 Heading south on the North-South Expressway from Kuala Lumpur, at the Port Dickson (Seremban) Interchange (Interchange 219), go down route 51 to Kuala Pilah. Ulu Bendul is located 16km down this route. It's a roughly one hour and 20 minutes drive from the Negeri Sembilan state capital, Seremban.
 |
|
Just after coming downhill from the small, winding, hilly road at Bukit Putus is the Ulu Bendol R&D
|
Ulu Bendul Recreational Forest is situated on the southern edge of the Titiwangsa mountain range (the Peninsula Malaysia is held by its central “backbone” – the Mountainous Titiwangsa Range – that runs from southern Thailand all the way down to Negeri Sembilan), and on the fringe of Batang Terachi River within the district of Kuala Pilah, in the state of Negeri Sembilan. Ulu Bendul was discovered in 1917 by a "pawang" named Tuan Tulis Ismail, but later popularised as a leisure area by Tuanku Muhammad in 1920. Because it is located at the upstream (or "hulu" in malay) while the mountain is regarded as a barrier (or "bendul"), thus the name Ulu Bendul as it is known today.
 |
|
The Park offers chalets for rent besides the free pickniking area along the Batang Terachi River.
|
 |
|
The cool clear water of the River is a favourate picnik spot especially on the weekends
|
 |
|
The jungle trails as indicated on the Billboard leads to the Jeram Kak Long, and also finally to the top of Gunung Angsi
|
This rainforest reserve is estimated to be around 130 million years old. Ulu Bendul offers a multitude of spots for camping, jungle trekking, fishing and swimming, ideal for the perfect tropical jungle excursion. The nature expedition will bring you to crystal clear rivers, cascading waterfalls, and various strange and vibrant tropical plants and animals.
 |
 |
|
The jungle trails, at certain section is quite steep and dangerous
|
Dr.Baha and Tom busy snapping pictures of the unique flora and fauna
|
 |
 |
|
Trees are tall and the foliage blocks most of the sunlight
|
Roots of the young fig tree dangling from the host tree.
|
 |
 |
|
The dipterocarp canopy above really shelters the path from sunlight
|
We have to rely heavily on our camera flash to provide enough light for our photography.
|
 |
 |
|
On the forest floor, mushrooms growing and feeding on decaying leaves
|
The underside view of the same mushroom with swamp of tiny flies feeding on it.
|
For the more adventorous trekkers, the Gunung Angsi, or Mount Angsi, is one of the attractions at Ulu Bendul Recreational Forest, it stands at 825m above sea level and takes about four hours to climb. The climb takes you through a 4.5km route that trails the Batang Terachi River. From the top, it promises a spectacular view of Seramban and the Straits of Malacca below. Unfortunately, time is not on our side that day to attempt to climb the mountain.
 |
|
The trekkers busy photographing the unique flora.
|
 |
 |
|
Rows of stud-like features protruding on the leaf.
|
As if hand-painted by a brush, the double rows of white dotted strokes on the leaf is elegant looking
|
 |
 |
|
More reddish coloured mushrooms on the rotten twigs.
|
Spider cobwebs spun between the wild fern leaves glitters from the reflection of the sun ray.
|
 |
|
A beautiful dotted butterfly basking in the sun.
|
The Batang Terachi River, flanked by large boulders which creates pools of natural dam along the way, making for perfect spots for a relaxing dip, a favourite spot for fishing, picnicking and swimming. This recreational forest is also a habitat for the ever elusive mousedeers, wild boar and monkeys.
 |
 |
|
Tractor millipede
|
The Giant millipede having more legs than the poisonous centipedes
|
 |
 |
|
A young shoot of the Black Lily just about to bloom.
|
Footprint of the deer can be seen imprinted on the ground
|
 |
|
Another species of Coral Mushroom
|
 |
|
The Bracket Fungus
|
 |
 |
|
In some area even the trail is barely visible.
|
The shaded trail is often broken by open area of sun's ray
|
 |
|
We all finally reached the Campsite at S2, near the Jeram Kak Long.
|
 |
 |
|
The roaring sound of the river rapid can be heard from among the trees.
|
Finally a chance to relax the aching muscles at the Campsite S3
|
 |
|
The pool of cool, crystal clear water at Jeram Kak Long is ideal for splashing around after the hot sweaty climb
|
 |
 |
|
An opportunity to cool down the sweat by the dipping into the cool water.
|
Contemplating thoughts, soaked by the peaceful sound of the forest.
|
 |
|
Checking up on the camera gears, previewing some of the images captured.
|
Jungle trekking to Gunung Angsi where you can get good views of Seremban and the Straits of Melaka below . The trek takes about two hours. Or alternatively, you can take the shorter trails around the park that branches out from the park headquarters where dipterocarp canopy above shelters the path. Sungai Batang Terachi (Batang Terachi River) runs through the area and is an excellent spot for swimming and picnicking. Bring mosquito repellent!
 |
|
The water rapids of Batang Terachi River cascading amongst the huge boulders at Jeram Kak Long.
|
The foremost and most popular forest reserve park in Negeri Sembilan, the park offers visitors a cool green environment amidst forested hills and clear streams. Visitors are also able to participate in activities like mountain climbing, trekking, swimming and picnicking. Accommodations for visitors are available in the form of chalets and cabins.
 |
|
By the time we arrived back at the base at around 3.00pm, the car park is still busy with visitors just arriving.
|
|
