Visit to FRIM, Selayang

On a sunny day, I and my brother in law’s family decided visit to Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) located at Selayang, Kepong. It’s about 25 minutes from KL City center. We have never been in FRIM before. FRIM also describe as an ecotourism. Visitors have the opportunities to learn about forest and at the same time enjoy the fresh and unpolluted environment. Peoples have chosen this park for jogging, picnic, camping, jungle trekking, cycling, bird watching, nature photography and even classroom studies.

As said, this is the first time we visit to FRIM. We saw a lot peoples cycling around the park and we intend look for any availability bicycle for renting. However, we couldn’t find any. Has little bit disappointed as the park is big, by walking on foot will spend little bit longer time to explore.

After getting a park map from FRIM’s One Stop Centre, first thing comes into my mind, The Canopy Walk. In order for us to experience the Canopy Walk, we are requiring to purchase ticket. Below is the ticket cost for reference:-
RM10.00 Adults (Non Malaysian)
RM5.00 Adults (Local)
RM3.00 Students (Age 13 years onwards)
RM1.00 Children (Age 7 to 12 years)

Be reminded that, distance from FRIMS’s One Stop Centre to Canopy Hut is about 1500 meters (1.5km). Visitors are advice to register early. The walkway opens every day from 9:30am to 2:30pm. However, Monday and Friday will be closed. Last register shall be done before 1:30pm and subject to weather condition.

Due to uncertain weathers condition, we are preparing umbrella just in case we need it. First, we will need to walk 900 meters rover track, it is seen to be easy as we are slowly ascending. But it is tiring as we carried a lot foods and drinks (we prepared for picnic). There is a small hut for visitors to rest when we arrived at “Open Space” (as indicate in the map). To avoid heavy bundling foods/drinks, we eat and drink whatever we can to reduce the luggage weight.

After 20 minutes rest, we are now followed 500 meters canopy walk trial. It is 3x harder than rover track. The trial combination with some rocky, hard soil, slippery, up & down hill makes it even challenger and fun. This is what I hoping always (I like jungle trekking). At last, we arrived Canopy Hut safely without any problem except little bit tiring.

The Canopy Walkway located at Bukit Lagong Forest Reserve, about 300 meters from sea level. Walkway was constructed by German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ) in 1992. Walkway system spans about 200 meters and suspended between trees which describe as “Chukrasia talularis”, “Intsia palembanica”, “Artocarpus elasticus” and “Shorea pauciflora”. Walkway was build 30 meters above ground.

I don’t felt any high disease and there is nothing to afraid walking on the canopy walkway. I don’t even hold the steel cable nor need a safety harness to support when the suspension is swaying. I am enjoying very much the scenery of natural environment (I don’t see any birds). We can observe a part of the Kepong town scenery. However, we cannot stay longer in the walkway as the park guide are chasing us move faster, we are actually last visitors. How lucky we are.

After visited the Canopy Walkway, we are advice to follow the original trial to decent as my sister’s daughter are following us. It will be very dangerous to follow another 900 meters slippery Waterfall Trial to decent. Be reminded, Always Safety First!

Important Notes for visitors
- If you have health problem or allergies, do inform park guides.
- Never ever attempt to jump or sway while on the walkway.
- Maintain 3 meters spacing between visitors and do not overcrowd.
- You need a good walking shoe, drinking water, energy foods.
- Insect repellant (beware of mosquitoes, there are a lot).
- Camera (of course you need it if you are photograph killer).
- An extra T-Shirt or towel (you will get sweat easily).

A part from the Canopy Walkway, FRIM also provided a picnic area located at Kroh River. A three (3) courts Badminton next to the canteen and a Football field just opposite. You may also want enjoy the scene of Malay Traditional Houses (Terengganu and Malacca style) next to the football field. A service fees may apply for those I mention above.

How to get there
Using Selayang – Kepong Highway, MRR2 Highway or follow Jalan Kepong.

To know more about Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), please visit to FRIM official website here or Wikipedia website here.

Tags: Chameleon, FRIM, KL, Millipedes, Selayang