The KL Forest Eco Park, also known as Taman Eko Rimba KL, is a unique urban forest park that offers visitors a chance to experience nature up close in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The park features a canopy walk, hiking trails, a visitor center, and a variety of flora and fauna. The park is also the oldest forest reserve in Peninsular Malaysia, with a history that dates back to over a century ago.

The park was formerly known as Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, which means “Pineapple Hill” in Malay. The name was derived from the pineapple plantations that used to occupy the area in the 19th century. The forest reserve was established in 1906 by the British colonial government to protect the water supply for Kuala Lumpur. At that time, the reserve covered an area of 17.5 hectares and was home to many indigenous trees and wildlife.

Over the years, the forest reserve faced various threats from urban development, logging, mining, and fire. In 1977, a cable car service was introduced to transport visitors from the base of the hill to the top, where the Kuala Lumpur Tower was being constructed. However, the cable car was discontinued in 1989 due to safety and environmental concerns. In 1996, the forest reserve was renamed as KL Forest Eco Park to reflect its role as an eco-tourism destination and an educational resource for the public.

Today, the park covers an area of 10.5 hectares and is managed by the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia. The park is surrounded by skyscrapers and busy streets, but it still retains its natural beauty and biodiversity. The park is open daily from 7am to 6pm and admission is free for all visitors. The park is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some fresh air and greenery.

Canopy Walk

One of the main attractions of the park is the canopy walk, where you can stroll along the treetops and enjoy the views of the forest. You can also take spectacular photos of the surrounding landmarks, such as the KL Tower, Tun Razak Exchange, and more. This is a unique experience that you will want to capture and remember.

The canopy walk is about 0.2 kilometers long and takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete1. The walkway is made of steel and wood, and is suspended at various heights, ranging from 5 to 21 meters above the ground2. Along the way, you can observe the different layers of the forest, from the understory to the emergent. You can also spot some wildlife, such as birds, squirrels, monkeys, and insects.

The canopy walk is open daily from 7am to 6pm and admission of the park is RM10 per person. However, there is a limit of 10 people per bridge at a time, so you may have to wait for your turn. The walkway is also closed during bad weather conditions, such as rain or strong wind, for safety reasons. Therefore, it is advisable to check the weather forecast before you plan your visit.

Viewing Platforms

The park also has several viewing platforms, where you can overlook the stunning scenery of Kuala Lumpur city. From here, you can take amazing photos of the urban skyline, especially during sunset, when the colors are more enchanting. You can also see some of the iconic buildings, such as the Petronas Twin Towers, the KL Tower, and the Exchange 106.

The viewing platforms are open daily from 7am to 6pm and admission is free for all visitors. However, you may have to share the space with other visitors, as the platforms are not very spacious. Therefore, it is advisable to come early in the morning, around 8 to 9 am, when the sunlight is beautiful and the crowd is less. You can also avoid the heat and humidity during this time.

Wildlife

The park is also home to a rich variety of tropical plants, which add to the charm of nature. There are two other hiking trails in the park, one of which is the Nature Trail, which is about 300 meters long and passes through the tropical rainforest. This trail gives you a close encounter with nature, as you can see and touch the plants along the way. You can also admire the diverse tropical flora, birds, and insects, while enjoying the fresh air and natural environment of the rainforest.

If you are lucky, you may also spot some of the wild animals that live in the park, such as monkeys, snakes, and squirrels. These are rare natural moments that you will want to capture and remember. The park has two local species of monkeys, namely the Long-tailed Macaque and Silvered Langur. The Long-tailed Macaque is brown in color and has a long tail that is longer than its body. The Silvered Langur is dark gray or black in color and has a white ring around its eyes and mouth. Both species are arboreal and feed on fruits, leaves, and flowers.

Other varieties of fauna that roam the area include birds, snakes, and squirrels. The park has more than 40 species of birds, such as the Black-naped Oriole, the Yellow-vented Bulbul, and the White-throated Kingfisher. Some of the snakes that can be found in the park are the Reticulated Python, the Malayan Pit Viper, and the Oriental Whip Snake. The squirrels that inhabit the park are mainly the Plantain Squirrel and the Prevost’s Squirrel. These animals add to the biodiversity and liveliness of the park.

Nearby Places

After exploring the KL Forest Eco Park, you can also choose to take your kids to some of the nearby attractions, such as:

KL Tower, where you can climb up the tower and get a panoramic view of the whole city. The KL Tower is one of the tallest towers in the world, standing at 421 meters high. You can also enjoy some dining and entertainment options at the tower, such as the Atmosphere 360 revolving restaurant, the Sky Deck, and the Sky Box. The tower is only about 300 meters away from the park, and you can walk there in less than 10 minutes.
KL Tower Mini Zoo, where you can interact with some cute and exotic animals, such as raccoons, meerkats, parrots, and snakes. The mini zoo is located at the ground floor of the tower and covers an area of 0.6 hectares. You can also feed and pet some of the animals, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and tortoises. The mini zoo is open daily from 10am to 10pm and admission fees range from RM15 to RM32.
Blue Coral Aquarium @KL Tower, where you can marvel at some of the colorful and fascinating marine life, such as clownfish, seahorses, jellyfish, and sharks. The aquarium is located at the basement of the tower and features 21 tanks with different themes and habitats. You can also learn more about the aquatic creatures and their conservation efforts at the aquarium. The aquarium is open daily from 9am to 9:30pm and admission fees range from RM18 to RM28.
KL Upside Down House, where you can have some fun and take some quirky photos in a house that is literally upside down. The house is located near the tower and has three floors with different rooms, such as a living room, a kitchen, a bedroom, and a bathroom. Everything in the house is inverted, from the furniture to the decorations. The house is open daily from 9am to 7pm and admission fees range from RM15 to RM20.

These are some of the places that you can visit after the KL Forest Eco Park. They are all within walking distance from the park and offer different experiences for you and your kids. You can also find more information about these places on their respective websites or social media pages.

Tips before you go to the KL Forest Eco Park

Before you visit the park, you should prepare some things to make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. You can bring a small backpack, but make sure to carry water and some essential items with you, such as sunscreen, hat, camera, and snacks. You should also use the toilet at the entrance, as there are no toilets inside the park. This way, you can avoid any inconvenience or discomfort during your exploration.

You should also dress appropriately for the park, as you will sweat a lot as you climb up the stairs and walk along the trails. It is best to wear sporty or light clothing and shoes, such as T-shirts, shorts, and sneakers. You should also avoid wearing jewelry or accessories that may get tangled or lost in the forest. You should also wear comfortable and breathable fabrics that can keep you cool and dry.

Another thing that you should be aware of is the mosquitoes in the park. There are many mosquitoes in the park, especially in the rainy season or after dusk. Therefore, you should bring some mosquito repellent spray and apply it generously on your exposed skin. You should also avoid scratching or rubbing your skin if you get bitten by a mosquito, as this may cause infection or inflammation.

These are some of the tips that you should follow before you go to the KL Forest Eco Park. By following these tips, you can have a more pleasant and memorable experience in the park. You can also learn more about the park and its attractions on its official website or Facebook page. We hope that you will have a great time at the park and enjoy its natural beauty and diversity.

Conclusion

We hope that this article has given you some useful information and insights about the KL Forest Eco Park. If you want to read more articles like this, or share your own reviews and opinions about the places you visit, you should download Reviewbah. Reviewbah is a mobile app that allows you to discover new places, read honest reviews, and write your own feedback. You can also earn rewards and discounts by using Reviewbah. Reviewbah is available for both Android and iOS devices.

Thank you for reading this article, and we hope that you will have a great time at the KL Forest Eco Park.

A Guide to Visiting the KL Forest Eco Park