Kuala Lumpur is a bustling city with tall skyscrapers, huge shopping malls and massive traffic jams. However, hidden beneath its concrete jungle lies several areas with beautiful lush green forests and hills. Locals and those in the know head to some of these places for short weekend escapes and outdoor adventures– jungle trekking, hiking, waterfall picnics and off-road driving.
The ATV Adventure Park is located deep inside Kg. Kemensah, about half an hour away from central Kuala Lumpur. I brought some of my visiting Australian friends for an adventure– after a couple of days visiting the must-see attractions around Kuala Lumpur, I thought it would be a great way to introduce them to our Malaysian jungles while having fun!
The park offers several packages, each for different skill levels, length of time and route. We decided to go with the basic package (beginners) which offered a 1-1.5 hour ATV ride to a nearby waterfall, for RM100 (US$28) per person. A couple of important notes before heading for the ATV adventure– you have to be 16 years and above to ride the ATV, bookings and partial payments are required, and appropriate dressing is essential. For more info, check out their website.
The journey to get to the ATV Adventure Park itself is an adventure. The road leading to the park is long, windy and bumpy– with small villages and jungles lining both sides of the road. The best way to get there is either by taxi, or self-drive.
We arrived at the park about half an hour before our arranged time to get acquainted with the place, look around, and sign the Liability Release Form. There is a rest area to relax and unwind, before and after the ride into the jungle. I noticed lots of pictures of past celebrity visitors hung up on the walls here– Owen Wilson and Josh Hartnett were amongst them.
To ensure that no accidents happen, we were given a full run-down and instructions on the do’s and don’ts while riding the all-terrain vehicle, better known as the ATV; as well as how to properly handle the vehicle. We were only allowed to handle our own individual ATVs after the instructor was satisfied with how we drove.
So after we passed our (very quick) training, we got our helmets on and went on our adrenaline-pumping jungle adventure!
The ride to the waterfall was no walk in the park. I had a complete arm and leg workout while trying to control the heavy ATV. There were two guides that followed us into the jungle– one leading in front, and one sweeping at the back, so that we would always be safe.
We went through rough terrain, over tree roots, under low tree branches, splashed our way through puddles of mud and slid our way down steep pathways. I felt like a commando on wheels!
It took us about half an hour to reach the 7-tiered waterfall at the end of the route. It is a really small one– and riders are allowed to take a dip or swim in the falls during the 20-minute stop.
After that, it was back to the base-camp. We took a different path, but it was just as exhilarating and exciting. I remember reaching a blocked pathway with a muddy slope– and the guide had to slash his way through it, and help us navigate the slippery path. It was scary, but so much fun.
The ATV Adventure Park is a great place for an adventure in the city– it is a different way to experience Kuala Lumpur, and an exciting introduction to the jungles of Malaysia. Just be ready to rough it a little, and like all adventure travels go; remember to be aware of your surroundings, know your limits and always look out for number one.
Here’s a little reminder:- Staying Safe on an Adventure Tour
Always a good time with these guys. Thanks for visiting Malaysia!
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Categories: Asia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Nature and the Outdoors, Southeast Asia
