Lipur Batu Hampar forest is a forest recreational area and lowland dipterocarp forest lies in Yan District. This forest is unique and becomes one of the main attractions in terms of its big and giant trees. The buttress roots emerge from the trunk and from ground provides the trees stability as well as taking nutrients close to the surface of the ground. Besides the trees, it is also popular among the locals for a picnic spot and plays in the water. There are also facilities such as sheds for people to relax and toilets.

The moss-covered bridge and flowing Raga River, as well as the echo of chirping birds, bring the green vibe and serenity of the whole forest. For visitors who interested to camp here, permission from the forest park office is required and you can order site of many units. A unit can accommodate around 100 people. The recreational forest is open daily from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm and admission is free.

How to Get There

By Car

From Kuala Lumpur city centre, it takes around 4 hours and 20 minutes to reach Lipur Batu Hampar Forest by using the North-South highway. Visitors from Georgetown, Penang also can come to this forest via North-South highway and Penang Bridge for 1 hour and 20 minutes journey.

By Plane

There are always direct flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Subang to Sultan Abdul Halim and Bayan Lepas airport. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car to the forest for only 1 hour and 15 minutes journey via North-South highway.

Tourist Attractions

Bujang Valley

Bujang Valley is one of the richest archaeological sites in Malaysia and nestled from the Gunung Jerai in the north to the Sungai Muda in the south. According to archaeological research, there has been an ancient Hindu-Buddhist kingdom in this valley. More than fifty ancient tomb temples, called candi (pronounced as "changi") can be found here and they are known to have functions to act as a sacred place to pay respect to the deceased members of the royal families and a place to conduct religious activities. Besides that, visitors also can find many artefacts, relics include inscribed stone caskets and tablets, metal tools and ornaments, ceramics, pottery, inscriptions, Buddha Statues and Hindu icons inside the museum. Buddhist images were also found during excavation at sites from the ruin happened at this particular area around 2,535 years ago. In the area of Bujang Valley known as Sungai Batu, excavations have also shown jetty remains, iron-smelting sites and a clay brick monument from AD 110. This remain is the oldest man-made structure to be recorded in Southeast Asia. This archaeological site museum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and the admission is free.

Tupah Recreational Forest

Tupah Recreational Forest is situated in Kuala Muda district, Kedah. It is one of the famous and nearest picnic spots from Sungai Petani town which is around 20 minutes away. This forest is classified as Lowland Dipterocarp Forest with a range of plant species can be found such as Meranti Sarang Punai, Meranti Tembaga, Keruing and others. It is also located at an elevation of between 100-200 metres above sea level, with Tupah River flowing through it. This river flows from the top of Gunung Jerai and stretches about 2 kilometres long to the foothills.

Hotels

Hotel Seri Malaysia Sungai Petani

Situated within a 25-minute drive to Merbok River and a 35-minute drive to Merdeka Kedah Beach, Hotel Seri Malaysia Sungai Petani is a three-star hotel which features air-conditioned rooms equipped with a flat-screen TV, coffee making facilities and an electric kettle. On top of that, there is also en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold setting shower and tap and complimentary toiletries. For comfort and convenience of guests, Hotel Seri Malaysia also offers excellent services in terms of 24-hour reception, luggage storage and car rental services. In addition, there is also free WiFi at guestrooms and at public area and free parking is also available on site. As for dining option, guests can choose to have local Malaysian meals at Café Seri Perigi on site. Besides restaurant at the hotel, this hotel is also nearby various eateries such as Pizza Hut, Secret recipe and Uptown night market.

Old Penang Casa Lagenda Hotel

Old Penang Casa Lagenda Hotel conveniently lies at Sungai Petani town and suitable for both business and leisure travellers. This hotel houses 60 guestrooms fitted with standard amenities including air conditioner, television, free Wi-Fi alongside amazing city view. Guests also can enjoy terrific services available at the hotel such as free newspapers, a fax machine and 24-hour assistance at the reception. This hotel also situated near restaurants such as Old town white coffee, Chennai curry house and urban delicious and convenience stores as well as ATM bank machines.