Monday, December 28, 2009

Kuala Lumpur: Nature in the City!



Have you ever been to a forest? If you're a real KLite and haven't, you don't know what you're missing! But don't complain, I will take you to one. This might come as a surprise, but it's right here in the middle of our beloved Kuala Lumpur! Taman Tasik Perdana (also known as the Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens) is a great spot to check out Malaysia's forests without having to travel too far away from home.

The next weekend you're free, put on your caps and sneakers and head towards Jalan Parliament. Turn right at the Tugu Negara's traffic lights and you can easily enter and park for free at the Taman Tasik Perdana car park. Now you're ready to face beautiful butterflies, monitor lizards and maybe even monkeys, but don't worry about facing tigers or bears in this jungle!

Upon parking, you would face the great playground located right in the middle of a beautiful clearing, surrounded by beautiful plants and shrubs. You'll see children of all races and religions jumping, running and giggling as they play with one another happily. Seeing the smiling faces and hearing the delighted laughter of the children makes it a great place to sit and relax... What a sight to see, a truly 1Malaysia scene!


Across the playground is a trail leading you straight into the Taman Tasik Perdana's 'jungle'! Soon you'll be staring at breathtaking flora and fauna the teachers were telling you about in Malaysia's great rainforests. Don't just stand and stare, grab the giant tree trunk with the hanging roots and marvel at its sheer size. Look up at the sky and you'll see the large canopy of leaves obscuring the sunlight from view, leaving the trail cool and fresh.


Of course, a trip to Taman Perdana won't be satisfactiory without a detour to its Taman Herba! Here you'll see our local plants and trees--see if you can recognize them in its natural setting. I saw many fruit trees like pineapples, vegetable plants like chilies and flowers like the bunga raya, which is our national flower.


Didn't think that bananas have flowers? And pink flowers, at that! You know what they say, seeing is believing! Imagine my delight and surprise to see a banana tree's pink flower, right here in Taman Tasik Perdana. Of course, I had to take a picture to remember it by.

Aside from fruit trees, there are a lot of herbal plants which has medicinal value. Not only are the flora in the park are visually pleasing, we can also learn about its history and uses! In front of every plant, a small white sign gives information about the particular plant--which I think is a great way to educate the public about Malaysia's rich ecosystem.

Next, you won't miss the sea of blooming flowers that'll keep your camera busy clicking away! While you're mesmerized by the nature that surrounds you, be careful not to bump into the other forest visitors. I noticed many families of at least three generations enjoying themselves in the tropical paradise of KL. Its also a great spot to have lunch, as many tables are strategically placed under shady trees for the perfect picnic setting.

If you believe in fairytales, I almost crashed into Cinderella hurrying home from the ball! Many newlyweds come to take pictures in the peacefully natural settings of the park. During the morning I was there, I spotted three newlyweds posing for pictures in all their wedding finery. They looked amazingly happy to be with their partners in such a beautiful setting.

Finally, gasping for breath and dying for a drink, you can rest your body at a delightful cafe located at the far end of the carpark. After all, what is nicer than a cool ice lemon tea after getting lost in a tropical forest and surviving to tell the tale? ;)

1 comment:

  1. Really nice blog. Just discovered it today. Keep blogging.

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