KL Forest Eco Park Canopy Walk

KL Forest Eco Park is a patch of genuine lowland rainforest in the middle of Kuala Lumpur, and walking through it is one of the most surprising things you can do in the city. The forest covers the slopes of Bukit Nanas, the hill crowned by KL Tower, and was first protected in 1906 as the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, making it one of the oldest permanent forest reserves in Malaysia. Much of the original reserve has been lost to development, and around nine hectares remain, but the trees here are tall and old, and the sense of being in the jungle is real.

The highlight is the canopy walk, a 200-metre suspended walkway about 21 metres above the forest floor. It brings you to eye level with the crowns of some of the city's oldest trees, including Jelutong and Merawan Batu, with the city's towers rising just beyond the forest. On the ground, short trails such as the 360-metre Merbau trail and the 300-metre Jelutong trail, along with the Penarahan and Arboretum trails, loop through the forest. There is a herbal garden near the entrance, plus picnic benches, a wooden gazebo and a children's playground.

The forest supports more than 200 tree species, along with ferns, creepers and bamboos, 12 animal species and around 25 bird species. Silver leaf monkeys and long-tailed macaques live here, and you may spot butterflies, colourful insects and, if you are lucky, bats or a civet. Do not feed the monkeys and keep snacks out of sight.

The eco park is open every day, including public holidays, from 7am to 6pm, and entry is free. Go early in the morning, when it is coolest and the wildlife is most active. A loop of the canopy walk and a trail or two takes about an hour to an hour and a half. Wear trainers or walking shoes, as paths can be uneven and slippery after rain, and bring insect repellent and water. The canopy walk is a raised, suspended walkway, so check access on arrival if you use a wheelchair, and it may not suit anyone with a strong fear of heights.

The park sits right beside KL Tower, so the two make an easy combination. Bukit Nanas and Raja Chulan monorail stations and Masjid Jamek on the LRT are the nearest rail stops, and the Go KL City Bus and the hop-on hop-off tour bus both stop at KL Tower.