If you’ve had your share of thrills and spills from yesterday’s list of exciting family-friendly destinations, why not take a breather at these locations that are set in nature?
From botanical gardens to small farms, here are 10 selections in the Klang Valley for a relaxing, perhaps even educational, school-holiday getaway.
Eco attractions
1. National Botanical Garden Shah Alam
The National Botanical Garden is one of Selangor’s and the country’s top eco- and agro-tourism destinations, offering attractions for both nature lovers and thrill seekers.
Traditional agricultural practices are on display here, as well as family-friendly activities such as fishing and an adventure park. The best way to experience it all is by renting a bicycle or going for a long walk!
Learn more about the National Botanical Garden here.
2. Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM)
FRIM in Petaling Jaya is a must-visit for all nature lovers. Explore the many nature trails and learn more about local flora and fauna; remember to stop by the information desk for a briefing and pick up some brochures before venturing out to explore the surroundings.
Of note is the 250m-long built-up skywalk in Taman Botanikal Kepong, which towers some 50m above the forest floor, providing stunning views of the surrounding Klang Valley.
For more information, click here.
3. Discovery Park, Banting
This wetland park, the largest in the Klang Valley, spans some 450ha and is a natural sanctuary for wildlife. Check out the Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands Centre to learn more about Malaysia’s biological diversity, or go for a ride along the bicycle trail surrounded by nature.
Thrill seekers, meanwhile, will find the MotoManiac ATV and Dirt Bike off-road adventure right up their alley.
Find out more via Discovery Park’s website.
4. Kuala Selangor Nature Park
Taman Alam Kuala Selangor encompasses a 201ha tropical rainforest and 296ha of swamp forest. Part of the Selangor river estuary, this expanse is home to primates, including silver leaf monkeys and long-tailed macaques, as well as over 150 bird species.
In fact, bird watching is one of the more popular activities at this park!
Click here for further details on this green destination.
Waterfalls and rivers
1. Kanching Eco Forest Park
With seven cascading tiers, Kanching Eco Forest Park is known for having the most waterfalls in Selangor – some forceful, others delicate and graceful. This location is ideal for picnics, with gazebos and stone benches for visitors, as well as a bridge across the creek.
2. Sungai Chiling, Kuala Kubu Bharu
Located 3km from Kuala Kubu Baru is this waterfall within Taman Warisan Selangor, or the Selangor state park. A delightful jungle hike takes visitors past streams and rivers, amidst unique species of flora and fauna, before arriving at the signature 80m waterfall overlooking a tranquil lagoon.
3. Sungai Tekala
Sungai Tekala is near the Semenyih dam in Hulu Langat. Part of the Sungai Lalang Forest Reserve, this unspoiled lowland forest is a popular spot for picnicking by the river and swimming in its crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a stroll through the natural rainforest, and visit the flowing waterfalls.
Zoos and farms
1. Zoo Negara
The national zoo is, of course, Malaysia’s largest, spanning some 44ha. Located in Ulu Klang, it houses about over 5,000 animals across 476 species of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish.
There are numerous displays to enjoy here, situated idyllically around a tranquil lake with free-wandering storks, pelicans, egrets, ibises, and swans. Plus, don’t forget about the animal-feeding sessions!
Check out Zoo Negara’s website for more information.
2. Farm In The City, Seri Kembangan
Farm in the City is aimed at educating visitors about the various aspects of farm and animal life, as well as shedding further light on wildlife conservation and preservation. Highlights here include the free-flight bird aviary, reptile cavern, pet village, and jungle walk.
Learn more about traditional vegetable farming, and even engage in longkang fishing – the Malaysian pastime of dredging for fish from a drain – which is part of the establishment’s bid to preserve cultural heritage.
For further details on this quaint farm in the city, click here.
3. G2G Animal Garden, MAEPS Serdang
Perfect for animal lovers, this petting zoo allows visitors to get up close and personal with various animals in an inviting natural setting. Visit the cat house, bird cage, animal therapy house, rabbit park, reptile display, tortoise park, pigeon home, and village pet exhibit.
Click here to find out more about G2G Animal Garden. Happy school holidays!
This article was produced by Tourism Selangor, Selangor state’s official tourism agency, which works to promote the state in the eyes of travellers near and far. Log on to Tourism Selangor’s official website to plan your future travels.