Sungai Menyala’s eco-edu centre is great for a getaway

There is a gallery that highlights Orang Asli society and its arts and crafts. (Malaysia Traveller pic)

Sungai Menyala Edu Ecotourism Centre was opened to the public in 2010, in the Sungai Menyala Forest Reserve, which covers an area of 1,280ha near Port Dickson in Negeri Sembilan.

The forest is one of the largest lowland dipterocarp forests in the region. A dipterocarp forest grows on dry land just above sea level up to about 900m.

Its name derives from the fact that most of the largest trees in this type of forest are from the plant family known as Dipterocarpaceae.

Much of the forest was logged in the 1950s, so what is seen today is mostly regenerated growth.

Park employee Zul in front of a giant hollow tree that is said to be 300 years old. (Malaysia Traveller pic)

But there are some stretches of virgin forest, including a 300-year-old hollow tree and a 45m high Jelutong tree, which might be the tallest in Malaysia. Red Meranti and Keruing are the most common trees here.

About 15% of the reserve is made up of swamp which contributes to the wide variety of flora and fauna.

There are three main trails with boardwalks in some sections. Zul, a park employee, said a well-known hollow tree is believed to be 300 years old, the second oldest tree in Malaysia (the oldest is a 1,500-year-old tree in Taman Negara).

The paths in the park are well maintained and clear of overhanging vegetation, but visitors should keep an eye out for leaches, especially after wet weather. There was also evidence of wild boar on the trail.

(L): One of the Orang Asli artworks on display. (R): The forest gallery explains the different types of forest and their flora and fauna.(Malaysia Traveller pic)

The Edu-Ecotourism Centre includes a gallery showcasing the Orang Asli culture as well as a forest exhibition that explains the various types of forests and their flora and fauna.

The twin rooms are of a high standard. (Malaysia Traveller pic)

The accommodation wing has double and twin rooms (RM100 per night) with private bathrooms, TV, fridge and air conditioning and are superior in standard to similar accommodation in forest parks around the country.