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UTM Recreational Forest

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Recreational Forest is a 53-hectare reserved forest located within the campus vicinity. It offers unique natural beauty comprising hilly topography that is a habitat for diverse species of flora and fauna.

UTM Recreational Forest, which spreads over 3.5 square km, was inaugurated by former Vice Chancellor of UTM, Tan Sri Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd Zulkifli bin Tan Sri Mohd Ghazali on December 22, 2004. The forest is located at 27–73m above sea level. The Ecotourism Campus was initiated on October 1, 2009, with a budget of nearly RM 80,000.00. Since then, UTM Recreational Forest has been fully governed by the Ecotourism Campus Unit, Services Division, Office of Asset and Development, UTM.

UTM Recreational Forest has special features not found in other recreational forests, such as:

  • Herbal Garden

  • Nadir Plants

  • Observation Tower (Phase II development project: 2017–2021)

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UTM Herbarium

UTM Herbarium, located in the UTM Recreational Forest, serves as test specimens for the Chemical Engineering Pilot Plant (CEEP) in bio-pesticide research, including genetic and tissue engineering. The park also hosts site visits for individuals, organizations, schools, and universities. The 5-acre park houses a nursery, stores, and office sites.

The Herbarium initially contained over 100 kinds of herbs for research by CEPP. Notable plants include:

  1. Black and White Chillies (Cili hitam dan putih)

  2. Kacip Fatimah

  3. Cinnamon (Kayu Manis)

  4. Lemba

  5. Ylang Flower (Kenanga)

  6. Magnolia Flower (Chempaka)

  7. Noni (Mengkudu)

  8. Lempoyang (Zingiber Zermbet)

  9. Temu Lawak

  10. Jasmine

  11. Cat’s Whiskers (Misai Kucing)

  12. Patchouli Flower (Nilam)

  13. Hempedu Bumi

  14. Fragrant Lemongrass (Serai Wangi)

  15. Betel Vine (Sireh Kaduk)

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Rare Plants (Nadir Plants)

The forest also hosts a variety of rare plants covering 4 hectares of dense rubber plantations and forest shrubs. Topography ranges from 180m to 230m above sea level. Key Nadir Plants include:

  • Nona Kapri

  • Nam Nam

  • Sukun

  • Keranji (Dialum indum)

  • Tampang (Artocarpus)

  • Mata Kucing (Euphoria malaiense)

  • Temponek (Artocarpus rigidus)

  • Mentega (Diospyros blancoi)

  • Larah

  • Kerkup

  • Rambai (Baccaurea motleyana)

  • Rukam (Scolopia steenisiana)

  • Jentik jentik Merah

  • Dried Sour Fruit (Asam Gelugor)

  • Gandaria (Kundang)

  • Mangosteen (Manggis)

  • Remia (Bouea oppositifolia)

  • Cerapu (Macroglossus minimus)

  • Jequirity (Kenari)

  • Melinjau

  • Keradang

  • Kandis (Gracinia forbesil)

  • Chestnut (Berangan) (Castanopsis motleyana)

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Rapids

The forest features small rivers or rapids flowing from the top of the hill. Water is very cold and natural river stones line the banks. A 1-km riverside area has been designed as picnic spots, with natural dams created from local stones to slow water flow and form reservoirs.

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Spring Water

Spring water naturally forms from underground sources at 120m above sea level. Some reservoirs may dry up in hot seasons, but certain holes retain water. Surrounding areas are lush due to prolonged humidity. Heavy rainfall may cause flooding.

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Flora

Before 2004, the area was a poorly managed rubber estate, allowing wild plants to grow freely. Unique species include:

  • Asplenium ridus and Deer Antlers

  • Ferns (Paku Pakis / Paku Gajah)

  • Leletop, Senduduk, Leban, Kaduk, Resam, Mahang, Tepuas

These plants serve as pilot plants for the forest.

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Trails & Footbridges

UTM provides 1,810 meters of trails named after trees:

  • Tepus Trail

  • Resam Trail

  • Kaduk Trail

  • Senduduk Trail

  • Mahang Leletup Trail

Three bridges connect the trails:

  • Musang Bridge (Weasel Bridge)

  • Landak Bridge (Hedgehogs Bridge)

  • Memerang Bridge (Otters Bridge)

Bridges are made from mangrove wood for durability. Trail signage is provided for visitor convenience.

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Reforestation Project

On April 30, 2016, UTM signed an MOU with the Forestry Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) to develop reforestation and herbal plant projects.

  • 10 hectares allocated for ecotourism campus concept.

  • Tree species planted: Meranti, Seraya, Damar Minyak, Tualang, Petai, Ara (Figs).

  • Bamboo planted on 1 hectare, herbaceous plants on another hectare (project duration: 3 years).

The project aligns with UTM’s Blue Ocean Strategy to promote tropical rainforest attractions and make UTM a top choice for prospective students.

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