Imagine walking among the treetops of a tropical rainforest, right in the heart of a bustling city. Sounds impossible, right? Well, not in Kuala Lumpur, where you can find the KL Forest Eco Park, formerly known as Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve. This is the only remaining patch of natural forest in the city, and one of the oldest in Malaysia. It covers an area of about 9 hectares, and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, some of which are rare and endangered.
The KL Forest Eco Park is a must-visit for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone who wants to escape the urban chaos and enjoy some fresh air and greenery. The park offers several attractions and activities, such as the canopy walk, the hiking trails, the wildlife, and the picnic areas. You can also learn about the history and culture of the park, and its role in the conservation and education of the rainforest.
In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about the KL Forest Eco Park, including how to get there, what to see and do, when to visit, and what to expect. Whether you are travelling solo, with your family, or with your friends, you will find something to suit your interests and preferences. So, let’s get started and explore this hidden gem in Kuala Lumpur.
Canopy Walk
The canopy walk is the highlight of the park, and one of the best ways to experience the rainforest. It is a suspended bridge that spans about 200 meters, and connects several platforms at different heights. The highest point is about 21 meters above the ground and offers a stunning view of the city skyline and the forest canopy. You can also spot some birds and monkeys along the way and feel the breeze and the sun on your skin.
The canopy walk is open from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm daily, except on Mondays and public holidays. The entrance fee is RM 10 for adults, and RM 5 for children and senior citizens. You can buy the tickets at the park’s visitor center, or book online in advance. The walk takes about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on your pace and the crowd. You can also join a guided tour, which is available at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm daily, except on Mondays and public holidays. The tour costs RM 15 per person, and includes a briefing and a certificate.
Some tips and advice on how to enjoy the canopy walk are:
Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and avoid skirts and dresses.
Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent, as the walk is exposed to the sun and the bugs.
Bring a camera or a smartphone, and capture some amazing photos and videos of the view and the wildlife. However, be careful not to drop your device, as there is no net or fence below the bridge.
Follow the instructions and signs, and do not run, jump, or swing on the bridge. Also, do not feed or touch the animals, as they might bite or scratch you.
Respect the nature and the environment, and do not litter or damage the plants and trees.
Hiking Trails
The hiking trails are another attraction of the park, and one of the best ways to explore the rainforest. There are four main trails in the park, namely the Jelutong Trail, the Meranti Trail, the Penarahan Trail, and the Arboretum Trail. They vary in difficulty, duration, and scenery, and cater to different levels of fitness and experience. You can choose to hike one or more of them, depending on your time and energy.
The Jelutong Trail is the easiest and shortest trail, and takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. It is suitable for beginners and families with children, as it is mostly flat and paved. It starts from the visitor center, and passes by some old and tall jelutong trees, which are native to the rainforest. You can also see some bamboo plants, ferns, and orchids along the way.
The Meranti Trail is the most popular and scenic trail, and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete. It is suitable for intermediate and advanced hikers, as it is steep and rocky in some parts. It starts from the canopy walk, and goes up to the highest point of the park, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the forest. You can also see some meranti trees, which are the largest and oldest in the park, and some other hardwood trees, such as keruing and balau.
The Penarahan Trail is the most challenging and adventurous trail, and takes about 30 to 45 minutes to complete. It is suitable for experienced and thrill-seeking hikers, as it is narrow and slippery in some parts. It starts from the canopy walk, and goes down to the lower part of the park, where you can see some streams and waterfalls. You can also see some penarahan trees, which are used for making charcoal and firewood, and some other medicinal plants, such as tongkat ali and kacip fatimah.
The Arboretum Trail is the most educational and cultural trail, and takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. It is suitable for all hikers, as it is mostly flat and shaded. It starts from the visitor center, and passes by some exhibits and displays that showcase the history and heritage of the park and the rainforest. You can also see some rare and exotic plants, such as the rafflesia, the pitcher plant, and the cycad.
Some tips and advice on how to enjoy the hiking trails are:
Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and avoid sandals and flip-flops.
Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent, as the trails are exposed to the sun and the bugs.
Bring a bottle of water and some snacks, and stay hydrated and energized. However, do not eat or drink near the streams or waterfalls, as they might be contaminated.
Bring a map or a guidebook, and follow the signs and markers. You can also download the park’s mobile app, which has an interactive map and some information about the trails and the plants.
Follow the instructions and rules, and do not stray from the trails. Also, do not feed or touch the animals, as they might bite or scratch you.
Wildlife
The wildlife is another attraction of the park, and one of the best ways to appreciate the rainforest. The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, some of which are rare and endangered. You can see more than 200 species of plants, 40 species of birds, 30 species of mammals, and 20 species of reptiles and amphibians in the park. Some of the wildlife that you can spot in the park are:
Silvered leaf monkeys: These are the most common and friendly monkeys in the park, and they often come close to the visitors. They have grey fur, white faces, and long tails, and they feed on leaves and fruits. They live in groups of 10 to 40 individuals, and they communicate with each other using various sounds and gestures.
Long-tailed macaques: These are the most mischievous and aggressive monkeys in the park, and they often steal food and belongings from the visitors. They have brown fur, pink faces, and long tails, and they feed on anything they can find. They live in groups of 5 to 20 individuals, and they are very territorial and hierarchical.
Squirrels: These are the most adorable and playful animals in the park, and they often run and jump around the trees. They have brown or black fur, bushy tails, and large eyes, and they feed on nuts and seeds. They live in pairs or small groups, and they are very active and agile.
Hornbills: These are the most majestic and colorful birds in the park, and they often fly and perch on the high branches. They have black or brown feathers, long and curved bills, and bright casques, and they feed on fruits and insects. They live in pairs or small flocks, and they are very loyal and monogamous.
Monitor lizards: These are the most ancient and impressive reptiles in the park, and they often crawl and swim in the streams and ponds. They have dark and scaly skin, long and forked tongues, and powerful claws and teeth, and they feed on fish and small animals. They live alone or in pairs, and they are very stealthy and cunning.
Some tips and advice on how to observe and respect the wildlife are:
Wear neutral and earthy colors, and avoid bright and flashy ones, as they might scare or attract the animals.
Bring a pair of binoculars and a camera, and enjoy the view and the photos of the animals. However, do not use flash or zoom, as they might disturb or harm the animals.
Keep a safe and respectful distance from the animals, and do not approach, chase, or touch them. Also, do not feed or tease them, as they might bite or scratch you.
Follow the instructions and signs, and do not make loud noises or movements, as they might startle or annoy the animals.
Respect the nature and the environment, and do not litter or damage the plants and trees.
Picnic Areas
The picnic areas are another attraction of the park, and one of the best ways to relax and enjoy the rainforest. There are several picnic areas in the park, such as the Bamboo Garden, the Orchid Garden, the Herb Garden, and the Playground. They are located near the visitor center, and offer a variety of facilities and amenities, such as tables, benches, gazebos, toilets, and water fountains. You can also find some vending machines and kiosks that sell drinks and snacks.
The picnic areas are open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm daily, and are free of charge. You can bring your own food and drinks, or buy them from the park. However, you need to book the picnic areas in advance, especially on weekends and public holidays, as they are very popular and crowded. You can book online or by phone, and pay a deposit of RM 50 per area. The deposit will be refunded if you cancel at least 24 hours before your booking, or if you leave the area clean and tidy.
Some tips and advice on how to have a fun and safe picnic are:
Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and avoid sandals and flip-flops.
Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent, as the picnic areas are exposed to the sun and the bugs.
Bring a cooler bag or a thermos, and keep your food and drinks fresh and cold. However, do not bring any alcohol, as it is prohibited in the park.
Bring a trash bag and a recycling bag, and dispose of your waste properly. Do not leave any food or wrappers behind, as they might attract the animals or harm the environment.
Follow the instructions and rules, and do not make loud noises or music, as they might disturb or annoy the other visitors or the animals.
Respect the nature and the environment, and do not litter or damage the plants and trees.
Tips
Before you visit the KL Forest Eco Park, here are some general tips and information that you should know:
The best time to visit the park is in the morning or evening, when the weather is cooler and the crowd is smaller. Avoid visiting the park during the rainy season, which is from November to March, as the trails might be muddy and slippery, and the canopy walk might be closed due to safety reasons.
The park is located at the base of the KL Tower, which is one of the landmarks and attractions of Kuala Lumpur. You can reach the park by public transport, such as the LRT, the monorail, or the bus, or by taxi or Grab. The nearest stations are the Dang Wangi LRT Station and the Bukit Nanas Monorail Station, which are about 10 minutes walk from the park. The park’s address is Jalan Raja Chulan, Bukit Kewangan, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The park is open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm daily, except on Mondays and public holidays. The entrance is free for all visitors, except for the canopy walk, which has a fee of RM 10 for adults, and RM 5 for children and senior citizens. You can also join a guided tour, which costs RM 15 per person, and includes a briefing and a certificate. You can book the tickets and the tour online or at the visitor center.
The park has a visitor center, where you can find some exhibits and displays about the park and the rainforest, as well as some souvenirs and merchandise. You can also find some vending machines and kiosks that sell drinks and snacks, or some restaurants and cafes that serve local and international cuisine, near the park or the KL Tower.
The park is a protected and preserved area, and you should respect the nature and the environment. Do not litter or damage the plants and trees, do not feed or touch the animals, and do not make loud noises or music. Follow the instructions and signs, and stay on the trails and platforms. Enjoy the park and its attractions, but also be responsible and careful.
The KL Forest Eco Park is a hidden rainforest in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, and a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone who wants to escape the urban chaos and enjoy some fresh air and greenery. The park offers several attractions and activities, such as the canopy walk, the hiking trails, the wildlife, and the picnic areas. You can also learn about the history and culture of the park and the rainforest, and its role in the conservation and education of the environment.
We hope that this guide has given you all the information you need to know about the KL Forest Eco Park, and inspired you to visit and experience it for yourself. Whether you are travelling solo, with your family, or with your friends, you will find something to suit your interests and preferences. So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets and your tour, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the rainforest.
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