Discovering M’sia’s First Concrete Skatepark, Built In A Shah Alam Jungle Decades Ago

By Lara Kramer  •  16 Feb 2024 in Features

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In the heart of Shah Alam’s verdant forests lies a forgotten relic of Malaysia’s skateboarding history – the ‘Lost’ Jungle Skatepark, better known as Bukit Cerakah.

Constructed between the late 1980s and early 1990s, this marvel is Malaysia’s pioneering concrete skatepark, standing as a form of tribute to the nation’s nascent foray into skateboarding culture.

Its unique design is reminiscent of ancient Mayan architecture, and the allure is further enhanced by the relentless encroachment of nature over the years.

 

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A recent resurgence in interest, sparked by an Instagram post from @one37pm, has reignited curiosity about this hidden gem.

Erroneously attributed to Sabah, the park is actually entrenched in Shah Alam – formerly known as Bukit Cerakah. It is now called the National Botanical Gardens, Shah Alam.

Skateboarding Crucible’s meticulous breakdown of the area reveals the park’s intricate layout, featuring two parallel half-pipes flanked by curved steps.

The larger of the two, a sprawling vert ramp, commands attention with its seamless integration into the natural terrain, seemingly carved from the rocky hillside itself. Adjacent lies a mini bowl, its contours softened by a blanket of moss and earth.

The park’s storied past unfolds through fragmented accounts, with the earliest mention surfacing in a 2016 article by Sidewalk Magazine.

That’s Britain’s longest established skateboard magazine, mind you!

A chance encounter during a trek through Shah Alam’s forest unveiled the park’s existence, sparking intrigue and speculation about its origins.

While concrete details regarding its abandonment remain elusive, conjecture points to a confluence of factors, including governmental indifference towards skateboarding and the harsh realities of its remote locale.

 

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Notable attempts at revival include an expedition by BMX rider and Olympic Medalist Daniel Dhers, which took place back in 2017, as documented in “Riders of the Lost Ramp”.

However, the oppressive humidity and dense vegetation posed formidable challenges, ultimately consigning the park to a state of obscurity over the past three decades.

In recent years, grassroots efforts by local skateboarding communities have sought to reclaim Bukit Cerakah from the clutches of nature’s embrace.

Cleanup initiatives in 2019, as documented on Skate Malaysia’s Facebook post may signify a burgeoning movement towards the park’s preservation and restoration as a cultural landmark.

Will this resurgence of interest ultimately herald a new chapter in Bukit Cerakah’s dilapidated legacy? Guess we’ll have to wait and see. 🤞