Walk in the cool shade of one of earths oldest living eco systems at the 32 acre forest park within the 873 ha recreational rainforest in Taman Rimba Teluk Bahan, located in the northern part of Penang Island. As an excellent example of earth’s biodiversity, visitors walking along the well maintained nature trails of this rainforest park are sure to enjoy the diversity of its plant life. Established in 1974, the park affords one of the best introductions to forest ecology and lessons in appreciation of a green and rare environment.
Taman Rimba Teluk Bahan is also a popular camping and picnic ground where families, groups of friends and even individuals can have a great wilderness experience. This is where those in Penang with adventure on their head to. It is an excellent place to camp outdoors and to indulge in activities that are exciting and far removed from those of day to day. Listening to the sounds of the forest when the day begins and draws to a close, star gazing or simply experiencing the velvety darkness around is some of the best experiences to be had here.
The forest park’s well laid out hiking trails are the best way to explore the rainforest. Designed to suit different levels of endurance the trails expose hikers to the islands rare flora and fauna. The Monkey Cup Forest Trail is the shortest and easiest. The Simpoh Gajah Trail takes hikers through a patch of virgin rainforest. The 4,280 meter charcoal kiln trail involves climbing up to a ridge that offers panoramic views. The Penang Hill Forest Challenge is the longest trail at 11.3 km. It is also the hardest. The best part of hiking is taking a break by the stream running though the forest to enjoy the shade of the dense foliage, particularly during the height of hot and humid summers. Cooling off by taking a dip in the shallow pools there is a favourite mode of relaxation for many hikers. The park offers opportunities to enjoy beautiful scenery, fresh air, appreciate the environment, to slow down and forget the stresses of life.
As a Tanjung Bungah hotel flanked by a popular stretch of beach and green hills, within easy reach of Georgetown and other well known places Copthorne Orchid, a prominent Penang hotel, offers a range of up market facilities and amenities for discerning business and leisure guests. Comfortable contemporary accommodation, choice of cuisines and in house leisure and business facilities make a stay here convenient and pleasurable.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
