ONE of the simplest ways to keep fit is by jogging. Not only it helps to keep our body weight in check, jogging can also help to improve cardiovascular fitness. To inspire you to lace up and start jogging, here are the top six jogging spots with a view in Selangor.
1. FOREST RESEARCH INSTITUTE MALAYSIA FRIM)
This tin-mined-turned-forest-reserve is a suitable spot for jogging. Instead of jogging in parks, jog along the six jogging tracks provided by FRIM and enjoy the scenic view of nature! The tracks are run-able and have gentle uphill slopes that suit all types of runners. This is definitely a peaceful jogging spot as the surrounding area is very quiet and calming. The only sound you will ever hear is the sound of nature. After you are done with your jog, you can do other activities here such as bird watching, swimming at the river, jungle-trekking and other nature activities. There is an entrance fee of RM 1 per person and RM 5 per car.
2. KUALA SELANGOR NATURE PARK
Kuala Selangor Nature Park is indeed a wonderful park that has yet to be discovered by joggers. This park comprises mainly of mangrove swamps as it is built on a 200-hectares of coastal land. There are many types of jogging tracks that you can choose from depending on the view that you would want to enjoy, of which would be a lake, a secondary forest or a mangrove forest. Besides, you can also watch the beautiful lush greenery while you jog at this park as there many types of floras and fauna present in the park. Other activities you can do at the park besides jogging is birdwatching as there are approximately 156 species of birds in the park and there are several observation towers for visitors to watch the birds from. However, be reminded that you are at one with nature, therefore, do bring along a mosquitoes repellent with you.
3. TAMAN BOTANI NEGARA, SHAH ALAM
Built on an 817-hectares of land in Shah Alam, Taman Botani Negara is the biggest agriculture park in the world. To jog in a place that is surrounded with Mother Nature especially the killer hills is such a bliss for joggers and runners! In case you do not want to jog, you can do other fitness activities here such as cycling. Besides, you can also visit the ‘Four Seasons House’ where you can feel and experience the change in weather and seasons that are not present here in Malaysia. The best time to jog here is in the morning as it can get quite crowded later in the day apart from the scorching hot sun.
4. JUGRA HILL
Jogging on a flat jogging track may be awfully easy for extreme workout junkies. Fret not, we have the perfect place for you adventurers to take your jogging to the next level! Jog uphill at Jugra Hill, a well-known hiking trail. Jogging uphill will enhance and build muscles at other parts of your body aside from having it toned. There is no exact jogging track on ground but there is a pave way where people commonly used for jogging. Breathe in the cool and fresh air as you jog your way up to the peak. As a reward, you get to enjoy the eye-catching view of the Langat River and the surrounding areas.
5. PERDANA LAKE, CYBERJAYA
The Perdana Lake is a very attractive jogging spot where you can jog along while enjoying the beautiful view of Putrajaya. This lake garden also has the biggest playground in Selangor so you can bring your children along when you jog during the evening. This park is very much suitable for night jogs as there are bright and colourful lights that lit up the surrounding buildings and bridge. The view is indeed spectacular both during sunset and at night.
6. TAMAN TASIK SHAH ALAM
Located at the centre of Shah Alam city, this lake garden is designed by a wonderful landscape architect named Fumiaki Takano in 1985. Back then, it was the first public park to open in Selangor. The jogging track is generally flat but the view is just so mesmerizing to look at. With just one look at the lake, you will feel motivated to jog even more. Explore the interconnected lake by renting paddle boats or kayak at a reasonable price. Moreover, be sure to check out the animals such as geese, storks, peacocks and forest chickens that are being reared at the park.