Going on vacation overseas used to be a luxury many of us took for granted but with uncertainty in the global economy, vacationing at home has now become a sensible choice.
"But we've been to most places in Malaysia already," you whine.
Yes, but there are many hidden spots still awaiting discovery.
Zoom! Malaysia, the brainchild of Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman, was created to get tourists - especially locals - to look at Malaysia with fresh eyes.
Azalina has been going all out to promote the campaign, travelling state to state to promote attractions previously overshadowed by more popular ones.
"We've been selling the same thing for ages. People are looking for new products. What we want to do is highlight different products in each state so that tourists will have more choice. These attractions will now be given their chance to be in the spotlight," said Azalina.
Being a nature enthusiast herself, Azalina was passionate in promoting the eco-tourism part of the Zoom! campaign as was apparent in her recent visit to the Lower Belum Rainforest in Grik, Perak.
Azalina hacking away at branches
in her way.
"Malaysia has a lot of potential as an eco-tourism destination. Perak is blessed with many natural products such as the Lower Belum Rainforest, which is still relatively unknown to locals.
"Although the world is geared towards environment friendly resorts, there is a shortage of eco-tourism resorts in the country. There is a lack of social consciousness, where people abuse forests and eco-parks they have visited. I believe education is the key to solving these problems.
"We need to ensure our services and facilities are adequate, yet still maintain the delicate balance of nature.
"As such, we must be cautious with development in Lower Belum, as it will impact the environment. That is why we work closely with the Ministry of Science & Technology, Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF),'' said Azalina.
The Royal Belum Rainforest, covering 300,000ha (four times the size of Singapore), is the world's oldest rainforest at 130 million years old. This forest reserve is divided into two sections: the Upper Belum area of impenetrable jungle stretching to the Thai-Malaysia border and the Lower Belum area, mostly covered by Temenggor Lake.
Azalina had no qualms about getting down and dirty with nature as she participated in jungle activities.
We took a boat across the Temenggor Lake, the second-largest man-made lake in the Peninsular, and trekked an hour into the forest to visit the salt licks scattered around Belum. The salt licks are important for the animals as they provide nutrients and replenish minerals.
The canopy walk at the Rainforest
Discovery Centre.
Our guides were very informative, pointing out various animal tracks such as tiger and bear marks as we passed by. Elephant droppings were seen around the salt licks. We were educated on the various trees and their uses.
The highlight of the trip was hunting for the exotic Rafflesia in full bloom but unfortunately, luck was not on our side and we only managed to see Rafflesia buds and the wilting blooms. We did an educational trek the same night too.
For the more adventurous, there's an option to experience the forest in a 4x4 transversing mud, fallen trees, bridges and streams.
"We want to encourage 4x4 adventures as a tourist attraction to both local and international visitors. We are mainly city folk and it is nice to see urbanites getting close to nature. It's a challenge that I enjoy," said Azalina, who manoeuvred her own 4x4 vehicle through the forest.
Zoom! Sepilok
There was not much rest for Azalina as after her visit to Lower Belum, the Minister jetted off to the beautiful Land below the Wind to launch Zoom! RDC in Sepilok, Sabah.
Azalina decided to steer away from the usual Mt Kinabalu and Sipadan attractions and chose Sepilok as the focus destination in Sabah. Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) was the launch pad for the state level campaign.
"We've been selling Mt Kinabalu and Sipadan for ages. There are many other eco-tourism attractions here and Zoom! RDC aims to create a more focused promotion of Sabah attractions," said Azalina.
Located within the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, RDC was set up in 2007 to create public awareness and appreciation of the importance of conserving forests - the perfect place to go to if you want to learn more about the rainforest.
From Jan to Oct 2008, 3,869 locals visited RDC compared to 1,771 foreigners. Besides the rainforest, Sepilok is famous for its conservation projects such as the neighbouring Orang Utan Sanctuary and the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary.
Visitors should start with the Rainforest Exhibition at the main building for an introduction to the rainforest. The Exhibition Area displays colourful photos and interesting information about the vegetation and forest ecology in Sabah. You will get to learn about conservation issues as well.
Then head to the rainforest to explore the many jungle trails.
A Rafflesia bud.
Soak in the calming greenery from the towering trees above and breathe in the fresh smells of the forest. If you look hard enough, you will spot mushrooms and fungus on the forest floor.
A good way to appreciate the sounds of the forest is to close your eyes and sit still, allowing the chirping of birds and the low drone of insects to fill your ears.
The RDC is a haven for bird watchers with some foreign photographers flying halfway across the globe just to catch a glimpse of the Borneo Bristlehead, a rare bird found only in Sabah.
What I love best about RDC is the 150m-long steel canopy walkway 25m above ground that provides a spectacular view of the surrounding lush jungle. The walkway is not fully completed but once all eight towers are built and connected, it will give visitors a chance to walk a distance of 950m through the forest canopy.
After the walk, cross the suspension bridge over the lake and head to the Plants Discovery Garden which has a collection of native orchids and pitcher plants found in Sabah. The one hectare garden has strategically placed information panels on the plants and their importance.
The RDC entrance fees are RM5 (S$2.08) (for adults) and RM2 (for children). Non-Malaysians will have to pay RM10. Visit www.forest.sabah.gov.my/rdc for more information.
