Kledang Saiong Forest Eco Park (Taman Rimba Kledang Saiong), Ipoh

Although I have visited a good number of forest eco parks in Perak, when I heard about Kledang Saiong Forest Eco Park, I wanted to check it out. It took me quite a long time to schedule my visit, but I finally made it last Sunday. Better late than never, I say!

If you have been to a forest eco park before, Kledang Saiong is not much different. However, admission to this three-year-old Kledang Saiong Forest Eco Park located within Kledang Saiong Permanent Forest Reserve (Hill Dipterocarp Forest) is still free-of-charge.

Taman Rimba Kledang Saiong (in Malay) is merely 5km from Ipoh city centre. It is just a stone’s throw away from Tenby Schools Ipoh, and is accessible by car.

The park is a work in progress and during my recent visit, there were workers installing gazebos, signage boards and public seats. More facilities are being planned, including additional washrooms, changing rooms and BBQ pits.

Visitors to Kledang Saiong Forest Eco Park can enjoy themselves dipping in the stream, BBQ, picnic, trekking, cycling, camping (with written permission from Pejabat Hutan Daerah Kinta/Manjung), and get involved in various activities, similar to other eco parks.

One thing that stands out at Kledang Saiong Forest Eco Park is its Taman Nepenthes (Nepenthes Garden). Nepenthes means pitcher plants or monkey cups. Entrance fee to this garden is RM5 per adult and RM2 per student.

From what I understand, there are 70+ species of pitcher plants from around the world, including 15 hybrid species. Therefore, enthusiasts of Nepenthes should make a visit to this garden as there is much knowledge to be gained.

All monkey cups have an information board with an authentic photo of the plant. Its scientific name is included, as well as a barcode that visitors can scan to access full details of the particular species.

In fact, many trees are tagged with their scientific names and barcoded as well, which makes it easier for visitors to learn about them, should they be interested.

Having spent half a day at the eco park, I would encourage you to make a visit as well, particularly if you live in Ipoh. It’s the nearest eco park, allowing you to go close to nature without enduring a long drive. Also, admission is still free-of-charge, facilities are complete and clean, plus there’s the highlight of the park: Taman Nepenthes.

Oh yes, I almost forgot: Visitors are not allowed to pluck any leaves or take home anything from the park. Fishing is also prohibited.

Kledang Saiong Forest Eco Park (Taman Rimba Kledang Saiong)
GPS Coordinates: N 04.68693° E101.06787°

For enquiries, contact:
Pejabat Hutan Daerah Kinta/Manjung
Add: Jalan Bemban, 31000 Batu Gajah, Perak.
Tel: 605-3661 228
Fax: 605-3651 679
Web: Kledang Saiong Forest Eco Park

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