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lifestyle

This Beautiful 130-Million-Year-Old Malaysian Rainforest Is The Perfect Escape Into Nature

A great place for a family or friends outing!

If you're looking for an escape into nature, this pristine rainforest in Malaysia may be just what you need

About four hours away from KL is The Habitat Penang Hill, a jungle reserve that is home to 170,000 of the world's 250,000 known plant species

The forest shows a different side of Penang Hill and is estimated to be 130 million years old – even older than the Amazon!

Image via Piaree Rajandran/Facebook

Whether it's a family outing, group or solo adventure, the forest reserve has activities for all ages

To get there, you can take a funicular train from Air Itam or Botanical Gardens.

Image via Instagram @_zheng_hui

Throughout the reserve, there are multiple trails and gardens where you can stroll and enjoy the soothing sounds of nature

Be sure to catch the sunset on its 13-metre high platform that gives a stunning 360° view of not just the forest but of the whole island

According to its website, the 'Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk' is the highest public viewpoint in Penang. Apparently, on a clear day, you might even be able to spot Langkawi in the distance.

Image via The Habitat Penang Hill/Facebook

Image via Piaree Rajandran/Facebook

Image via The Habitat Penang Hill/Facebook

Image via The Habitat Penang Hill/Facebook

With multiple levels on the 'Langur Way Canopy Walk', you'll get to immerse yourself in the different forest tiers, from jungle floor right up to the canopy

Other than the valleys, you'll also be able to view the Andaman Sea from here.

The walk was designed to be "tree-friendly" – in other words, no steel cables are attached to the trees and the bridge is suspended without any impact on the natural surroundings or the protected area.

Image via Instagram @ashrajavisuals

Image via The Habitat Penang Hill

Image via The Habitat Penang Hill/Facebook

Image via Instagram @aaronchingaling

In fact, most of the structures built were designed with the forest in mind. So you might notice tree trunks passing through platforms undamaged.

Image via Instagram @hafizaquafiz

For the more adventurous, there are ziplines that run through the jungle, a rope bridge, and an abseil

Image via The Habitat Penang Hill/Facebook

Image via The Habitat Penang Hill

Image via The Habitat Penang Hill/Facebook

The Habitat advises that you book in advance to reserve your time slot for any of these activities.

If you get tired, there's a cafe tucked within the forest where you can enjoy a scenic view over a meal or cup of coffee

Image via Atap/Facebook

Image via Atap/Facebook

Image via Atap/Facebook

In the same area is a cute shop that sells products handpicked with the community and sustainability in mind.

Some of which include handwoven bags made by the Women of the Penang Community and essential oils sourced from the Tropical Spice Garden.

Image via Atap/Facebook

Image via Atap/Facebook

Entrance fees to The Habitat Penang Hill start from RM55 each for adults and RM35 for children, senior citizens, and students.

If you get these passes, you can add on the single zipline option for RM15.

Image via Piaree Rajandran (Provided to SAYS)

They also have other passes for guided walks, a forest bathing experience, and a premium rainforest experience.

For this whole month of August, they are offering a 50% discount on standard passes if you pay using your Touch 'n Go e-wallet.

You can check out the full list of rates here.

Operating hours: Daily (9am to 7pm)

Website | Facebook | Instagram

While you're in Penang, here are several places to consider staying at:

If you're looking for somewhere closer to the city, this forest park is located right in the heart of KL:

Or if you're in need of cooler weather, head to this quiet hill in Perak:

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