukit Mertajam town along Jalan Kulim. As you reach SJKC Kim Seng take a left turn into Jalan Kampung Besar. Look out for the signage of the temple “玉封震山阁老佛庙” (In Malay: Persatuan Penganut Dewa Zhen Shan Kok Lau-Hut Bukit Mertajam Pulau Pinang). I have marked the starting point on the map below. 

Coordinates of the starting point

5°21'52.7"N 100°28'04.2"E

5.364638, 100.467837