Living in the Klang Valley can be suffocating, with how much of the place is now a concrete jungle. That said, an escape into the wilderness is always possible. So, a visit to the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) could not be any timelier.
FRIM, Selangor’s 1st UNESCO Site
Image Credit: KG Lim on Google Review (Left), Kuang Hong Chuang on Google Review (Right)
Located just 30 minutes away from KL City Centre, FRIM covers 545 hectares of man-made tropical rainforest. Surprisingly enough, the idea of FRIM has been around since the 1920s. With the Sultan of Selangor’s blessing, FRIM first began operations in 1929.
Since then, FRIM has become a living ecosystem and is a Malaysian National Heritage Site as of 2012. In fact, just this year, FRIM was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its cultural and ecological importance.
How important exactly is FRIM? Well, the place is home to over 15,000 plant species, 180 bird species and many other mammals, reptiles, amphibians and freshwater fish. Needless to say, it is a perfect attraction for locals and tourists alike.
Hiking at FRIM
Image Credit: Taufik Taufik on Google Review (Left), Blaze Runner on Google Review (Right)
But what exactly can a visitor do here? Well, this MFT guide is for you, potential visitor to FRIM. The research park has lots of things to see and do, with activities available for people of all ages.
Among these, the forest trails are probably the most popular. The Keruing Trail and Salleh Nature Trail, for example, let visitors explore rainforests and bamboo groves up close. What’s more, these trails are perfectly accessible to hikers with young children in tow.
Feet above the ground
Image Credit: Akif 17 on Google Review (Left), Farah Izati on Google Review (Right)
One new attraction is the Forest Skywalk. This canopy walkway dangles 50m above the ground and lets visitors catch panoramic views of both the forest and the KL skyline. Before you get excited, do note the Skywalk has a limited number of visitors per day and must be pre-booked.
Flowers, birds and paths
Image Credit: Tan KK on Google Review (Left), Nabeel Khan on Google Review (Right)
If heights scare you, maybe keep close to the ground and visit the botanical gardens. You could also grab a pair of binoculars and go birdwatching, especially during the migration season. Alternatively, there are camping facilities at Perah Campsite, plus paths for jogging and mountain biking.
What to bring
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To truly enjoy yourself at FRIM, it’s best to come prepared. Be sure to wear comfy walking shoes or hiking sandals. Malaysian common sense also dictates that you bring a refillable water bottle. Dehydration in this ongoing hot weather is no joke!
Another thing that you ought to bring is insect repellent. Long pants may help keep mosquitoes off you, but the bugs are stubborn. Also, if you’re planning on visiting the Skywalk, applying sunscreen is highly recommended.
Despite it being the hot season, Malaysian weather remains unpredictable, so do bring an umbrella or raincoat. Packed food is also recommended as FRIM has limited food options. Lastly, consider packing a towel and a change of clothes, unless you like bathing in sweat.
How to go
For transportation options, FRIM is easily reached by car if you are taking the Selayang-Kepong Highway. The KTM Komuter train is also an option, if you arrive at Kepong Sentral Station and take a taxi to FRIM.
Entry fees to the park are modest, with RM5 charged per car or RM1 per person on foot. Tickets for the Skywalk range from RM10 to RM15. Jungle trek guides are also available for RM150 per group, with a max party limit of 20.
Extra notes
You should also know that strenuous activities at FRIM are discouraged if the air quality is above 100 API. Visitors are also to respect the environment by not touching animals or plants without permission. Certain activities are also not allowed during heavy rain, so be warned.
Worth your time?
Image Credit: Gomi Suppiah on Google Review
With the wide array of activities at FRIM, there is little chance of you ever getting bored. Just be sure to come prepared and to stay safe, so that you will enjoy your time exploring all that nature has to offer, just a stone’s throw away from the city.
FRIM
Address: Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), 68100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 7.30 am – 7 pm weekdays | 7 am – 7 pm weekends & public holidays
Contact: 03-62797592/7649
Website: www.frim.gov.my
You should also check out: Where the rice grows and the stress goes. Here’s a 2D1N itinerary for a weekend in Sekinchan
Feature Image Credit: Blaze Runner on Google Review (Left), Samsi Yadav on Google Review (Right)
