Tupah Recreational Forest — Attraction in Kedah

This forest, stream and waterfall surrounding the richest archeological site in Malaysia, Bujang Valley is a hidden secret gem of Sungai Petani.

Being part of a society which largely unconcerned of the historical antiquities of its motherland, similar to the rather sad empty state of the nearby marvellous Candi Lembah Bujang structure and the now non existent Bujang Valley’s Site 11 -Candi Sungai Batu Estate (following the 2013 demolition by greedy developers taking advantage of the lackadaisical authorities and misinformed society with deep religious/ racial insecurities to acknowledge our earlier more than 2500 years old heritage), this recreational forest too is isolated, quiet, tranquil and refreshing; an apt wasily accessible weekend haven for nature loving enthusiasts.

The proud Malaysian in me can resist but strongly advocate visitors to drop by the adjacent Candi Lembah Bujang to see, admire and marvel on the temple complex ruins and a poorly preserved site which may not be comparable to those of Angkor Wat in Cambodia or Borobudur and Prambanan in Indonesian but surprisingly will surely inspire the Malaysian heritage pride as the sprawling complex this Bujang Valley PREDATES all those famous structures in nearby countries by CENTURIES.

So, you get the green, lush, cool, quiet, easy jungle trail+ clean, fresh, rejuvenating river/ waterfall + historical insight into our early heritage which is older than Indonesia’s Srivijaya and Majapahit empires and Indochina’s Campa and...

(I am an angler so my review will be based on an angler perspective)

Likes: Great, clean & fresh environment! The water was clear and shallow (children friendly) Ample parking spaces Multi-species of fishes. Caught my self the super rare species too Rest rooms / changing rooms available

Dislikes: Monkeys everywhere There were few cases of Leptospirosis last time Some part of it is too secluded, be careful No food shacks/stalls were open (maybe because of the covid19...

Like many government owned nature attractions also the otherwise beautiful Tupah recreational forest near Merbok is poorly maintained. There are many grass cutter in this forest cutting for strange reason small trees and grass. Nature can do it perfectly itself. No human help is required. Some of 1 story houses have broken roofs. Nevertheless, a visit is very recommended - it is nature at its best

One advice, bring water and food with you, there is...