Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) — Attraction in Selayang Municipal Council

I've been to FRIM (Forest Research Institute Malaysia) multiple times now, and each visit feels like a little retreat from the chaos of KL. If you're someone who enjoys nature, quiet trails, lush greenery, and the occasional monkey sighting, this place is worth the drive. It’s one of those rare spots where you can truly breathe and feel disconnected from the noise and stress of daily life.

Getting there:

I usually drive in from Petaling Jaya and it takes about 25–30 minutes depending on traffic. Parking is easy and reasonably priced. You do pay a small entrance fee (which goes towards conservation efforts, I believe), and there are some extra fees if you plan to hike certain trails or use the canopy walk, but it’s still super affordable.

The trails:

There are a few different hiking options here, depending on your fitness level and how much time you have. The Keruing Trail is a gentle introduction to the forest – relatively flat and scenic, good for families with kids or casual walkers. For a bit more of a challenge, the Rover Track or the hike up to the pinnacle viewpoint (Bukit FRIM) offers a solid workout and a rewarding view at the top.

One of my favorite trails is the one that leads through the arboretum and towards the waterfall area – peaceful, shady, and filled with interesting flora. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear hornbills or see dusky leaf monkeys lounging in the trees. I've even spotted a couple of wild boars once – from a distance, thankfully!

Canopy walk:

I finally got to try the Canopy Walkway during my third visit – it’s short but sweet, hanging high above the forest floor with an amazing view of the tree canopy and the city skyline peeking through the gaps. Just a heads-up: you’ll need to register early as slots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

Facilities:

There are clean restrooms, a small café near the main entrance, and even picnic areas if you bring your own food. I usually pack a light lunch and sit under one of the big trees near the lake. There’s also a herbarium, gallery, and information center if you're curious about the more scientific or educational side of the forest. Kids and school groups seem to love it.

Things to know:

It can get hot and humid, so bring water, wear breathable clothes, and maybe start your hike early in the morning.

There are mosquitoes, especially after rain – bring repellant!

Try not to feed the monkeys – they’re cute, but they get aggressive if they think you’ve got snacks.

Some trails may be closed during/after rain for safety, so check with the rangers at the entrance.

Final thoughts:

FRIM is honestly one of my favorite places in the Klang Valley – it feels like a pocket of real, living rainforest right on the edge of the city. Every time I visit, I leave feeling refreshed, calmer, and just more grounded. It’s an underrated gem, especially if you’re into eco-tourism, hiking, or just need a break from the concrete jungle. Highly recommended for locals and...

I had the pleasure of visiting FRIM KEPONG with a group of 100 students and 6 colleagues.

We planned & booked our visit 3-6 months in advance through the Visitors Information Centre (VIC), FRIM KEPONG's online reservation system and paid the FRIM fees.

The booking process was smooth, and we confirmed our selected activities, making the payment three days prior to our scheduled visit.

Our main activity was the Forest Skywalk, which allowed us to experience the breathtaking scenery from the high bridge tower. It was a truly magnificent view.

After the Forest Skywalk, we explored the FRIM research gallery, where we were captivated by the exquisite wooden crafts, informative displays about tropical forests, and traditional items crafted from wood. The gallery was a visual delight.

We also took the opportunity to shop for souvenirs and enjoyed a delicious meal at the cafeteria. The facilities at the Masjid Jamek were impressive and added to our overall experience.

One unique aspect of our visit was the 3-4 hours treasure hunt, a type 2 explorace. FRIM provided us with a map, and we ventured into the forest, crossing streams, leaping over large logs, and crawling through narrow paths to reach various checkpoints. The guidance from FRIM staff was invaluable in ensuring our safety and enjoyment.

It's worth noting that FRIM KEPONG promotes environmental awareness by not providing trash bins. Visitors are encouraged to take their trash with them, which is a commendable initiative in promoting environmental responsibility.

I highly recommend booking your visit to FRIM KEPONG through their official website. The overall experience was not only educational but also a lot of fun. It's a fantastic destination for nature enthusiasts, and we left with unforgettable memories of...

If you want to visit a place devoid of noise and pollution, this is the perfect one. In the google when I searched for some walks it was available but the timing of it is quiet late in the afternoon which I could not opt. There were various forest walks which were earlier available but to revamp the nature it has been stopped.

so, I walked back 2 kms to the entrance, rented a bicycle and roamed the entire place. It was one of the best decision which I took.

This place is the nature at the best, when you visit here, there is a small waterfall which one could enjoy. You would walk up even further to see the source of the waterfall, but i was quiet happy with the flow of water and this was the place only for me, none around. So I took my ipod started listening to music, had my journal around and started penning down.

Even after years, I could bring back those beautiful memories.

There is also a place opposite of this where you can have a swim, the water is so shallow there but kids will enjoy to the core, I wanted to go there but I saw a family with three kids enjoying there and did not want to take away their privacy and started back.

The best place i visited...