Saturday October 15, 2005

Something for all at forest reserve

By BAVANI M

THE Bukit Nanas Forest Walk adventure in KL Tower means different things to different people.

The 109-year-old tree is a symbol of durability and it is also the pride and essence behind the tower.

Some love the journey through the herb garden while others find bird watching educational.

However, there are still others who enjoy gazing up at the tower at night.

“The sight simply takes my breath away,” said nature coordinator Mohd Azeli Ali. “It gives me the same effect as when I watch the city skyline at dusk or dawn.”

Mohd Azeli said ever since the Forest Walk package was introduced at the tower in June, response was good, especially from foreigners.

“It may be because of a the idea of having a jungle within a city,” he said.

Mohd Azeli said what made the walk exciting was in its sheer experience. “This includes a walk through a 1.3km trail that encompass a trek across a 70m board walk and visit to the observation deck,” he said.

For those who love adventure, three interpretive trails are available. They are the Arboretum Trail for those who want to be close to nature, the complicated Penarahan Trail and Merbau-Jelutong Trail, the last for the more adventurous.

“Along the journey one will encounter different species of monkeys, such as the Long Tail and the Grey Face ones, the Brown Neck Eagle and also snakes,” said Mohd Azeli. “These animals have made the forest their home.”

Mohd Azeli, who has been on the job for a couple of months, said he never got bored exploring the forest.

The boardwalk is an experience in itself.

“The best part is when it gets dark and the tower lights come on,” he said. “It can be a beautiful sight.”

To view the night scene, one can either take the Night Walk package, which is an hour's trek or the Tower Camp package that includes meals, tent, camping equipment, map, and compass. The package also encompasses forest survival activities, nature trails, bird watching, nature art and craft, night jungle walk, talk on flora and fauna, and visits to the deck and forest museum.

Visitors camp at the site for a few days.

“They can opt for the one-day, two-day or three-day packages,” said Mohd Azeli.

Gazetted as a forest reserve in 1906, the Bukit Nanas greenery is one of Malaysia's oldest permanent forest reserves. It spans 9.37ha.

“Apart from the wild life, the flora and fauna are just as fascinating. There are ferns of different varieties, wild banana trees, bamboos and ginger plants. Interesting is the 109-year-old Jelutong tree - a symbol of the tower's majesty.

Mohd Azeli said the ideal location made the forest reserve a perfect getaway all year round.

For special events, there is even a BBQ-themed dinner package.

The forest reserve is open from 7am to 6pm every day.

For details, visit the Customer Service Centre at the upper ground floor of Menara Kuala Lumpur, or call 03-2020 5444.

News

Saturday October 15, 2005

Something for all at forest reserve

By BAVANI M