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Category: News
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Published: Tuesday, 12 March 2024 08:16
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PERCHED near the zenith of Mount Brinchang in Pahang, the Mossy Forest is a marvel of nature, cloaked in a tapestry of green that whispers tales of ancient times. This majestic forest, sprawling across 914 hectares and regarded as the oldest in Malaysia, offers an escape into a world that time seems to have forgotten. At around 200 million years old, the journey through the Mossy Forest is a journey back to the very essence of nature.
A DRIVE THROUGH THE CLOUDS
The adventure begins with a thrilling drive up Mount Brinchang, the highest point accessible by road in Southeast Asia, sitting at 2,031 metres above sea level. This route not only leads you to the enchanted realms of the Mossy Forest but also offers panoramic views of the stunning Sungai Palas tea plantation, a sight that rivals the beauty of the forest itself.
A REALM OF ENCHANTMENT
Upon entering the Mossy Forest, you're greeted by an ecosystem that seems plucked from a fairy tale. Thick moss embraces the trees, mist shrouds the air, and clouds weave through the branches, creating a setting so mystical it's as if it were conjured by magic. This moist, misty environment is a haven for moss, ferns, lichens, orchids, and a host of montane fauna unique to this highland sanctuary. The silence of the forest is profound, broken only by the soft whispers of nature as you navigate through the labyrinth of intertwining branches and stems. The elevated boardwalk, stretching 200 metres just before the peak, offers a safe pathway through the forest, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the serene beauty of this ancient woodland.
NAVIGATING THE MOSS-COVERED PATHS
Exploring the Mossy Forest is an adventure meant for those who respect and marvel at nature's wonders. With the forest's vast expanse and challenging trails, it's advisable to visit with an experienced local guide. The boardwalk ends with a trail leading to Mount Irau, presenting an option for the more adventurous to trek to Cameron Highlands' highest peak. Those preferring a less strenuous experience can simply retrace their steps back.
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
The Mossy Forest welcomes visitors with an entry fee of RM10 for adults and RM5 for children below 12 years old for a 200m walk. The forest's cool climate calls for appropriate attire and trekking gear, ensuring a comfortable exploration. The best time to visit is early in the morning when the forest is at its most mystical, enveloped in a soft, ethereal mist that enhances its otherworldly ambience.
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Category: News
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Published: Tuesday, 12 March 2024 08:06
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In the picturesque landscapes of Cameron Highlands in Pahang, the national flower of Turkey and the Netherlands, tulips, have burst into a riot of colours, capturing the hearts of beholders. With over 2,500 tulips thriving in Malaysian soil, their full bloom is not just a spectacle but a vibrant display attributed to the country's prevailing higher temperatures.
An unexpected home
Lokmanulhakim Basiron, the general manager of the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) station in Cameron Highlands, proudly shared that this marks their third consecutive year of cultivating tulips at the Agro Technology Park Mardi. The tulips have found an unexpected home in the tropical Malaysian climate and become an annual attraction, drawing unexpected visitors who flock to witness the blooming beauties. Originating from Iran and Turkey, these tulips undergo seed-breeding technology led by the Netherlands (Holland), and these bulbs are imported from there. "The Cameron Highlands Agro Technology Park Mardi planted 300 tulips in February 2022 at the Cameron Mini Flower Garden in conjunction with the school holidays. "In February last year, we planted 1,500 bulbs, and last month — 2,500 bulbs," he said at the park recently.
Ideal condition for Tulips
Lokmanulhakim explained that tulip flowers bloom gradually, displaying colours within five to 10 days after being transplanted into warm soil. However, they continue to bloom for two to three weeks, depending on the weather conditions. He elaborated that the ideal temperature for growing them is below 12° C and the flower has a temperature tolerance limit of up to 29° C. "Tulips need more direct sunlight either in the morning or evening. They do not do well in high heat. The soil must have good drainage, a neutral to slightly acidic pH between 6 and 7, and be fertile and dry or sandy. So mulch, such as sphagnum moss, is used to control soil temperature and sustain moisture," he added. Lokmanulhakim said after the end of the flowering period, the stems and leaves must wilt naturally and turn yellow or brown before they are removed from the soil.
If the leaves are removed while still green, there will be insufficient food in the bulbs to bloom the following year, he said. "Cleaned tulip bulbs are stored in mesh bags at below 5° C in a cold room for 12 weeks to six months during their dormancy/inactive phase. "Then they are transferred to Leca (lightweight expanded clay aggregate) balls, a type of medium for rooting, at room temperature for a fortnight. After that the bulbs are placed in a planting medium such as peatgrow for three to four weeks to encourage growth before being transferred to the display site," he said.
Flower varieties
He listed this year's varieties as Rood (red), Yellow Baby (yellow), Flair (orange mix), Roze (light purple), Paars (dark purple), and Flaming Baby. Apart from the tulip festival, there are a variety of Mediterranean fruits such as apples, pears, grapes and strawberries as well as popular flowers such as impatiens, camellias, dahlias, petunias, lilies and roses. The park serves as a stopover for highland tourism in Cameron Highlands, strategically located near the town of Tanah Rata. Positioned at an elevation of 1,400 metres above sea level, the area maintains a comfortable temperature throughout the year. Cameron Highlands is also home to the oldest tea plantation and the first tea factory in Malaysia, as well as a research centre for green agriculture. Entrance fees are reasonably priced at RM5 for children and senior citizens, RM10 for adults, and free for the disabled. Source - NST
