JELEBU: If you're looking for a little slice of J.R.R. Tolkien's movie trilogy The Lord of the Rings in Malaysia, you won't ever come up short.
An ecotourism site at Jeram Berungut which is located within Taman Negeri Kenaboi in Negeri Sembilan holds such a magnetic beauty and power over the imagination that it will be incredibly difficult to leave it.
It's no wonder that the hidden gem is nicknamed 'Malaysia's Lord of the Rings', thanks to its secluded location and lush greenery that replicated the enchanting landscapes in New Zealand,the filming location of the epic series.
Located just 100 kilometres from Seremban, Kenaboi State Park is predominantly a hill dipterocarp rainforest full of birds, streams, rivers and some waterfalls. It is popular with bird watchers and species like hornbills can be found here as well as Rajah Brooke's butterflies.
This writer was among 21 media representatives of the Program Kembara Media 2023 organised by the Information Department of the Ministry of Communications and Digital recently.
Taman Negeri Kenaboi, about 48 km from Jelebu town, is the last leg of the programme. The participants spent two days and one night at the park's camping ground - a perfect place to connect with nature.
WINDING AND ROCKY TRAIL
Tthe expedition which kicked off at 2.30 pm from Kampung Chennah, Jelebu on a Malaysia Civil Defence Force (APM) truck, took us about an hour to reach the peak of Jeram Berungut amid a winding and rocky trail.
At times, we were jolted by the loud sounds of fallen tree branches on the road being run over by heavy vehicles.
One needs to have the mental and physical strength to overcome the challenges along the way -passing through fast-flowing tributaries, slippery rocks, etc - but all these paid off when we managed to reach our destination.
It was a sight to behold. The picturesque surroundings took this writer's breath away; I felt as though I was transported to the filming locale of the epic fantasy adventure movie in New Zealand.
The Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed entirely in New Zealand, the birthplace of its film director, screenwriter, and film producer Peter Jackson. New Zealand's otherworldly landscapes brought the movie series to life.
And here at Jeram Berungut – a beautiful canyon deep within Kenaboi State Park - The Lord of the Rings was brought to life. Rich in geographic diversity, this eco-tourism destination has plenty of landscapes that can match the high-stakes drama of epic fantasy.
"Here, you can immerse yourself in the stunning views and enjoy the relaxing sounds of the forest river cascade," said Assistant Director of Taman Negeri Kenaboi Nur Ainina Khairunnisa Othman.
"The forest river cascade with mossy green rocks and water flows create a tranquil and serene environment," she added at a briefing for the visiting journalists at Jeram Berungut.
However, she said, only those aged 12 years and above can visit Jeram Berungut, noting that a guide from the State Forestry Department (JPN) will be provided for visitors to this location.
Participants are also required to wear safety jackets and straps as well as suitable shoes.
LARGEST FOREST RESERVE IN NEGERI SEMBILAN
The awe-inspiring Taman Negeri Kenaboi is a destination that should undoubtedly be on the must-see list for tourists when visiting Malaysia.
For the intrepid nature lovers, there is something glorious about spending their vacation at the park; the lush green forest transports you from the stress of daily life into a strange, solemn calm.
You even notice the little things like the leaves that fell on the ground, the sound of birds fluttering from above and the tranquil river moments where you can enjoy the soothing sound of slow-motion of flowing water.
According to Nur Ainina Khairunnisa, Taman Negeri Kenaboi is the only state park under the supervision of the JPN in the Jelebu district.