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FRIM Rainforest Reserve ~ Places to Visit in Kuala Lumpur
KL Visitors Guide


HOME > VISITORS GUIDE > PLACES TO VISIT > KL CITY OUTSKIRTS > FRIM RAINFOREST


Forest Research Institute Malaysia or FRIM is one of the nearest nature destination for visitors who wish to see and experience the wonders of a tropical forest without the rigors of travelling to the national parks. It offers a back-to-nature experience whilst enjoying the flora, fauna.

There are jungle trails, canopy walkway, waterfalls, a herbarium, a library and a museum housing different species of wood, their uses and products. Biking, hiking, walking and trekking the jungle habitat are favourite activities and the trails here are a favourite with outdoor enthusiasts.


Located approximately 16km north west of the capital city or 25 minutes from KL City centre it is not far from Batu Caves. In fact you can see both FRIM and Batu Caves on the same day if you are pressed for time and feeling energetic enough.

The grounds at Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)Set up initially by the colonial British in 1929, the grounds, which began as degraded land in the form of sterile mining pools, scrubby wasteland and barren vegetable farms long-abandoned, is today a treasure of reforestation that allows visitors to see a tropical rainforest ecosystem.

FRIM is now one of the leading institutions in tropical forestry research, surrounded by the Bukit Lagong Forest Reserve and covers 600 hectares of experimental plants, arboretum and reforested areas.

Numerous trees and shrubs have been planted in the grounds. Many of them are rare and not easily found elsewhere.

The Rainforest Canopy Walkway
The biggest single attraction here is the Canopy Walkway. The Rainforest Canopy Walkway offers a pleasurable stroll in the treetops. Built 30 metres (100 feet) high on a forest slope and secured to giant tropical trees, it offers unique panoramic views for every visitor.

This walkway system which spans about 200 metres (680 feet) long with 3 wood-decked observation platforms is the third of its kind in Malaysia. High side-netting, wire cables and a solid wood footpath keep kids safe and parents relaxed.

A pleasurable stroll in the treetops on the Rainforest Canopy WalkwayPanoramic view from observation platforms on the Canopy Walkway

At the One-Stop centre you pay for the Canopy Walk ticket, then you follow the route which is on a steep terrain that shows off the beauty of FRIM nature landscapes.

Its good exercise and requires a decent level of fitness. You should take your time - about an hour - by either going up the Rover Track or the Sungai Kroh Waterfall route. Each trail requires visitors to be fit or smart enough to stop and rest and drink water. An even more energetic option is to do the walkway as part of a looped 2-3 hour trek.

Frim Trail Map - Click to EnlargeTrails
The place caters to the adventurous and outgoing as well. There is an array of nature trails for enthusiasts to go jungle trekking within the forest reserves that surround the establishment.

There are numerous self-guiding nature trails through different sections of the plantations. The popular ones are the Keruing Trail and the Salleh Nature Trail.

These trails encompass plantations, wetlands and hills among others and most of these paths and the nature that surround them have existed as far back as the 1930s.


Nature Trail TrekCrown Shyness - A phenomenon where the leaf tips ppear to be shy towards their own kind, hence forming the gap
Make sure you get the brochures for both trails that will show you what to see as you move along the trail. For those who are keen to learn more of the plants, prior reading before starting your journey is highly recommended.
 
Of particular interest is the "puzzle-like" pattern of the individual tree crowns separated by gaps and outlined against the sky. This phenomenon is called "Crown Shyness". The reason for its name is because the leaf tips of the Dryobalanops aromatica appear to be shy towards their own kind, hence forming the gap.

Picnics & Camping
FRIM also provides camping and picnic areas for casual recreation within its forested compounds. The picnic area is located at the end of the main road (along Jalan Foxworthy) and right in front parking lot. There is a nice little waterfall, where you can also relax in one of the pools of water. At weekends and during public holidays it can be quite crowded at this area of FRIM, with many local families enjoying a BBQ and escaping the heat of Kuala Lumpur.

FRIM CampsiteThe Campsite boasts camping facilities including a kitchen, restrooms, picnic benches and a designated area for fires and barbecues.

The site provides seclusion and a natural jungle camp experience without having to compromise on basic necessities.

From the entrance of the campsite, terraced slopes lead to the picnic tables and slightly further down are around 10 plots that can hold up to 300 campers at a time.

Tents, sleeping bags and other necessary equipment can be rented directly from the office, but camping is usually reserved for groups. Individuals can however rent basic huts on the campsite for abour 50 ringgit per night. The main hut area is built a few metres away from the campgrounds, connected by a short, suspended walkway through the trees.

For those who aren’t used to the jungle chorus that usually accompanies a night in Southeast Asian nature, these are the best option anyway.

Points to Note

• Those interested in experiencing the canopy walk should preferably make prior arrangement because the number of people allowed on the canopy walk per day is limited to 250 people
• Dress casually and bring along rain gear on wet days and remember to wear good walking shoes
• Bring along your towel, drinking water, insect repellent and some foodstuff as there are no shops up in the jungle.
• The operating hours of the park is from 8:00am to 6:00pm daily. However, take note that the canopy walkway operating hours is from 9:30am to 2:30pm.
• Canopy Walkway is closed on Mondays & Fridays
• FRIM has revised their fees and charges for rental and visitation of their facilities and activities. The canopy walkway is now RM10 for foreigners and RM5 for Malaysians while entrance to the reserve itself is RM 5 for foreigners and RM1 for Malaysians.
• For Updates Checkout > Website

 


Best Way to Visit - FRIM Rainforest & Batu Caves Tour

This half day private tour offers visitors in Kuala Lumpur a rainforest experience, a nature trek and canopy walk. It also includes a visit to the famous Batu Caves.


PLACES & SIGHTSEEING ~ KL CITY OUTSKIRTS
•  BATU CAVES  •  SELANGOR PEWTER  •  SUNWAY LAGOON  •  NATIONAL ZOO
•  FRIM RAINFOREST  •  TEMPLER PARK  •  KANCING WATERFALLS
 

 

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