Commonwealth Forest Park

"Linger Amid Rainforest Scenery"

Commonwealth Forest Park is a lesser known nature option to the two more spectacular choices in the area:

• Templers Park Jungle Waterfall
• Kanching Recreational Forest

The park, also known as Taman Rimba Komanwel, covers over 600 hectares with a portion set aside for recreation. It was named to commemorate the Commonwealth Forestry Conference in Kuala Lumpur back in 1993.

There are really two parks in one:

• the lower forest and river for camping
• the upper jungle with recreation amenities

These two options are good alternatives if Templers Park and Kanching are overcrowded.

Main entry gate to forest park

The lower area near the river crossing entrance is run by the Forestry Department. Here you can find plenty of camping spots along a small stream and surrounded by big, shady tropical trees.

There are some toilet and shelter facilities that are very basic. Overall the forest is nice but the left-behind trash and mess make it unsightly.

Look out for long-tailed macaques frolicking near the riverbanks. And hiking trails from the campgrounds supposedly lead back to a jungle waterfall.

If you follow the tarmac road uphill it leads to a secluded valley where the original Commonwealth grounds are found with very nice landscaped gardens. The Commonwealth Forest Park and Resort manages the area under Selangor Tourism and provides plenty of activities.

There are numerous trails for jungle trekking, horse riding, mountain biking and accommodations to house corporate groups.

A much cleaner and nicer environment than the rustic conditions in the forest below, public access to this part of the park may be limited or fees may be charged for entry. Check with the management before you decide to go.

Commonwealth Forest Park: Things To Do

Camping and Cooking Out - With plenty of camping spots available along the stream, the school holidays and weekends are perfect for hanging out in the jungle with friends or family.

Jungle Trekking - Wander upstream to the jungle waterfall for some good exercise and a chance to cool off with a refreshing swim.

Mountain Biking - The upper forest has good trails for cruising the jungle on two-wheels. Contact the Commonwealth Forest Park office to arrange an outing.

Jungle Photography - A scenic forest river and stream, a few rainforest monkeys and other natural attractions give you plenty of choices for practicing your photo skills.

Commonwealth Forest Park: General Information

The information is separated into lower forest and upper forest. The hours of operation are daily from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Lower Forest (Selangor Forestry Department)

Fees and Facilities

• entry fee RM 1
• food and drink may be available on weekends, but better to bring your own
• toilet facility available and a few covered shelters for picnics or rainstorms
• camping available for RM 5 per site (public) and RM 2 per site (students)

For further information please contact:

Pejabat Hutan Daerah Hulu Selangor
48000 Rawang, Selangor
Commonwealth Forest Park
Tel: 03-691-6131
Fax: 03-691-7533

Jabatan Perhutanan Selangor
Tingkat 3, Bangunan Sultan
Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah
40000 Shah Alam, Selangor
Tel: 03-544-7505 / 7507
Fax: 03-550-2358

Upper Forest (Commonwealth Forest Park and Resort)

Fees and Facilities

• tourism packages for various activities
• chalets available for package groups (mainly corporate)

Public Access Fees (may be revised by operator)

• RM 5 for vehicles
• RM 2 for motorcycles
• RM 2 per person

Resort's Information Center:
Commonwealth Forest Park and Resort
KM 23, Jalan KL-Rawang
48000 Rawang, Selangor
Tel: 03-55105879
Fax: 03-55119062

Getting There

Watch for this road exit

• From Kuala Lumpur head out on Route 1 past Kepong and Selayang and towards Rawang
• Look for the brown signs for Taman Rimba Komenwel and Hutan Lipur Sg. Kanching
• After passing through some road works, the road slopes downhill and past a housing area on the left
• Look on the left for a single brown sign with Taman Rimba Komenwel and slow down
• Take the quick exit left on the trunk road parallel to the main road (Caution: very easy to miss)
• Continue for 100 meters to the parking lot for the lower forest or cross the bridge to access the road to the upper forest park