Malaysia Forests

Mangroves, Jungles, Parks, Reserves

The Malaysian rainforest of Southeast Asia is a rich repository of tropical flora and fauna; some species found across Southeast Asia, others endemic to the country. Scattered across the peninsular are rainforest reserves, mangrove swamps, national parks and unchartered jungles which provide opportunities for discovery and herping. The difficulty of accessing the terrain depends on how well-known the rainforest is, as well as its distance from the nearest cities. The public parks near places like Kuala Lumpur have trails that are well-traversed with signboards in place as many visitors frequent the area on weekends. However, the opportunities to spot exciting wildlife may vary as the presence of people is a clear indicator of ‘scared' wildlife. On the other hand, rainforests further out of town are more pristine and exhibit a wider range of wildlife species to spot.

This is augmented by the fact that these places are often relatively unexplored. Herping expeditions to such places may require the assistance of guides whenever well-trodden pathways are unavailable. Every state in Malaysia has its share of jungle and rainforest to explore, but the richest areas for wildlife are found in Pahang; this is where a long, mountainous range divides the east and west sides of Peninsular Malaysia. Another fantastic state is Perak; a land of rich valleys filled with greenery. Finally, the northeastern region of Johor is home to the beautiful Endau-Rompin National Park. In terms of herpefauna, certain species are inclined towards broad sections across the country, while others may be found in only one locality. For example, the extreme north of Peninsular Malaysia is where you can find some species of snakes known more frequently to Thailand, such as Calloselasma rhodostoma, or the Malayan pit-viper, (really a misnomer as Malaysia only has a small area with this species) and Chrysopelea ornata, the golden tree snake.

	Templer's Park - Read More! The Templer's Park Forest Reserve is located north of Kuala Lumpur, about 20 minutes away from the city. This beautiful park is a precious repository for flora and fauna, and one of the last proper green lungs that's within the city outskirts. Located within the park are some beautiful multi-tiered waterfalls that are popular with visitors during the weekend. However, congested development has affected much of the wildlife population while destroying the serenity of the environment. The trend looks to continue in the future with plans afoot to construct a highway through Templer's Park.
	Tanjung Tuan - Read More! Tanjung Tuan is located a short distance down south from Port Dickson Town, a popular beach-side destination for city folks. Tanjung Tuan is essentially a small cape of coastal forest that was spared development and gazetted into a park for bird-watching, especially to watch raptors migrating. Most of this place is composed of dry forest but a few parts have small mangrove swamps. If you use the two main jungle trails in the forest that start from the lighthouse, you will eventually reach some beautiful beaches where you can swim in crystal-clear waters to your heart's delight.
	Poring Hot Springs - Read More! Poring Hot Springs is a lowland tropical rainforest located about 40 km away from Kinabalu National Park, and very near Ranau Town. This beautiful park is famous for its sulphuric hot springs, channelled into Japanese-styled 'onsen' baths for the benefit of visitors. Besides the hot springs, the park is a rich repository for lowland species of flora and fauna. Many visitors often head to Poring for a dip in the hot water baths after a gruelling trek up Mount Kinabalu. The Poring Hot Springs is also renowned for its canopy walk that allows you to see the forest from high up.