Bukit Nanas, Kuala Lumpur the nature of all forest

by daniel shah

Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve (now called KL Forest Eco-Park) is a small patch of rainforest sited in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, at the base of the towering KL Tower, one of the tallest telecommunications structures in the world. Unknown to many, it is a small green patch that still preserves many species and features of the original rainforest that covered Kuala Lumpur at one time.

Although largely degraded from its original state, there are still some patches within that already tiny patch of forest that retain their original characteristics. Here the trees still stand tall, cicadas still buzz loudly all day long, and save for the sounds of the traffic outside, you would be forgiven for thinking you’re in the middle of an expansive wilderness.

Nature and human edifice side by side. The Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve (KL Forest Eco-Park) still provides shelter for many trees, plants, and animals right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur city.

Background

Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve covers an area of 9.3 hectares. It was originally gazetted as a forest reserve way back in 1906 with a land area of 17.5 hectares, but since then, a large part has already been taken up for building the KL Tower and other purposes. The forest has long suffered from random logging, encroachment, and even war activities, so it’s quite a surprise to find some trees that appear to be several hundred years old in the forest itself.

Some impressively large trees still remain at Bukit Nanas. It is a relic patch of “primary” rainforest in a large metropolis, one of the few in the world, I believe.

During the early years of Kuala Lumpur’s formation, there were pitched battles between rival clans and warlords, and the forested hill was the site of a fort (nothing remains of it today) in the 19^th century. According to historical accounts, pineapples (“nanas” in Malay) were planted all around the fort to deter attackers, hence the name Bukit Nanas (Pineapple Hill) today.

Back in the early 80s, the hill was the site of a small cable car project, but the whole project was scrapped soon after and the cable car service was shut down and dismantled. The forest has now been officially renamed as the KL Forest Eco-Park, but most KL citizens will still know and call it by its old name.

Trails in Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve

There are several trails that run through the forest reserve, which if seen from the air, is mainly limited to the one side of the hill, with the central portion or highest point taken up by the KL Tower. The official entrance is located near Jalan Raja Chulan, but the easiest way to get to the forest is by taking the Rapid KL LRT and disembarking at the Dang Wangi LRT Station.

Map of Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, taken from one of the maps on display there. Click for larger view.

Continue from the Dang Wangi station by taking the overhead bridge across Jalan Ampang right in front of the station, and walking on in the direction of the KL Monorail Bukit Nanas Station. A short distance ahead, you will encounter a small gallery, Wariseni, and behind this gallery is a footpath into the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, taking you up the hill through a long flight of stairs. Climbing up can be a little tiring, so take your time.