By Izzud deen Redzuan
Jungle trekking is the greatest way to get close to nature and one way to get out of the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Being outside with nature it provides you the opportunity to experience the beauty of a lifetime to marvel at creations of Allah the Almighty.
Generally, jungle trekking is a very thrilling and adventurous experience. Exploring the lush green forest and with the mystery that surrounds the jungles. Malaysia is fortunate to be blessed with thick rainforests, some of them are among the oldest in the world.
The Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) located at Kepong, approximately 16 km from the capital city, Kuala Lumpur, has vast areas of protected forest. It was founded in 1992 and is one of the leading institutions in tropical forestry research both locally and abroad.
As you enter FRIM, you will be amazed by the tall-living trees and the beauty of botanical gardens. As you go further, you will be welcomed by Malay traditional houses and a peaceful camping area along the riverside.
For nature lovers, the canopy walkway and nature trails are among beautiful spots for tracking activities besides mountain biking. By exploring the forest you will discover as many flora and fauna. My advice is for you to go to the information counter for a briefing and get a map before you move out to explore the surrounding area.
Canopy Walkway
This is the famous attraction in the FRIM since 1992 and it was constructed to study the forest and habitants of the rainforest. This canopy is suspended 30 meters from the ground and spans over 200 meter from one point to another. It is a hanging canopy and you will be able to see the breath-taking view of the capital city, Kuala Lumpur, and the panoramic views of the forest.
One of the shortest tracks that you can use to go to the canopy walkway is by using the Rover Track, approximately 1,800 meters to Canopy walkway and 3,250 to exit the trails. It is a very popular track for joggers but the path is fluctuating and dirt road.
The canopy walkway is only opened to the public from 9.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. every day except Monday and Friday. In advance, the purchase of tickets should be made at FRIM One Stop Centre which is a souvenir shop located in the same building as the information counter. The cost is RM5/adult, RM3/student with ID and RM1/child.
Waterfall
As you come down from the canopy walk, waterfall will greet you at the exit and let’s have fun with water. The water is refreshing and cool besides there is an open space or picnic area for family to let go their children to play water.
Since the space is not big enough, FRIM does not allow visitors to take a bath at waterfall instead they can open their shoes and walk on the banks of the river, which is good enough to release muscle-tense after juggle trekking.
But, beware of encountering uninvited presence of the ground leeches. Therefore, prepare yourself before jungle trekking. These are some advices, avoid shoes that will cause blisters, choose long pants and tuck-in your pants into 2 pairs of socks, otherwise you are inviting leeches. You can use dry-fit t-shirt in order to get air flows and you can carry a small bottle of drinking water with you along the trekking. A can of insect repellent might be help to avoid uninvited insects.***
Photos of Zulhamka, Khairul Akhtar, and Nurman