After the car ride we experienced last evening our group enjoyed a relaxing morning, sleeping in and gorging on yet another breakfast buffet. We were able to cross paths with Lorrie and Matt, who arrived safely in Kuala Lumpur, before heading out to FRIM (Forest Research Institute of Malaysia). Lorrie and Matt stayed at the hotel to recuperate after their flight, and were able to sneak in a quick afternoon tour of the city!
Upon arrival to FRIM we met with Anis Nadhirah who was our guide for the day. She took us to meet with Dr. Saw Leng Guan, the Director of the Tropical Forest Biodiversity Centre. During lunch we discussed generalities regarding FRIM, and were delighted to hear about the FLORA of Malaysia project that is in progress.
After lunch, Mr. Adnan Mohamad arranged a canopy tour for our group, which was led by Anis. Anis gave us great information about common plants and animals of the region along our route. The hike to the base of the canopy walk was amazing in itself, but nothing prepared us for the views from the top of the Malaysian Forest Canopy!
As we continued our afternoon we were met by Elango Velautham and Norsham Suhaina Yaahob. We visited FRIM’s amazing Dipterocarp Arboretum, which included some of Malaysia’s oldest and rarest trees. These trees are native to the regional forests and set seed sporadically every few years in result of only the perfect climatic conditions. They are very special trees and they were a treat to be able to learn about!
Next we visited Denai Razak. Denai Razak is a handicapped accessible garden that is the first of its kind in the region. It has just opened, and is already in use by many of the citizens of the surrounding community. It is a beautiful walk that is planted with native Malaysian plants. Palms, gingers, alocasia, and orchids to name a few, filled the under story of this garden. It is a testament to the hard work of the people that created this garden, that although only 2 years in the making, the walk is already full of lush and healthy native plants.
As our afternoon became evening, we quickly made our way to visit the incredible nursery of the Biodiversity Centre before heading back to the hotel. We were very happy to have met our new friends that worked for FRIM- Elango and Norsham are doing incredible work, and Anis was a delightful guide throughout the entire afternoon.
Barnabas, Bob, Dan, Jackie, Lorrie, Matt E., Matt Q., Yoko
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3 comments:
Hi guys! It sounds/looks like you're having a blast!! I loved the map you included below...it's very useful for understanding where in the world you are! Have fun and be good without Dr. Lyons :)
Hey, I made it back fine. In fact, the flight from Frankfurt to JFK was nearly empty so it was perfect for stretching out on all of the middle aisle seats and get some sleep....it worked....I think I'm getting my biological clock reset quickly. Keri and Tee Jay were at the airport to get me back home without any wait, so thanks. It's very cold back home so enjoy your warm days....I'm still wishing I were there. I had a great time with you all and I'm sure you'll finish out the experience with more memorable moments. Yoko, thanks for your excellent chaperoning help, and Matt and Lorrie, enjoy your travels....you'll have no problems, you're with an excellent group! I'll be thinking of you all....now I have to go through my pix.....stay safe! By the way, all the books, etc. made it back and managed to stay below all the weight restrictions! Bob
You guys must be out in the back territories since we haven't heard from you recently. I thought I'd check in and let you know how things are back in the East, the Eastern US, that is. We had a brush with some snow shortly after I returned but it is just about all melted now.....however, tonight is supposed to be the start of a real chill down over the next few days. Forecasts are for temps going well down below freezing....welcome to winter! I hope you are enjoying the more tropical temps where you are and post when you are next able....take care and safe travels. Bob
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