Templer's Park

The Templer's Park Forest Reserve is located north of Kuala Lumpur, about 20 minutes away from the city. This beautiful park is a precious repository for flora and fauna, and one of the last proper green lungs within the city outskirts. Located within the park are some beautiful multi-tiered waterfalls that are popular with tourists and visitors during the weekend, though the nearby Kanching Waterfalls attracts more visitors and tourists.

To head here, one needs to head on the old trunk road to Ipoh and turn right at an obscure signboard which reads as 'Templer's Park'. A short drive on a narrow road will take you to a small landscaped area with playground and huts. From here, a gated road bars access to vehicles larger than motorcycles. You need to proceed on foot through this small road which will eventually lead you to a large concrete pool, made to collect flowing water from the streams for recreational swimming. Just at the corner of the pool is where the jungle trail starts. The trail takes you to the pinnacle of some cascading waterfalls, and there are many cleared areas along the way which are camping spots, placed conveniently next to the streams.

The quiet nature of the stream and its secluded environment provides an ideal ground for camping. During the night, the streams are filled with the sound of river toads croacking while the overhanging branches and twigs provide sleeping perches for lizards such as the earless agamid and Malayan crested lizard. If you have a sharp eye, you might even spot a snake curled up on a branch or two.

While accessible, the park suffers some serious flaws by virtue of being too near the city and residential areas. Development and construction of new buildings and roads near the park have scared off most of the wildlife into the deep recesses of the jungle. Trying to spot birds and other creatures have become harder over the years.

However, there is still hope for the park if the authorities continue to preserve it and not yield parts of the forest for highway development. Judging by the current trend, the future does not bode well. As of today, the future remains uncertain for Templer's Park as development continues to eat into the forest and the people in power have yet to lift a finger.