Malaysia - Jungle Discoveries

With its glorious vistas, verdant undulating terrain and varied tropical landscapes, Malaysia's ancient forests offer vast possibilities for trekking and camping. The country's extensive array of national parks and wildlife reserves are ideal for communing with nature and discovering her secrets.

From the primordial rainforest of Taman Negara to the wildlife sanctuaries at Danum Valley and the Kinabatangan floodplains, some of Asia's best-preserved environments offer nature lovers a wealth of experience.

While amateurs may try Malaysia's many easily accessible recreational forests near urban centres, seasoned explorers can go for challenging week-long treks up mountains such as Gunung Tahan, the tallest peak in Peninsular Malaysia.

For the uninitiated, having a trained local guide is necessary to ensure safety and to learn about the amazing and precious diversity of flora and fauna in the ecosystem. Tropical jungles are dense, and the thick vegetation provides camouflage for the jungle denizens. It takes patience and a trained eye to see them.

Diversity of Environment

Swampy mangroves, extensive river floodplains, dipterocarp rainforests and montane hillscapes are among the varied environments that can exist even within trekking distance of each other. Each possess its own ecosystem and wildlife characteristics.

The tidal mangrove forests act as vital buffers against coastal erosion and as protective breeding and nursery zones for numerous fish and aquatic species.

There are mangrove belts along most of Peninsular Malaysia's west coast as well as in Sabah and Sarawak. Some such as in Kuala Selangor Nature Park have boardwalks for safety and convenience of visitors.

The most common type of rainforest is the dipterocarp forest. It is one of nature's most complex ecosystems, a habitat for thousands of plant species from tiny lichens to exotic palms, ferns and vines and huge trees rising well over 50m to the heavens. Each has its own functional place in the jungle's cycle of life.

Further up the hills and mountain slopes, montane forest environments take over with their cooler ambience and presenting spectacular views that are well worth the trek.

Jungle trekking can take an hour or more and, with camping, as many days as desired. Among the best periods to go trekking in Peninsula Malaysia is in the 'dry season' from March to September when the rainfall is less. In Sabah and Sarawak the 'wet season' is from July to October.

In many areas, jungle trekking can be combined with other interesting activities such as river expeditions.

Treasures and Senses of the Jungle

Malaysia's primeval and unexplored rainforests offer intrepid trekkers great opportunitiesto observe tropical flora and fauna. The wilds of Malaysia overflow with fantastic plant and animal diversity that fulfill the competitive conditions of the ecosystem. Many species are exotic, rare or even endemic to the particular region and are protected. Endau-Rompin in Johor is a rare milieu of lowland and mountain forests which is home to the largest population of endangered animals in the country. The Sumatran rhinoceros, tigers and elephants are among the protected species in Endau-Rompin.

Generally most rainforest animals are shy or camouflage themselves to avoid predators or to hunt. Bumbun or tower hides and canopy walks, such as at Taman Negara, aid those searching to spot the inhabitants.

Take the time to spot the many insects and butterflies flitting about in the forests of Peninsula Malaysia. Marvel at the pendulous nose of the proboscis monkeys found at Sukau in Sabah and Bako in Sarawak. Listen to the swooshing wing beats of colourful horn bills in the vales of Sarawak or the call of gibbons echoing at dawn in Danum Valley in Sabah.

Besides wildlife, the natural terrain features cool rivers to ford across and enchanting waterfalls to splash around amidst the natural surroundings. A visit to the jungle requires the full use of one's senses to discover all the features and creatures of the forest.

Part of the adventure is to discover how they all fit together.

Camping

Most National Parks in Malaysia provide jungle camping sites. There are also many mountain and beach sites which are suitable for camping. In picking a camp site, always take note of the weather conditions. The rainy or monsoon season during December to February renders some camp sites along the river trails of Taman Negara inaccessible. Always check with relevant Park authorities first.

The lower altitudes of primary jungles like Taman Negara and Kenong Rimba Park in Pahang; Endau Rompin in Johor; Mulu and Lambir National Parks in Sarawak are humid, so your choice of tents should allow for good ventilation. All-enclosed nylon tents with sewn-in groundsheets are not recommended as they tend to condense air inside. Cotton tents get heavy after absorbing water.

When camping on high altitude locations such as Gunung Jerai in Kedah; Gunung Korbu in Perak; Gunung Tapis and Gunung Tahan in Pahang, choose a site sheltered from the wind and avoid the higher peaks when thunderstorms occur. A selfcontained tent with aluminium poles and stakes is best for mountain camping.

Only a basic set up is needed when camping at the marine parks or beaches in the country, such as Pulau Payar in Kedah; Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan; Pulau Redang, Terengganu; Pulau Tioman and Cherating in Pahang and Tunku Abdul Rahman Park in Sabah. A hammock or sleeping bag may do very well.

Although most of the national parks and private tourist facilities furnish and rent out camping gear, it may be wiser to bring along basic camping necessities.

Remember to check on restrictions which may apply due to ecological or other reasons. If unsure, contact the park authorities.

Camping Tips

Whether camping in the damp rainforests, on sunny beachesor atop mountain peaks,there are a few easy environmental tips to keep in mind to protect and preserve Malaysia's camp sites.

• Never cut down vegetation in order to make way for acamp site.
• Always choose a clear camping site free of debris and away from rotting trees.
• Nights in the rainforests may get cooler than expected so bring along a waterproof jacket to keep you warm, as well as protection from the rain.
• During rainy periods, do not camp too near a river or at low areas.
• Whenever possible, try to avoid overusing popular camping areas and select an alternative location in order to minimise soil disturbance.
• Bring along reusable plastic cups and plates.
• Rubbish is to be collected and carried away when you leave, not simply buried.

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