FAUNA & FLORA
KL Forest Eco Park is located on a hill and comprises over 200 species of lowland dipterocarp and non-dipterocarp trees, including threatened and endangered species, like Karas (source of agarwood) and Kapur (camphor). This primary lowland dipterocarp forest has stratified rainforest layers: emergent trees, a canopy layer, a shrub layer, and the forest floor. The tropical canopy includes keruing, chengal, meranti, and pulai tree species, whilst the forest floor is comprised of ferns, creepers, climbers as well as giant bamboo grasses. In 1950, five central hectares of the Eco Park were gazetted as a Virgin Jungle Reserve due to its pristine untouched rainforest flora.
As a wildlife refuge and bird sanctuary, there are around 12 animal species and 25 bird species, including two introduced species of monkeys: the long-tailed macaque and the silvered leaf monkey. Small mammals, insects, and reptiles are also found here.
NATURE TRAILS
Throughout the Eco park, there are numerous nature trails to explore, ranging from 300 to 500 metres long and over 1000 metres in total. Each trail takes you around a different part of the rainforest reserve, increasing the chances of observing the wild inhabitants.
Kuala Lumpur Forest Eco Park
Malaysia
Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve is one of the oldest permanent forest reserves in Malaysia and is situated in Kuala Lumpur, the only city in the world to have a natural tropical rainforest at its centre. This forest reserve is now called KL Forest Eco Park and is one of Kuala Lumpur’s popular ecotourism destinations. Bukit Nanas translates to “Pineapple Hill”, named after the fact pineapples were planted on the hill in the 1860s. Due to its central presence in Kuala Lumpur, it is often referred to as the cities’ natural green lung, cleansing the air from the dust and pollutants of its metropolitan surroundings.
In 1906, the reserve was gazetted as a permanent forest reserve and was 17.5 hectares in size. However, due to expanding urban development, including the 1990’s build of Menara Kuala Lumpur (KL Tower) adjacent to the reserve, there are now only 9.3 hectares remaining. Despite this, utmost attention and care were carried out during the construction of the tower, to help protect the environment where possible. Menara Kuala Lumpur is one of the main landmarks of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline being the seventh tallest telecommunications tower in the world at 421 metres high. It has an observation deck and a revolving restaurant, both providing great views over the reserve.
The Canopy Walk is a 200 metre wood-and-steel bridge walkway up in the canopy, providing an aerial treetop view with a beautiful skyline backdrop. The Jelutong Trail is ideal to pass several of the larger rainforest trees around the side of the reserve, whilst the Bamboo Walk is ideal for viewing the large bamboo thickets on either side of the path. This leads to the Suboh Trail where banana plantations can be observed before reaching the edge of the reserve. The Penarahan Trail and Merawan Trail are also other walks you can take in this unique forest reserve.
"Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve is one of the oldest permanent forest reserves in Malaysia and is situated in Kuala Lumpur, the only city in the world to have a natural tropical rainforest at its centre"