Discover Nature through hands-on learning, with environmental educators and naturalists of Malaysian Nature Society, in Forest Research Institute Malaysia
FRIM-MNS Nature Education Centre
The FRIM-MNS Nature Education Centre (NEC) has connected people to nature since 1993. We are located within the lush of urban tropical greenery within the grounds of Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM). Quietly tucked away just half an hour from the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur city centre, NEC was established as an interpretive hub that provides the opportunity for public to understand and learn more about environment, the forests and its ecology. We offer a unique learning environment through nature activities in FRIM.
The NEC is managed by Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) through a smart partnership with FRIM with a common objective of advocating nature conservation. Our activities are designed to encourage nature appreciation and inculcate participants towards sustainable future. The centre is led by environmental educators and naturalists who bring their knowledge of science, nature, and animals on each exciting adventure.
Mission
“To make aware, educate and train the public on the Malaysian natural heritage and current environmental challenges, to enable them to actively participate in environmental protection and conservation efforts”
Environmental Education is the main objective of the centre. Educational programme at our centre are being organized to encourage nature appreciation among public and greater involvement in sustainable green living to conserve our nation’s rich natural heritage. We focus on environmental understanding and awareness, followed by building empathy and establishing ownership.
Among NEC’s favourite nature-based activities are, nature walks, night walk, ecology studies, stream sampling, bird watching, river study and many more. We receive a large number of group visitors and camp participants, ranging from pre-school children to adults.
About FRIM
Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) is one of the leading institutions in tropical forestry research in the world. FRIM campus has an area of 485.2 hectares. Way back in 1926, Dr F.W Foxworthy, the first forest research officer, started setting up a forest nursery and an experimental plantation on a large scale. After decades of nurturing the forest, this man-made forest has become a living example of tropical rainforest biodiversity with diverse of flora and teeming wildlife. Today, researcher, adventurers, the public in general are given the opportunity to get a closer look at nature and marvel at its natural beauty.
FRIM is one of the best locations for public to have a great jungle experience and learn about our rainforest ecosystem and the forest layers. The good thing about FRIM is that it is perfect for people of all fitness levels. There are easier walks and paths ideal for children, and also more challenging jungle tracks for the more adventurous.
Come join us on our most popular field trips at FRIM, to discover Nature through hands-on learning:
Jungle trek to a waterfall
Join us for an exciting and educational guided walk to the waterfall. The trek will take about 45 minutes to waterfall. Those who are adventurous can do a longer trek that will take around 1 hr and 30 minutes to get to the area. Along the way, you will explore and discover the wild rainforest inhabitants. With wonderful picnic at the waterfall area, you will be having lots of fun while learning about the rainforest biodiversity and animal behaviours from our guide. You may experience hearing cicadas and birds flying past their heads, smelling the rainforest, feeling ferns, moss and if they are lucky, they might be seeing an array of insects and animal in front of their eyes. This field trip is recommended for families, adults’ groups, students and children ranging from 4 years old and above.
Crown of Shyness Discovery
This walk will take the visitors to the wonders and the beauty of the tropical rainforest. Forming a puzzle-like pattern against the sky, you will be awed and amazed when you see this breathtakingly beautiful Crown-of Shyness phenomenon. This interpretive walk will take about 1 hour 30 minutes. Along the journey, we will take you to explore the collection of trees (Arboretum), and all those animals and plants that live in the forests. Don’t miss out to explore with us to see this spectacular attraction in FRIM. This field trip is recommended for families, adults’ groups, students and children ranging from 4 years old and above.
Jungle Night Walk
Explore the fascinating mystery of the lush rainforest in the darkness of the night in FRIM. The walk takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. You will need to wear shoes and appropriate clothes for the walk. Long sleeves t-shirt is advisable to avoid mosquitoes’ bites and long socks to protect from leaches. Bring together flashlight and raincoat/waterproof jacket in case of rain. As you venture further along the adventure, you may get the opportunity to watch the fireflies floating gracefully around the forest and bump into those nocturnal animals such as amphibians and reptiles. Our guide will explain further about these wonderful creatures. This field trip is recommended for families, adults’ groups, students and children ranging from 5 years old and above.
River Scientist
River Scientist aimed to introduce you to freshwater ecosystem and to educate them on the conservation of freshwater resources. This activity will increase your awareness and involvement in the protection of water quality. You will learn about water conservation, water monitoring techniques and identifying the aquatic organisms. This 1.5 hr activity is recommended for the families, adult groups, kids and students ranging from 4 years old and above
Young Entomologist
Spend time with your kids and find out more about the world of insects when joining this field trip. We will do insects catching and release activities where you will get the first-hand experience on catching insects and observing insects’ behaviour. The children will learn their characteristics, functions, values and how important are insects to entire ecosystem. This programme is recommended for the families, kids and students ranging from 4 years old to 15 years old. This field trip will take about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Mushroom Detective
You will be guided to the forest to search for fungi. You will get the chance to learn about their ecology and even identify them in the wild. This will be a fun learning experience for you and better understand about these mushrooms. This 1.5 hr activity is recommended for the families, kids and students ranging from 4 years old to 15 years old.
Young Botanist
Your children will learn about plants kingdom and their general characteristics, classification, reproduction, life cycle and importance to ecosystem. They will also learn to describe the function and structure of roots, stems and leaves. The children will be experiencing to create their own unique miniature gardens enclosed in recycled plastic or glass. This 1.5 hr activity is recommended for the families, kids and students ranging from 4 years old to 15 years old.
Other than the field trips mentioned above, we are more than happy to customize for your group or event with our many hands-on activities:
- Nature walk
- Stream sampling
- Birdwatching
- Nature hunt
- Scavenger hunt
- Paper recycling
- Soap making
- Candle making
- Bio-enzyme making
- Nature art & craft