Showing posts with label [Kuala Lumpur] Green Nature. Show all posts
Showing posts with label [Kuala Lumpur] Green Nature. Show all posts
A beautiful collection of floras in KL Lake Gardens. Pictures taken with my Nikon D60
I did some further research on this report and uncovered some eye-catching statistics. I was shocked because Malaysia was rated as VERY POOR in handling our greenhouse gas emissions. Believe it or not! We were grouped together with China - the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter. Click this screenshot to learn more:
Source: Climate Change Performance Index 2010 (PDF File: 2.4MB)
Developing nations including Malaysia and Indonesia must do more to cut emissions. Our government must set a national target to cut greenhouse gas emissions ASAP! Latest News (18th December 2009): Malaysia is adopting a voluntary national reduction indicator of up to 40% in terms of GDP emission intensity by 2020 compared with 2005 levels. Source: TheStar.
Many city folks and urban dwellers are scratching their heads. More and more people are wondering how they can do their part to reduce greenhouse gas. One week ago, I've spoken to my senior colleagues about this issue. One of them suggested a visit to KL Lake Gardens to get some green ideas. That's fabulous!
Last weekend, I decided to shelve my scheduled plans and paid a full day visit to KL Lake Gardens. I wanted to see the green development and hope to get some ideas on ways to lower down our carbon emissions. It was a fruitful trip. Remember to read the whole article.
KL Lake Gardens is also known as Taman Tasik Perdana (Perdana Lake Garden). It was officially opened on 1st May 1975 by the second Prime Minister of Malaysia Tun Haji Abdul Razak Hussein. The park has an area of approximately 92 hectares.
The attractions that has been developed for public use includes:
- Orchid Garden
- Hibiscus Garden
- KL Butterfly Park
- KL Bird Park
- Deer Park
- Boathouse
The winged beauties in KL Butterfly Park. Pictures taken in KL Butterfly Park with my Nikon D60.
I parked my car at National Museum in Jalan Damansara, KL. Next, I walked across the overhead bridge from National Museum to Lake Gardens. It was a refreshing walk. Along the way, I stumbled upon a group of happy tourists. A smiling face is a reflection of a relaxed mind. Our foreign friends LOVE the green attractions in KL Lake Gardens.
At first, I visited KL Butterfly Park. Finding the place is not difficult as informative signboards are placed at strategic locations. Upon entering the park, I saw loads of winged creatures (butterflies) flying around. The butterfly park is a huge man-made indoor garden with big trees, flowering plants and turtle ponds. Visitors are allowed to pour droplets of sweet sugary solution on the feeding station. In less than a minute, more than 20 butterflies flocked the station. It was a feeding frenzy. A wonderful opportunity to capture these unique creatures with my camera.
After that, I checked out the collection of insects. I saw skinny stick insects, cute dung beetles, scary tarantula and poisonous scorpions. These 'live' exhibits are AMAZING! Definitely an eye-opener for visitors. The park management did a wonderful job by putting up fun and amazing facts next to the exhibits. Another plus point is the souvenir store that is chocked full of unique butterfly and insect themed gifts.
Yellow, purple and orange orchids. Pictures taken with my Nikon D60
Next, I visited KL Orchid and Hibiscus Gardens. The two gardens are located side by side. Entrance is free of charge. I was mesmerized by the vast collection of orchids. The Orchid Garden houses about 3,000 orchid species from around the world, with 800 species from Malaysia alone. So many colors, shapes and sizes. I love the smell of these flowers! The smell makes everyone enjoy walking around them and they bring a sort of cheerfulness to the atmosphere. I'm one of the guys who fell in LOVE with the floral beauties. LOL!
Along the way, I stumbled upon row of shops selling orchids. WOW! The shops were packed like sardines! The plants are cheap and beautiful. You can get a big pot of orchid plant for a mere RM4. My mum loves orchid. So, I bought two beautiful pots of orchids.
Clockwise: A rose-like hibiscus, a hibiscus bud and the famous clam-shaped gigantic hibiscus. Pictures taken with my Nikon D60.
Then, I visited the hibiscus garden. The five-petaled hibiscus is Malaysia's national flower. This garden showcases more than 2,000 varieties of hibiscuses. Inside the garden, there is a building that houses the displays of different hibiscus species, hibiscus-related products and handicrafts. Remember to check out the clam-shaped hibiscus. This gigantic species is a MUST-SEE attraction. The pink colored flower is as big as my face!
Lastly, I walked 400 m to KL Bird Park. An adult ticket cost RM15. It is quite pricey by Malaysian standard. Our KL Bird Park is listed in TripAdvisor as the TOP 2 must-see attraction in KL. Source: TripAdvisor. I've read countless good reviews from travelers. So, I had high expectations.
KL Bird Park is one of the world's largest free-flight walk-in aviary. It has approximately 800 birds of 60 local and foreign species living together as a perfectly balanced community in a semi-natural, man-made environment. I was impressed seeing birds flying and walking freely in the park.
The best part of the park is that you can get very close to the beautiful birds (including the magnificent peacocks and milky storks) in the aviary - the birds are simply walking around you. That's really AWESOME! I spent two hours exploring the flamingo pond, hornbill park, world of parrots, bird gallery and exhibition centre (egg incubation room and nursery).
Clockwise: A newborn chick, feeding frenzy, a beautiful peacock & a hungry pigeon. Pictures taken with my Nikon D60.
I Was Inspired To Fight Global Warming & Green House Gases
Overall, I had a superb time discovering the green beauty in KL Lake Gardens. I LOVE the lush gardens, breathtaking views, quiet, secluded and most of all relaxing atmosphere. A nature lover's and birder's paradise!
In addition, I saw big trees all over the lake. It's a peaceful and serene place... far away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. I did not expect KL to be so beautiful and vivid.
Greenhouse gas pollution is a serious problem. As populations expand and lifestyles change, we must keep Malaysia in good condition so that future generations will have the same natural resources that we have. This trip has inspired me to make small and big changes as much as I can to lower down our green gashouse emissions.
One of the best way to lower our carbon footprint is to help the environment by planting trees which absorb CO2 (Carbon Dioxide). Trees absorb carbon dioxide out of the air and produce oxygen as a by-product. Planting trees is a way for people to offset the damage done by their carbon foot print.
Do you know?
- An average person produces 26 tons of CO2 per year.
- 6 matured trees can absorb 1 ton of CO2
So, I proposed this brilliant idea to my HR and Community Department during one of our quality meeting. It was discussed and accepted unanimously. We're going to have our very first tree planting campaign. Our main objective is greening our HQ and surrounding area by planting trees. We nicknamed the project "Rising Green".
Believe me. Small changes at home and office make a big difference in climate change efforts. So, wait no more. Start greening. NOW!
KL Lake Gardens - Getting There:
KL HOP-ON HOP OFF (BUS)
This is the most comprehensive way to experience the magic of Kuala Lumpur. Not only does it cover all major attractions, the tour also includes key shopping centres in the city. KLCC, Twin Tower, Bintang Walk, Merdeka Square, KL Tower, KL Sentral, Lake Garden, Petaling Street, Jamek Mosque, Sri Mahamariamman Temple, St. Mary’s Cathedral. Over 42 major sights and attractions.
Trains, Light Rail Transit systems, Monorails
KL is pretty well connected with relatively cheap and easy way of travelling around.
KL Lake Gardens - Google Maps:
KL Lake Gardens - Things To Do/See:
- Orchid Garden
- Hibiscus Garden
- KL Butterfly Park
- KL Bird Park
- Deer Park
- Boathouse
Green Inspiration - Read More/Useful Link:
- http://tinyurl.com/yl95lj6 (KL A Bit Greener Now - TheStar Article)
- http://www.germanwatch.org/klima/ccpi2010.pdf (Climate Change Performance Index 2010)
- http://tinyurl.com/ywzsep (TripAdvisor Reviews on KL Bird Park)
- http://www.klbirdpark.com/ (Official Portal of KL Bird Park)
- http://tinyurl.com/ydcnxr6 (Malaysia aims for 40% cut in carbon - TheStar)
- http://tinyurl.com/yf462ly (CLIMATE CHANGE: Copenhagen Talks Create Hardly a Ripple in Malaysia, Article from IPS News Agency)
(Now is the time to clean up KL City for future generations)
My Cartoon Doodle
Unfortunately, the massive development has contributed to air pollution and bottleneck traffic jams. The excessive traffic jams are the main cause of environmental pollution. In addition, KL is getting dirtier by the minute. The city is littered with rubbish. I've seen people throw plastic bags, wrappers and other garbage out of their cars as if the whole country is just one big garbage dump - handiwork of ugly Malaysian.
Recently, I've participated in numerous campaigns organized by Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (translation: KL City Hall) to clean up my residential area. Sadly, public awareness only last for two weeks. After that, people return to their filthy habits. Its' the infamous 'TIDAK APA' attitude among Malaysians. Despite the massive development, Malaysians seem to have little regard for the environment and cleanliness.
A greener and cleaner city is a desirable place for living and working. The cleanliness of our streets and rivers says a lot about who we are and what our values are. We need to discard our old habits before it’s too late. I am proposing 10 simple yet effective ways to make KL a livable city.
#STEP 1 - Use Public Transportation
A typical bus can take 40 single-passengers cars off the road.
Picture taken with my Nikon D60
Air pollution is at the top of the list of problems caused by motor vehicles. Cars take up too much space in KL where 4 out of 5 trips are made by car. This congestion costs us dearly. One third of drivers in KL City spend the equivalent of three workweeks in bumper to bumper traffic every year.
Solution:
Use public transportation whenever possible. It will saves more than 109 million liter of petrol per year in Malaysia. Take bus, train or car pool. A RapidKL's bus can take 40 single-passengers cars off the road. As of 13th November 2009, RapidKL buses have 2.7 million ridership a week, carrying 380,000 passengers daily, in a total of 165 bus routes from 980 housing estates in Klang Valley (Ridership Numbers Adapted From: The Star).
Getting Around In KL:
Kuala Lumpur's public transport system consists of 3 LRT (Light Rail Transit) lines operated by RapidKL, the semicircular KL Monorail looping through the Golden Triangle and the KTM Komuter for trips to the outer northern, southern & western suburbs.
- RapidKL Official Portal: http://www.rapidkl.com.my/
- KL Monorial Official Portal: http://www.monorail.com.my/
- KTM Official Portal: http://www.ktmb.com.my/
#STEP 2 - Help Clean Up A River
Cry Me a `Clean' River! Gombak/Klang river confluence next to Masjid Jamek, KL
Picture taken with my Nokia hand phone
According to Department of Irrigation & Drainage (DID), our rivers provide 97% of our water supply. Among the 189 river basins, 30 of them function as reservoirs which supply the 26.9 million people living in Malaysia with clean water that flows through our taps. Solid waste deposited by irresponsible individuals has badly affected the quality of water in our rivers.
Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail, had said on numerous occasions that people should change their perception of rivers and look at them as a resource rather than their rubbish dumping ground. The main causes of river pollution are industrial effluents and domestic waste disposal. This is aggravated by industrialisation and urban migration which results in squatter problems.
DBKL (KL City Hall) and KWP (Ministry of Federal Territories) need to actively promote public awareness on the importance of rivers and to highlight the critical state of pollution faced by our rivers. Local nature conservation groups regularly organize river clean up operations. These involve removing the waste that pollutes a water course and cleaning riverbanks. We need more campaigns to clean our dying rivers!
Solution:
These operations always need volunteers. Do not be afraid to join one. It is an opportunity to help the environment and learn more about the stream, its banks, and the flora and fauna that live there.
#STEP 3 - Say NO to Plastic Bag & Styrofoam
My mom's eco-friendly reusable shopping bag :)
Picture captured with my Nikon D60
Plastic bag and Styrofoam require fossil fuels to produce and takes centuries to degrade. The flyaway pieces that do break off can endanger wildlife. Several hypermarkets in KL have banned plastic bag. That's not enough. We need to pressure DBKL (KL City Hall) and KWP (Ministry of Federal Territories) to pass similar initiatives. We should follow Penang and create a “NO PLASTIC BAG DAY” on every Monday.
The following is a press statement released by Lim Guan Eng (The Chief Minister of Penang) in George Town on Friday, 9th October 2009:
“No Plastic Mondays” have reduced plastic bag consumption by more than 580,000 plastic bags over 13 days.
Solution:
Avoid plastic bag and Styrofoam takeout. Bring along your cloth bag during shopping. Ask you workplace to replace Styrofoam coffee cups with reusable mugs or drinking glass.
#STEP 4 - Stray Cats & Dogs
(Adopt A Pet From Your Local Animal Shelter)
Let's create a better world for animals.
A stray dog in Pulau Ketam. Picture captured with my Nikon D60.
According to SPCA Malaysia, each year thousands of cats and dogs enter shelter (over 7, 000), yet only 17% are adopted from there. By adopting a cat or a dog from a shelter, you're giving a homeless pet a new chance of life.
Solution:
Visit SPCA, to view guidelines for adopting a pet. If you decide that you and your family are ready to make this commitment, don't spend money needlessly in a pet shop, thus encouraging even more pets to be raised. Find your next family member at the local animal shelter instead. Currently, there are close to 400 kittens, cats, puppies and dogs at the SPCA Animal Shelter in Ampang Jaya. Click here to read FAQ about Pet Adoption
SPCA Contact Details:
SPCA Selangor
Jalan Kerja Air Lama,
68000 Ampang, Selangor.
Animal Shelter & Admin Dept: 03-4256 5312/ 4253 5179 (8.30am - 4pm Daily)
Public Relations Dept & Inspectorate: 03-4253 5312 (10am – 6.30pm Daily)
Fax: 03-4252 8382
Email: enquiries@spca.org.my
Official Portal: http://www.spca.org.my/v51/index.php
#STEP 5 - Do Not Drop Your Garbage Indiscriminately When Traveling
It's SMELLY, UGLY & DIRTY - somewhere in KL
Picture taken with my Nikon D60
Across Malaysia, the average rate of recycling is less than 20%. In some KL places, rubbish bins are rare or altogether absent.
Solution:
Do not drop your trash just anywhere - especially if you are on an excursion - even if the environment already appears to be dirty or strewn with dumped waste. Take your trash back to where you are staying and disperse of it properly.
#STEP 6 - Introduce Environmental Education to Schools
Work with WWF and spread the Green Message
Many local environmental NGOs (e.g. MNS - Malaysia Nature Society & WWF - World Wide Fund For Nature) offer free or low cost education presentations or field trips for school-aged children. They usually focus on the natural features it has to offer.
Solution:
Spend some time organizing environmental awareness programs with these NGOs. It is a good way to increase awareness among students, teachers and parents.
WWF Official Portal: http://www.wwf.org.my/
MNS Official Portal: http://www.mns.my/
#STEP 7 - File Your Income Tax Electronically
GO GREEN, GO E-FILING! A screenshot of Malaysian Income Tax BE Form.
Each tax season, IRB (Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia) issues nearly 2 millions paper forms or the equivalent of nearly 75 000 trees. E-filing which now accounts for 30% of all returns significantly reduces the amount of paper used. The IRB has set a goal to have 80% of the returns e-filed, but this can't be achieved unless consumers continue to use the service and urge tax professionals to e-file whenever possible.
Solution:
File your personal income tax returns online. You'll save paper and get your refund faster.
Official Portal of IRB: http://www.hasil.org.my/
#STEP 8 - Reduce Traffic Jams & Pollution
(Take Your Children to School on Foot)
School bus is COOL! "I Am Doing My Part to Save the Earth"
Fewer than 15% of children walk or bike to school; although some take buses, nearly 60% are driven. Cars already produce a fifth of carbon dioxide emissions, and their numbers will increase considerable over the coming decades to meet growing demand in Malaysia. Almost 35% of morning commuters are parents and kids on their way to school.
Solution:
Instead of taking your children to school by car, send them by public transportation or school bus or accompany them on foot or by bike.
#STEP 9 - Plant A Tree
(Make KL A Green City Not A Concrete City)
A canopy tree in Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, KL
Picture taken with my Nikon D60
Today, less than a third of the world is still forested. Worldwide, over the last 10 years, forest has been reduced by 2.4%.
Solution:
Plant a tree. You will be joining the fight against global warming and the atmosphere pollution caused by CO2 emissions.
#STEP 10 - Practice Sustainable Tourism
Visitors to Bazaar Ramadan at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, KL
Picture taken with my Nikon D60
When you travel in KL, you can also have a positive impact. Follow these five simple steps to support local tourism.
- Patronize local businesses as much as possible.
- Give back to the community by supporting humanitarian projects and social works.
- Use local sources for everything from public transportation to restaurant food.
- Use tour operators that respect fragile habitats and can show visitors what local conditions are really like.
10 Ways to Make KL City Cleaner & Greener:
- Use Public Transportation
- Say NO to Plastic Bag & Styrofoam
- Adopt A Pet From Your Local Animal Shelter
- Help Clean Up A River
- Do Not Drop Your Garbage Indiscriminately When Traveling
- Introduce Environmental Education to Schools
- File Your Income Tax Electronically
- Reduce Traffic Jams & Pollution
- Plant A Tree
- Practice Sustainable Tourism
I LOVE to hear your creative ideas to spruce up KL. Feel free to drop your comments.
Last updated October 29th, 2020 (1:36 p.m.)
Last updated October 29th, 2020 (1:36 p.m.)
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Title: Bangkok BankLocation: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 28 January 2009, 11:09am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/10.0, ISO Equiv.: 100 Twisted angle of the bank's entrance. Looking at this financial building brings back good old memories - I remember those childhood moments holding a packet of soya bean drink from Chinatown and waiting for buses with my mom in front of this building.
Title: RHB Financial BuildingLocation: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 28 January 2009, 10:40am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 100 A box-like building - felt like flipping over a huge dictionary.
Title: The Kuala Lumpur TowerLocation: Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 28 January 2009, 8:18am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100 A faraway view of the tower. This picture was taken few minutes after I alighted from the bus. I was walking towards the main gated entrance to the forest when I chance upon this wonderful scenery - I took out my camera and snapped this picture instantly.
Title: The Kuala Lumpur TowerLocation: Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 28 January 2009, 8:18am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
A close-up shot of the Kuala Lumpur Tower. I skipped the KL Tower trip entirely. Entrance fee per adult is RM38 - way too expensive for me.
Title: HSBC BuildingLocation: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 28 January 2009, 11:14am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/9.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
Argh..this building is an eyesore to modern day architecture - too many sharp edges, dull facade and monotone panels.
I delayed posting Part 3 because I was having extreme fever for three days continuously. I'm feeling much better today after taking cocktails of medicine given by the GP. I'm very disappointed with my sickness because I missed out the Thaipusam celebration at Batu Caves. I really wanted (desperately and badly) to take a bus to the mythical cave to capture those wonderful kavadi bearers in ACTION and also enjoy the riot of colours, people and festive-like environment over there.
Other than that, I just started working in a new company. Having fever and taking another two days off really set a bad impression on me. I needed to work harder to compensate for it.
The above pictures were taken the moment I emerged from Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve. It was a hot and bluish morning. A real good day to take photos. These are the concrete jungle at the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
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Title: A glowing and transparent leafyLocation: Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 28 January 2009, 9:41am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.3, ISO Equiv.: 1600
Love the outcome of this picture. Not using camera flash at all. The natural light in the forest is clearly depicted in this picture - causing a bright green glow.
Title: Tall, big canopy treesLocation: Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 28 January 2009, 8:45am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/3.5, ISO Equiv.: 280 Two words to describe this picture - LUSH GREENERY!
Title: Two blades of GREENLocation: Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 28 January 2009, 10:09am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.3, ISO Equiv.: 400 This photo is not photoshopped - in fact all my pictures are without any photoshop modification. I chance upon these two blade of green leaves. Visible at the background were dried leaves in grayish and brownish colours.
Title: Feathery FernsLocation: Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 28 January 2009, 8.56am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 180 An adult fern plant with overlapping leaves. Overall, I have to say it was the best hiking trip to a virgin forest by far. Not tired at all even after exploring the entire forest. I guess I am too excited from the starting point up to the last exit point at Dang Wangi LRT station. Got a bit of sunburn and numerous bite marks on my face. As I am typing away, I am cracking my head for my next photo trip. I felt great whenever I signed out from my office. I am not implying that I HATE MY JOB but I just wanna put everything behind me and enjoy my weekend. Life is too short! I wanna discover more places, meet people from diverse culture and open my eyes and soul!
Article Preview
Title: Mr. Arrow a.k.a MR GREENLocation: Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 28 January 2009, 8.56am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
This young plant look like an oversized boy with arrow head :) LOVE IT!!
Title: A fan perhaps?Location: Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 28 January 2009, 8.35am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.3, ISO Equiv.: 200
A fan look-alike fern plant.
Title: Swirling effect.Location: Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 28 January 2009, 8.35am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/4.8, ISO Equiv.: 200
Just twist your camera and you'll get this swirling effect!
Title: Holed but still A.L.I.V.ELocation: Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 28 January 2009, 8.56am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.3, ISO Equiv.: 320
A close-up shot. I guess this leaf is still making food. Light is abundant despite the presence of huge canopy trees.
Title: Gimme Light and I'll survive!Location: Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 28 January 2009, 9.05am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/4.8, ISO Equiv.: 200
Love this shot. The distribution of green colour in this picture is simply breathtaking!
Title: Twin WingLocation: Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 28 January 2009, 8.39am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.3, ISO Equiv.: 220
A unique wing-like flower with papery thin petals. The two petals are brownish coloured.
Title: Light for a fallen leafLocation: Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 28 January 2009, 8.55am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
A wilted leaf on the forest floor.
Title: The forestLocation: Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 28 January 2009, 8.45am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/3.5, ISO Equiv.: 320
An interesting view of the reserve forest.
Title: Nature's Green LungLocation: Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 28 January 2009, 9.39am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 1600
Light from morning sky illuminate the leaf.
Today is the third day of Chinese New Year 2009. The day before, I was googling for places of interest in Kuala Lumpur and stumbled upon Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve at the heart of Kuala Lumpur. I browse through some pictures on the forest reserve and I fall in LOVE with the place INSTANTLY - no questions ask and no reservations at all.
I've been to Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) at Kepong, Kuala Lumpur. Unfortunately, FRIM is too artificial to me. It look like an urban forest to me. On the other hand, Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve seems to be very tempting and attractive to pure nature lover like me. I was impressed knowing that Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve was gazetted as a permanent reserved Forest since 1906. WOW!!! That is a whooping 103 years of protective status given to the forest! NO KIDDING!! Also a forest at Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur - sound unreal to me :)
So, this morning (last day of my Chinese New Year holidays) I took my early bath and drove to Jalan Ipoh. I boarded two buses to the main entrance of the forest at Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur. The time of arrival was 8.20 am. I asked around and was given a map cum manual to the forest by a security guard. So, I started my journey exploring the forest. I had a lower expectation because the idea of a reserve forest in a bustling city is really unbelievable to any urban dwellers.
I was wearing a long black pant and a white jersey. The hiking trail is superbly designed with clear pathway, optional trekking to inner forest and clear signboards all over the place. I felt in LOVE with the forest straightaway. The morning sky with bright hue is simply amazing - only faint bright light able to penetrate the forest due to the canopy-like trees in the forest. I enjoyed every single step through my entire hiking!!! The urban concrete jungle slowly disappeared from my sight. In fact, I totally forgotten that I was trekking in a reserve forest at the heart of Kuala Lumpur. It was a peaceful, serene and out of the world experience!!
The forest is surreal and mesmerizing! Nonetheless, my excitement was bugged with continuous bites from tiny little flying insects that look like mini-me mosquitoes. These insects really drive me NUTS & CRAZY. I was bitten all over - my hands, neck and face. IT WAS DAMN ITCHY AND ANNOYING!!! At one point, I felt like turning back or even shout for H.E.L.P!! I was cursing these insects non-stop! Trust me - bring along some insect repellent! Those bites are out of the world!!! Fortunately, these crazy flying insects disappeared when the Sun started to rise to the horizon. P.A.T.I.E.N.T is the word!! I am glad that I 'survived' the ordeal!
Remember to check out Part 2 for more pictures and travelogues!!
