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| leafy canopy |
We have had some very heavy rain fall for the past two days and somehow, it felt the right time to venture into a forest reserve for my new 'forest air bath' experience... ;-)
So this morning, I decided to make my way into the Bukit Nanas (translated Pineapple Hill) Forest Reserve in Kuala Lumpur, one of the oldest gazetted forests in the city, located a stone's throw away from another touristy landmark, the KL Tower.
Then known as the Bukit Weld Forest Reserve, it was gazetted in 1906 which now makes it more than a century old. Uniquely, this is also the last permanent piece of tropical rainforest (about 11 hectares of it) remaining in the heart of the city surrounded by high rised buildings. This forest plays an important role as the 'green lung' of KL. Apart from being an amenity forest, it is also serves as an education and research forest.
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| nearby KL Tower (421m) |
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| information centre |
Inside the Information Centre were displays of the rainforests' various dipterocarp hardwood tree species and their economic contribution to the country. Small handy and coloured trail maps were available for all interested taking in the nature trails. And to top it all, admission is free. Freebie sounds good already!
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on site trail map + rubbish bin
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So with map in hand, I was just out of the wild orchid area and ready to tackle the trails. I had not ventured far, when I heard a whooshing sound raced past me, brushing against my jeans on its marathon dash. Rooted to the spot, I caught sight of its back and form - a common palm civet or musang (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus). What a wonderful welcome to the rainforest!
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| entomophobia beware |
It was warm and humid as expected despite it being late morning and the recent rain has definitely given the tranquil haven a fresher appeal. The sounds of the forest - leaves rustling, insects, birds chirping etc. a peaceful calm came over me. Sometimes, a falling twig or fruit seems louder in its serene stillness.
Perspiration aside, the persistent mosquitos were mildly (stating mildly perhaps an understatement) irritating - luckily I had with me my trusty jar of popular cure all "tiger balm" (just a brand, nothing to do with the endangered animals) which was the perfect repellent as well as relief from insect bites...
The trails were well signposted and well maintained. Just easy walking for all levels of fitness and age groups, some uphill ones and some down, some man made while others, natural, of course! The earthed slopes (deviated paths) could be a tad slippery after the rain though.
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| tiled |
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| stony |
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| wooded |
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| sunlit |
After nearly 2.5hours of walking and admiring all that's on offer in this majestic forest, I was thoroughly rejuvenated but hungry (despite a good breakfast). Unfortunately, they don't do cafe at the Information Centre. So, trotted off to the nearest McD to recharge the batteries!
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