Behrang

Penawar Hutan Forest Tree Nursery

Nestled in the heart of Ulu Behrang, the Penawar Hutan Forest Tree Nursery, founded by the late James Kingham, serves as a living testament to one man’s lifelong dedication to conserving Malaysia’s rare and endangered rainforest species. Known as a “tree guru” in the green community, James established the nursery over 20 years ago, amassing a collection of over 2 million trees, many of which are endemic to the region and critically endangered. These trees represent not just the biodiversity of the Malaysian rainforest but also an invaluable genetic reservoir for future reforestation and conservation efforts. Despite facing numerous challenges—including the bulldozing of the original nursery site in 2020—James’s legacy lives on through Penawar Hutan’s efforts to safeguard these species and provide critical support for wildlife habitats.

Today, the Penawar Hutan Nursery remains a vital resource for conservation, serving as both an arboretum and a gene bank for rare tropical tree species. Its unique collection includes hundreds of species, many of which cannot be found elsewhere in Malaysia. As an arboretum, the nursery is not only an educational resource but also an important tool in the preservation of biodiversity, allowing for the protection and research of species that are threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and deforestation. By maintaining this site as a nature park, Penawar Hutan hopes to ensure that James Kingham’s vision for conservation continues to thrive, providing a safe haven for endangered species and supporting ecological restoration projects across the country.

Kingham’s Legacy Arboretum: it is the dream of Kingham’s family to preserve the nursery turned arboretum as a nature park or reserve, for the future of people and planet.

Tanjung Malim Tree Sanctuary: almost all planted seedlings have grown into mature trees, forming contiguous canopy and providing sanctuary to many wildlife including wild cats like leopard, sun bear, deer, pig, porcupine, etc.

Behrang Seed Bank: many trees are now fertile and producing viable seeds, important as seed source for forest nursery and ultimately restoration work. Here’s Remmy the manager showing some fruiting (clockwise from bottom left) Baccaurea, Nephelium, Gardenia, Mesua, and Aglaia.

Arrange for a special visit with our dendrologist to learn about the many forest trees of South East Asia, and ultimately help conserve biodiversity in the Behrang / Penawar Hutan / James Kingham Arboretum / Nature Park / Tree Sanctuary.