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A land of
spectacular vistas, undulating terrain and
ancient rainforests, Malaysia offers unlimited
opportunities for a trekker. The wilds of the
country's extensive national parks and wildlife
reserves present an opportunity to rediscover
the allure of nature.
From the freshwater
swamp forests of the Kinabatangan floodplain
where Proboscis monkeys squat in treetops
munching leaves, to the undisturbed dipterocarp
rainforests of Taman Negara, one of Asia's
conservation areas, trekking in Malaysia is a
rich and rewarding experience.
Seasoned trekkers
may want to try the rigorous seven-day trek to
the summit of Gunung Tahan in Taman Negara,
Pahang. Novice trekkers can practice at Forest
Reserve Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) in Kepong,
Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysia Agriculture Park at
Taman Bukit Cahaya in Shah Alam, Selangor or Air
Keroh Recreational Forest in Malacca.
Well known trekking
sites in Sarawak include Niah National Park,
Mulu National Park and Lambir National Park. In
Sabah, the Kinabalu National Park and Danum
Valley are good trekking destinations.
DIVERSITY OF
TERRAIN
Undulating hills
matted with dense vegetation, gushing rivers,
steep forested slopes and muddy trails are just
a few examples of the varied terrain encountered
when trekking in Malaysia's diverse tropical
habitats. Blanketing the landscape, there are
several major types of rainforests to explore,
each with their own unique characteristics and
wildlife.
Acting as a buffer
between land and sea, mangrove forests prevent
coastal erosion and are vital as feeding and
breeding grounds for fisheries. In Kuala
Selangor Nature Park and other mangrove sites,
where fiddler crabs dart into muddy holes to
avoid hungry monkeys, boardwalks snake through
the forest to make trekking easier.
A prominent feature
of both Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysian
hillsides, dipterocarp forests are one of
nature's most complex and diverse ecosystems.
Hundreds of plant species including climbing
vines and palms can be seen in a dazzling array
of forms and functions. Large buttressed roots
provide stability for many rainforest trees
while the tips of some leaves aid water
dripping.
Montane forests are
a cooler alternative for trekking than the
dipterocarp forests and come with their own
attractions and indigenous plant and animal
life.
Jungle trekking can
take an hour or two or as many days as you wish.
The choice is up to the nature adventurer. The
best time to trek in Peninsular Malaysia is
during the dry season in March to October when
rainfall is sparse and does not hinder
exploration. The wet season in Sabah and Sarawak
is from July to October.
SIGHTS AND SOUNDS
OF THE FOREST
The wilds of
Malaysia are full of fascinating animals and
amazing plants that take advantage of the
competitive conditions of the rainforest.
Rainforest wildlife conceal or camouflage
themselves to avoid predators and to survive but
towered hides and canopy walks aid those
searching for a glimpse of the inhabitants.
Endau-Rompin in
Johor is an unique collection of lowland and
montane rainforest which is home to the largest
population of endangered animals in the country.
The Sumatran rhinoceros, tigers and elephants
are among the protected species in Endau-Rompin.
Taman Negara in
Pahang has many trails of which the Mat Kilau
trail is the most popular due to the sightings
of Fishing Eagles, gibbons, pheasants and tapir.
A visit to the
jungle requires the full use of one's senses to
discover all the creatures of the forest. Take
time to spot the many insects and butterflies
flitting about in the forests of Peninsular
Malaysia. Marvel at the membrane wings of the
Flying Lemur gliding tree from tree in Endau
Rompin. Listen to the swooshing wingbeats of
colorful hornbills or the call of gibbons
echoing at dawn in Danum Valley in Sabah.
From fungi to
orchids, thousands of rainforest plants climb
up, drape over or join together to form a
vibrant and interconnected habitat. The
observant trekker will notice how a strangler
fig slowly surrounds and kills the host tree,
leaving nothing but a hollow centre in its
place.
CAMPING
National Parks in
Malaysia provide many jungle camping sites.
There are also many mountain and beach sites
which are suited for camping. In picking your
camp site, always take into consideration the
weather conditions and the types of camping
equipment you will need.
The rainy season
during December to February renders some camp
sites along the river trails of Taman Negara
inaccessible. Always check with the relevant
Park authorities before hand.
The lower altitudes
of primary jungle like Taman Negara, Kenong
Rimba Park in Pahang; Endau Rompin in Johor;
Mulu and Lampir National Parks in Sarawak are
humid, so your choice of tents should allow for
good ventilation. Enclosed nylon tents with sewn
- in groundsheets are not recommended as they
tend to condense air on the inside. Cotton tents
get heavy after absorbing water.
When camping on high
altitude locations such as Gunung Jerai in Kedah;
Gunung Korbu in Perak; Gunung Tapis and Gunung
Tahan in Pahang, choose a site sheltered from
the wind and avoid the higher peaks when
thunderstorms occur. A self-contained tent with
aluminium poles and stakes is best for mountain
camping.
Only a basic set up
is needed when camping on the beaches of the
marine parks in the country which includes Pulau
Payar in Kedah; Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan;
Pulau Redang, Terengganu; Pulau Tioman and
Cherating in Pahang and Tuanku Abdul Rahman Park
in Sabah. A hammock or sleeping bag will do very
well.
Although most of the
national parks and private tourist facilities
furnish and rent out camping gear, it may be
wiser to bring along basic camping necessities.
Remember to check on
restrictions which may apply due to ecological
or other reasons. If unsure, contact the Park
authorities.
See also:-
Jungle
Trekking Sites
Jungle
Trekking Tips
Camping
Sites
Camping Tips
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