This Beautiful 130-Million-Year-Old Malaysian Rainforest Is The Perfect Escape Into Nature
A great place for a family or friends outing!
By Tamara Jayne
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!
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.
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.
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.
In fact, most of the structures built were designed with the forest in mind. So you might notice tree trunks passing through platforms undamaged.
For the more adventurous, there are ziplines that run through the jungle, a rope bridge, and an abseil
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
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.
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.
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)
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