Today is Hari Raya Haji Holiday. It was just a instant decision that Daddy suggested that we go to FRIM for a walk. We went there after both kids taken their morning bath and our breakfast at Asia Cafe, it was almost 10.00am already when we headed to FRIM. But, luckily for us it was a cloudy day but not windy.
This is our first trip here, so not really familiar about the place. We drove our car in and it cost us about RM6.00 all together. Follow the given map, we drove our way into the park. We saw quite a number of the signage written with the word ‘Arboretum’, but we do not understand what does it mean. We had came through the Fruit Tree Arboretum, Cryptogrammic Garden, Ethno-Botanic Garden, Coniferatum, Non-Dipterocarp Arboretum, Dipterocarp Arboretum, etc.
We stopped at a signage ‘Insectarium’, initially we were thinking that there might be some displayed of the insects there. Unfortunately, not opened due to public holiday. Thus, we just walked crossed the road to the Museum and Information Centre. All offices were closed, but there is a pond there. Inside there are a few Arapaima Gigas fish which made both Issac and Annabelle so excited and happy. We spent quite some time at the pond side just to walkabout. There are a few Gazebos and bridges, even a Fish Spa for those who interested. Daddy was keep on shooting with his Canon 500D.
Before we left FRIM, we drove passed the other side of the campus where we did not go, then we only learned that there are facilities such as Auditorium, Book Store, Club & Cafe, Forestry School, Tennis Court, Football Field, Wetland Area, a Primary School and a Sekolah Agama, and government staff quarters in the campus too.
There is Picnic Area where there is a tiny waterfall streams and pond. We saw there are numbers of picnic fans spread their mats at the Sungai Kroh Picnic Area. Shelters and restrooms are available as well as wading pools downstream for children. Eventually, I came to know that the shady park-like Arboreta is a collection of living trees. The purpose of such collection can vary from that of scientific study or the conservation of genetic resources, to the less serious purpose of exhibiting plants in a botanical garden.
There are Malay Traditional Timber Houses for visitors to check out including the Rumah Terengganu, built entirely from Cengal wood without the use of a single nail, and the neighbouring Rumah Melaka.
There are four jungle tracks for the adventurous ones to check out: Keruing Trail, Rover Track, Engkabang Trail and Salleh Trail, all of which will take visitors through some breathtakingly beautiful secondary forests and for leisurely walks and jogs, mountain biking and educational trips. The Sebasah Trail highlights the adaptation of species to the wet condition which uniquely offers visitors a new trekking experience. The trail also represents some of the most diverse ecosystems and famous for its migration bird sighting. The Razak Walk would be more disabled friendly.
At the One Stop Information Centre then, only we learned that the exciting Canopy Walkway is temporally closed for maintenance. Before that, were thinking of if we are able to go for a walk, but I do not think so because Annabelle is too little for that, even Issac also can pass through it or not also a question. It is located 30m above the ground. This 150m canopy walkway is built on tree tops and is the third of its kind in Malaysia. A maximum of 250 people are allowed on the canopy walkway each day, so prior arrangements must be made if you'd like to experience it. The Canopy Walkway is only accessible from 9:30am to 2:30pm as the afternoon would be winds are too strong and may pose a safety hazard.
At FRIM, camping is available for those wanting to experience a night in the wilderness but prior permission is required, and it is for corporate activities or family days, etc only.
It was an enjoyable day for us. Before we left FRIM, Issac had spotted a strange and funny tree and called me to look at it. It is really funny and weird, that there are a lot of cannon ball shape fruits and big red flowers on that particular tree. And, the cannon ball grows on mass of the stalks that surrounded the main tree trunk. Really eye catching!
Resources: http://www.frim.gov.my
