Kuala Lumpur Map: Four-Hour Escapes

"Tropical Rainforests, Mangroves And Montane Highlands"

Make sure you mark your Kuala Lumpur map with these Four-Hour Escapes. You'll be going back to these adventure travel destinations again and again. Find the wilderness amid highland hill stations, placid lake environments or in the thick cover of rainforest habitat.

Wildlife abounds in the jungles of Belum-Temengor, where you can witness hundreds of Plain-pouched hornbills filling the sky or watch Asian elephants wander out of the forest.

Or get to the upper elevations of Cameron Highlands or Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill) to 'chill' out and enjoy the splendor of hill and mossy forests. Jungle trekking is made easy in the cool mountain air; while abundant rainfall keeps the atmosphere fresh and invigorating.

There are plenty of awesome road trip ideas to take you far away from the urban masses. Family adventure travel is a breeze when the choices include lake and river cruises, mangrove walks, birdwatching and wildlife observation and camping outdoors.

Take the extra time to visit these Four-Hour Escapes and find good examples of ecotourism and opportunities to learn about ecology for kids.

Four-Hour Escapes ... Wilderness Beckons

Cameron Highlands Jungle Trekking

Nestled among misty mountain peaks, this highland destination offers cool climes, easy adventure hikes and a peek into marvelous montane habitats. A nice mix of mossy jungles criss-crossed with over a dozen hiking trails; even the winding road from Tapah is a great introduction to the rainforest biome.

Temenggor Rainforest Ecosystem

As part of the Belum-Temengor Forest Complex, rainforest animals and wild adventure are just a boat ride away. Vast forests maintain Malayan tigers, Asian elephants and even rhinos and tapirs. One of Malaysia's best wild places for wildlife watching, its biodiversity includes all ten hornbills, white-handed gibbons, Rafflesia flowers
and much more.

Tasik Chini Freshwater Swamp

A unique ecosystem and a rare natural lake, this tranquil wetland environment offers an education in aquatic ecology. Struggling to survive against oil palm plantation encroachment and water mismanagement, the special aura of this freshwater haven endears the local Orang Asli community and most visitors.

Matang Mangrove Forest

Managed for the last century, mangrove trees provide vital habitat for aquatic life, wood for charcoal, coastline protection and a refuge for birds. With easy access from the highway, it offers an outdoor adventure education and insights into forest management and the benefits of mangrove ecosystems.

Maxwell Hill-Bukit Larut Hill Station

Rising above the town of Taiping, visit the montane magic of Maxwell Hill for plenty of cool temps, wild sights and tranqil nature scenes. Get back to nature at this secluded and rustic hilltop full of songbirds, monkeys and cloud forests.

Taman Negara Merapoh (Sungai Relau)

A lesser visited alternative to the main entry to Taman Negara, Merapoh offers wildlife and wilderness in a quiet river setting. Easy jungle trails are good for birdwatching and it's a shorter route for mountain trekking to Gunung Tahan.