'WOW' spot

FRIM (Forest Research Institute Malaysia) provides an opportunity to experience forest canopy walkway in the midst of concrete jungles in Kuala Lumpur. Photographs are contributed by Grace.

We have been frequenting to Kuala Lumpur (KL); the capital of Malaysia since my sister moved there more than half a decade ago. Nevertheless, all we did when we were in KL was visiting the concrete jungles in the heart of metropolitan. We simply enjoyed the cold temperature in these buildings as well as the price drop seduction especially at the ladies section. To our surprise, our half full luggage would usually be filled with new and hot items found in the fashion magazines. Oh ya… another hot spot, my significant other would never fail to check out his private building called LYP, which is a place that is perpetually having PC/tech fair. In Penang, the so-called resort island where we stay, this event may happen only once in several months and at times, the bargain at this fair can never beat the one at LYP. That’s the reason why the geeks like to visit LYP.

Canopy Walkway - Starting point

Recently we went to KL again but this time, my brother-in-law suggested that we go to visit the real green jungles instead. No doubt it is tougher to plan for real jungle visit, without hesitance we agreed with FRIM (Forest Research Institute Malaysia) as the destination for our hiking trip. After all, there is not that many forestry spots nearby KL.

Enjoying the moments

Since we were driving two cars, TPM PETRONAS along KL-Seremban highway was our rendezvous point. Departed fifteen minutes after nine in the morning, my sister led us confidently though it was her first time driving there. By road, FRIM is only 36 km away from TPM Petronas and we arrived there a few minutes passed ten. Entrance fee is RM5 for the driver and car; each passenger is charged an additional RM1.

As we drove in, we noticed that FRIM has its own community. If you are first timer at FRIM, I'd suggest that you print out the site map from FRIM website. If not, please drive along FRIM Road until reaching Zone D. Trust me, the compound is huge and you may waste some time to get on the correct road. Then, proceed to the Public Relation Office/Information Centre nearby Coneferium. There are plenty of trails for hiking. The lady at Information Centre may provide location specific map with flora to look out for during the hike. Since this was first time for most of us, we aimed at Keruing Nature Trail; the shortest trail of all but with the greatest view of forest canopy. The lady at Information Centre insisted we must see the 'WOW'. Yes, we found it after about 20 minutes of slow walk. This spot appear after the T-junction which if left turn will lead to Salleh's Nature Trail.

Bird eye view

To the right, it brought us to enjoy the great view of forest canopy; resembled pieces of green jigsaw puzzle on the sky. At this moment, how I wish we can make the wet trail path as our bed so that we did not strain our necks to look upon the sky in exchange for the great view. Upon completing Keriung Nature Trail, my sister was commenting that the walk was nothing at all compared to the walking trip from Pavillion to Berjaya Times Square on the day before, so we decided to explore Canopy Walkway without using the official trail. From the map provided, my significant other managed to find a short-cut to the base hut of Canopy Walkway. It was a very steep hike originating from a tiny bridge between the picnic area and traditional houses. I was panting when our path cross at Rover Track. Then, we still need to climb up 500 m before reaching the entrance of Canopy Walkway. Phew, at least we made it and my significant other was like sweating machine, wet and wet! I was stung by two leeches (one at each ankle) along my way. However, the effort was rewarding when I got to experience the walk on wooden planks with netting up to shoulder level; connecting from one huge tree branch to another. At certain distance along the walkway, the wooden plank might just sway and its noise was rather eerie as I was standing so high up from the ground. At the same time, the bird eye of Kepong town and some parts of KL is great!

This time, our trip was filled with 'WOW' and greens instead. Something different for a change!

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