Nature getaway - Star

Aug 10, 2008 By SYLVIA LOOI
Photos by SAIFUL BAHRI

The Belum-Temenggor Rainforest, one of the oldest rainforests in the world, is the ideal area to commune with nature.

FOR those looking for to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, the Belum-Temenggor Rainforest in Hulu Perak is the place to head to.

The 130-million-year-old forest, which has been divided into Upper Belum (to the north) and the Temenggor Forest Reserve (to the south), following the construction of the East-West Highway linking Ipoh to the East Coast, is home to more than 100 species of exotic mammals.

A view of the refurbished Belum Rainforest Resort located at Pulau Banding.

Among them are the Asian elephant, Malayan tiger, leopard, sun bear, Sumatran rhinoceros and Malayan tapir. Ten hornbill species can also be found within the forest complex, including the endangered plain-pouched hornbill.

For those who are enticed by exotic plants, there are also places to catch glimpses of flora such as the rafflesia.

Nature lovers can also opt to put up in the newly refurbished Belum Rainforest Resort. The resort, located on Pulau Banding, was recently opened by the Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah. The resort can help organise trips into the jungle as well as sightseeing opportunities.

The Belum Rainforest Resort offers visitors a means to a step back into nature. The resort is located next to the Belum-Temenggor Rainforest in Hulu Perak.

To get there from Kuala Lumpur, take the North-South Expressway heading north towards Ipoh.

Take the Kuala Kangsar exit and head towards Grik, bypassing the town of Lenggong. This will lead you to Pulau Banding.

The journey from Kuala Lumpur to Pulau Banding can take five hours or more, depending on the number of stopovers.

The bridge linking to the Belum Rainforest Resort on Pulau Banding in Hulu Perak.

For trips to Upper Belum, permits are required from the state’s park, police and army. No photos are allowed at the camp. A copy of the MyKad is required for Malaysians while foreigners need to submit a copy of their passport with full details. It takes at least a week to get these permits through the resort.

For details, call the resort at 05-791 6800 or log on to www.belumresort.com