ECOTOURISM
 Jungle
Trekking
With rainforests more than 150 millions years old covering large
parts of Malaysia, one of the best ways to explore the length and
breadth of this country is through jungle trekking. The mountains
and hills, the countless terrain and the national parks and forest
reserves, make the nation a haven for jungle trekkers.
Jungle trekking can be classified according to the obstacles and terrain
a person needs to maneuver and the density of the forest. These classifications
are: flat terrain, undulating to semi-cultivated terrain, cultivated
terrain and primary and secondary forests.
Jungle trekking offers a rewarding and accomplishing experience. Each
trekker can discover the marvels of nature's diverse ecosystem and,
if he or she is lucky, may cross paths with the various exotic inhabitants
of Malaysia's jungles. These creatures include endangered species,
like the Sumatran rhinoceros, Malayan tiger, tapirs and elephants.
Various insects and plant species are also found widely in Malaysia's
rich ecology.
For those new to jungle trekking, the Forest Reserve Institute of
Malaysia (FRIM) in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, and The Malaysia Agriculture
Park at Taman Bukit Cahaya in Shah Alam, Selangor and the Air Keroh
Recreational Forest in Malacca are good places to learn the basics
of the skill.
Seasoned trekkers can choose more rigorous trekking trails at the
national parks and forest reserves. These include Taman Negara in
Pahang (one of Asia's finest preserved wild lands), Niah, Mulu and
Lambir National Parks in Sarawak, Danum Valley in Sabah and Endau-Rompin
in Johor.
The best time to trek in Peninsular Malaysia is during the dry season,
from March till October and Nov to June, in Sabah and Sarawak. Some
parks and forest reserves may require permissions or permits before
allowing trekkers in. Please refer to your tourist agent to advise
you on this.
Bird Watching
With almost 600 species inhabiting Peninsular Malaysia and about
580 species in Borneo, Malaysia is a natural attraction for bird watchers.
Due to the diversity of the habitats, there are many places with abundant
bird life to choose from.
Many birds are common to both geographic areas, although some species,
known as endemic species, are unique only to a certain location. Birding
activities are concentrated in three distinctive habitat types - montane
forests, lowland rainforests and mangroves. Montane forests generally
occur above an elevation of around 2,952 feet, while lowland rainforests
remain the most extensive habitat for over 200 species. The Mangrove
forest ecosystem is a coastal habitat where salt and freshwater environs
meet with coastline fringe.
Bird life abounds at Fraser's Hill and Cameron Highlands, which feature
lush green surroundings, panoramic views and hiking trails. Also,
for a pleasant day trip, try the Kuala Selangor Nature Park. Located
at a mangrove swamp along the west coast, the park supports 130 bird
species and seasonal migratory birds.
Another interesting location, which may need more thorough planning,
is Taman Negara - a dense lowland forest that is more than 150 million
years old and home to over 200 bird species. Migratory birds use Malaysia's
west-coast flyway to travel to Sumatra and beyond, with peak movements
in April and October. Tanjung Tuan in Malacca is a favored spot that
attracts bird watchers from all over the world, who hope to catch
a glimpse of these birds.
The tropical climate of Malaysia allows bird watching to be a year
round activity. Rain usually falls heaviest from September to December
in the West Coast of the Peninsular and from October to February in
the East Coast, Sabah and Sarawak.
As excited as they are, bird watchers must show utmost care and respect
to the birds and their habitats during bird watching sessions. Permits
from Forestry Department of various states may be needed at some bird
sanctuaries. Your travel agent or tour guide may be able to advise
you on this.
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