NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF MALAYSIA

NATURE TRAILS REPORT

Inventory of Plants or Flora Along The Nature
Trails in Cameron Highlands.

NAME : NUR ZARINA HANIM

BINTI MASOD
MATRIC NUMBER : A102375
STUDY IN : BOTANY
UNIVERSITY NAME : NATIONALUNIVERSITY
OF MALAYSIA (UKM)
SUPERVISOR : DR. LIAU TAI LEONG
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUBJECT PAGE

1.0 Acknowledgements 2

2.0 Title 3

3.0 Introduction 3

4.0 Objectives 4

5.0 Methodology 4

6.0 Preparation for Trekking 4

7.0 Background of Trails 5

8.0 Result and Discussion 10

9.0 Conclusion 16

10.0 References 16

11.0 Appendices 16

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1.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank my Dept to REACH organisation for their support; Dr. Liau for his
constant encouragement and advice throughout this project; Mr. Balu Perumal, for the
sharing his knowledge on botany; The help from Mr. Kali, Mr. Francis and Mr. Kumar,
who brought us to Gunung Brinchang for reforestation and Gua Musang to see Refflesia
and the explanation of plants in Cameron Highlands; Thank a lot to Mr. Dilip, you such
a good friend and I am grateful for all your help; To my family for their support during
my practical here; My appreciation to Prof Dr. Kamarudin Mat Salleh, who
recommended me to REACH. I really enjoy my practical here and had a fantastic
experience. To other student who want to do practical, REACH is the correct place!! I
highly recommend it.

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2.0 TITLE :
2.1 Inventory of Plants or Flora Along The Nature Trails in Cameron
Highlands.

3.0 INTRODUCTION :

3.1 Cameron Highlands has a

unique history. It was first stumbled upon by a
British Surveyor named William Cameron
while on a mapping expedition of the Main
range (Banjaran Titiwangsa) in 1885. Thus,
the name Cameron Highlands as it is so
fondly referred to now.

Cameron Highlands is located in

north-western corner of the state of Pahang, in
Peninsular Malaysia. Most of the western
portion of Cameron Highlands is about 1000
metres above sea level and the highest point is
2031metres above sea level. It has an area of
670 square kilometres and at an average of
1200 metres above sea level. It enjoys a cool
climate, seldem higher than 25°C and rarely
falling below 10°C year round.

With this equitable climate, which can

be described as a land of perpetual spring, a unique highland flora has evolved. This
inevitably lead to trekking being a popular activity in the Highlands and should be in
every nature lover agenda.

Trekking through the trails is both exciting and educational. They provide a wide
variety of flora ranging from primitive algae species to higher plants and trees. The
nature trails also offer a wide spectrum of activities for the adventurous visitors. It is an
opportunity to get back to nature and experience the hidden and mysterious secret of its
wilderness.

Nature lovers will enjoy the trails. Along the trails, one can see spectacular views
of the highland forests. You can admire the various forest plants and animals. It is a
wonderful way to explore the local fauna and flora such as snakes, birds, rare lichens,
pillow-like moss beds, ferns species and orchids species.

For bird-watching enthusiast, the trails are perfect at certain time of the day. To
date 199 species of birds has been documented. Commonly sighted are the silver eared
mesia, straits robin, maroon crested sunbird, spider hunter, and green magpie.

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4.0 OBJECTIVES:

4.1 To document plant species or flora in each of the nature trails.

4.2 To develop a plant or flora checklist.
4.3 Use the information gathered to promote the trails for tourism and
educational activities.

5.0 METHODOLOGY:

5.1 To collect data of plants or flora in every trails.

5.2 To collect the specimens and take pictures.
5.3 To identify the plants species and create a profile on it.
5.4 To find the additional data of plant or flora from books in library, internet
and people in the field.

6.0 PREPARATION FOR TREKKING

Preparation is essential for any outdoor adventure. Checklist of things to do and prepare :

1) Please do research before you go to jungle.

2) Always carry a basic first kit like antiseptics, bandages, paracetamol, anagelsics
etc.
3) Make sure you bring enough water to quench your thirst. Dehydration is not an
enjoyable ailment and can lead to death in severe situation.
4) Bring a map. It is important to know the path and guides get lost.
5) Compass is really important to point you towards home and check on your guide.
6) Don’t forget to bring rain coat. Be prepared and act in anticipation of severe
7) weather. You are in the tropical forest.
8) Let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back when you
embark on an outdoor adventure.
9) You may get lucky to catch some signal to call out for help. So, bring you mobile
phone but make sure it is fully charge. Don’t forget to bring along the hotel phone
number or the local emergency numbers.
10) Use proper walking shoes. Some of the paths are slippery and rocky. So, be
careful !!
11) Make sure your hand are free. So, you could use your hand to assist in the walk.
12) Matches or Lighters Warm clothing to make fire at night to keep warm. In case
you are lost is good for making smoke signals too.
13) Always be alert and aware of your surroundings. Remember, in many cases,
animals are more afraid of us and will run away. Usually, most injuries occur
when people try to disturb them.
14) Please take a nature guide.

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 7.0 BACKGROUND OF TRAILS

Suitable
Grade
Estimated for
Trails Start End Distance (Difficult / Special features
Time (Fit /
Easy)
Unfit)
- The highest
peak of
Cameron
Highlands
(Mount
Brinchang).
From the
- Has a watch
army living
At Mount tower.
quarters at Difficult
Brinchang 3 hours, - An amazing
1 the northern 2.97 km to wards Fit
transmission or less Mossy forest.
top end of the end
Tower - Bird watching.
Brinchang
- Wonderful
town
plants:
1) Nepenthes sp.
2) Orchids sp.
3) Labisia sp.
4) Fungi
5) Crocosmia sp.
- Bird watching.
- Has a small and
clean river.
- Joins up with
Trail 3.
- Has a lot of
millipede.
From path 3 At Sam Poh All level - Wonderful
2 at Arcadia Buddhist 1km ½ hour Easy of plants:
Cottage temple fitness 1) Nepenthes sp.
2) Melastomata
sp.
3) Moss
4) Homolanthus
populneus
5) Bulbophyllum
sp.
- Has a good view
of Tanah Rata
from the top.
From the - Link to :
At Mount 2 hours
3 Arcadia 2.6km Difficult Fit 1) Sam Poh
Berembun or less
Cottage (No.2)
2) Mount
Berembun
3) Mardi (No.5)

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 4) Forestry
Department
- Animals :
1) Monkey
3) Leech during
the wet season.
- Bird watching.
- Confusing path.
Be careful. Follow
the biggest trail.
- Wonderful
plants:
1) Globba sp.
2) Compositae
3) Ipomeoa
purpurea
4) Rubiaceae
- Has a shaded rest
area over looking
the Parit
Waterfall. A lot
of rubbish in the
waterfall.
- Along the trail,
on the right there
is path that leads
to a view tower. It
is very steep 50
All level degree slope.Pass
Century Forestry
4 1.4km 1 ½ hours Easy of through a planted
Pines Resort Department
fitness pine forest. From
the view tower,
you can see a
typical oak laurel
forest.
- Wonderful
plants:
1) Melastomaceae
2) Fern
3) Horstedtia
scyphifera
4) Didymorcarpus
- Has a secondary
forest. Many
variety of fern.
- Leads up to
Forestry All level
From Mount
5 Department 1.5 km 2 hours Easy of
MARDI Berembun.
or at path 3 fitness
- Link to path 2,3
and 6.
- Has a small and
clean river.

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 - Animals :
1) Snake
2) Millipede
3) Leech
- Wonderful
plants:
1) Pinanga sp.
2) Begonia sp.
3) Bird’s nest
- Leads up to
Mount Jasar
From the
(1,670 m).
factory at Orang Asli
6 3km 3 hours Difficult Fit - Joins up with
Cameron Village
trail 10 and 12.
Bharat
- Has a Orang
Asli Village.
- Heads straight
to Mount
Beremban.
- Has a
Very secondary
difficult Forest.
From At Mount
7 1.6km 1 ½ hour and Fit - Wonderful
MARDI Beremban
challenging plants:
trek 1) Lipstick flower
2) Fern
3) Pinanga sp.
4) Rattan sp.
5) Orchid sp.
- Climb up Mt
From the
At Mount Beremban.
8 Robinson 1.6km 2 hours Difficult Fit
Berembun - Spilt at path
Waterfall
3,5 and 7.
- Bird watching.
- Has the Robinson
power station.
- Robinson
Very waterfall.
The end of
At the Boh difficult - Has a beautiful
Persiaran
9 Tea estate 3.5km 3 hours and Fit garden.
Dayang
road challenging - Wonderful
Endah
trek plants:
1) Fungi
2) Fern
3) Globba sp.
4) Jewel Orchid
- Tan’s
From behind All level Camelia
10 the Oly At trail 12 1.3km 1 hour Easy of Garden.
Apartments fitness - Trek to Mount
Jasar and

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 Mount Perdah..
- Wonderful
plants :
1) Kam chang
2) Guatamala
grass
3) Graminae
4) Agrostemma sp.
All level - Has an Orang
Split from 1½
11 At path 12 1.3km Easy of Asli Village.
trail 10 hours
fitness
- Has an Orang
Asli Village.
- Nice view from
the top.
All level
- Wonderful
Split from Orang Asli of
12 1km 1 hours Easy plants :
trail 10 Village fitness
1) Lysichiton
americanus
2) Wild pepper.
3) Begonia sp.
4) Oxyfolia sp.
- Merges with
trail 14.
- Has a small river.
- Wonderful
From behind
All level plants :
the 1½
13 At trail 14 1.6km Easy of 1) Cythea
Cameronian hours
fitness contaminans
Holiday Inn
(tree fern)
2) Impatiets sp.
3) Begonia sp.
4) Mimosa pudica
- Leading up to
Mount Mentigi
(1,535 meters).
- Nice view of
Arabella.
apartment from
the top.
All level
Split from 1½ - Historical trail.
14 Tanah rata 1.2km Easy of
trail 13 hours You can find
fitness
old armybanker.
- Confusing path.
- Wonderful
plants:
1) Impatiens sp.
2) Lantana camara
3) Olleandra sp.
Jim From Driving 1½ All level - Has a
1km Easy
Thomp Moonlight school hours of secondary

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son Cottage fitness forest.
- A lot of
Millipede.
- Bird watching.
- Wonderful
Plants:
1) Arudinia
graminifolia
2) Zingiberaceae
3) Cobea scandens
4) Hibiscus rosa
chinensis

Explanation :

This result is based on the author’s experience. The distance is just an estimate
because some of the signboard along some trails are faded and the notice is not clear. The
time estimated given is for one way and varies with the level of fitness and their interest.
For example nature lover might need extra time to explore the flora and fauna. The grade
whether it is difficult or not also depend on the level of fitness. For the purpose of these
walks, fit is generally meant for people who regularly exercise, unfit generally meant for
people that seldom exercise, and do sedentary jobs.
8.0 RESULT AND DISCUSSION

No. Voucher Jim

Plant name 1 2 3 4 5 7 9 10 12 13 14
specimens Thompson
1. Na 24 (Acautheceae) X X X X
Aeschynanthus
Na 50 longicalyx
2. X X X X X X X X X
-Lipstick flower
(Gesneriaceae)
Ageratum sp.
3. - X X X X X X X X
- Blueweed
4. Na 106 (Aracaeae) X
Arisaema sp.
5. - X
(Araceae)
Arudinia
6. - graminifolia X X X
(Orchidaceae)
Na 108 Balanophora sp.
7. X
(Balanophoraceae)
Begonia sp.
8. - X X X X X X X X X X X X
(Begoniaceae)
Begonia sp.
9. Na 118 X X X X X X X X X
(Begoniaceae)
Asplenium nidus
10. - -Bird’s nest X X X X X X X X X X X X
(Bromeliaceae)
11. Na 39 Bulbophyllum sp. X X X X

10
 (Orchidaceae)
Bulbophyllum sp.
12. Na 107 X
(Orchidaceae)
13. Canna sp. X X X
Cananga odorata
14. X
-Kenanga hutan
Cedrela sp.
15. - X X
-Surian
Cobea scandens
16. Na 75 X
(Polemoniaceae)
Castanopsis sp.
17. - X X
-Berangan
Na 61 (Compositae) X
18. Na 71 (Compositae) X X
19. Na 74 (Compositae) X X
20. Na 76 (Compositae) X
21. Na 83 (Compositae) X
22. Na 98 (Compositae) X
23. Na 128 (Compositae) X
Coral
24. - X X X X X X X X X X
Rhododendron
Cyathea
contaminans
25. - X X X X X X X X X X X X
- Paku pakis
pohon
Cypeus sp.
26. Na 133 X X X X X
(Cypeusaceae)
Camtandra
27. Na 32 latifolia X X
(Zingiberaceae)
28. Na 89 Davallia sp. (Fern) X X X X X X
Didysaudra sp.
29. Na 102 X X X X X X X
(Gernueraceae)
Dicranopteris
linearis
30. - X X X X X X X X
-Resam fern
(Gleicheniaceae)
Diospyros sp.
31. - X
-Kayu arang
Ficus sp.
32. Na 08 X
(Moraceae)
Ficus sp.
33. Na 12 X X
(Moraceae)
Ficus sp.
34. Na 43 X
(Moraceae)
Ficus sp.
35. Na 129 X
(Moraceae)
36. Na 06 (Flacourtiaceae) X
37. Na 42 Flagellaria sp. X

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 (Flagellanaceae)
Garcinia sp.
38. - X X
-Kandis
Geostachys
39. - densiflora X X X X X X
(Zingiberaceae)
Gleichenia sp.
40. Na 92 X X X X X X X X X X X X
(Fern)
Gleidemia sp.
41. Na 115 X X X X X X X
(Melastamataceae)
Globba sp.
42. Na 04 -Jungle ginger X X X X X X X X X X
(Zingiberaceae)
Globba sp.
43. Na 26 -Jungle ginger X X X X X X X X X
(Zingiberaceae)
44. Na 19 (Gramineae) X X X X X X X X
45. Na 68 (Gramineae) X X X X X
46. - Guatemala grass X X X X X X X X X X X X
Homolanthus
47. Na 111 populneus X X X X X X
(Euphorbiaceae)
Henckelia /
48. - didymorcarpus X X X X X X X X X
(Gerneriaceae )
Hibiscus Rosa
49. Na 78 chinensis X X X X X X
(Malvaceae)
Hornstedtia
scyphifera
50. - X X X X X X X
-Spindle ginger
(Zingiberaceae)

51. Na 48 Impatiens sp. X X X X X X X X

(Balsaminaceae)

52. Na 82 Impatiens sp. X X X X X X X X X

(Balsaminaceae)
Impatiens
oncioides
53. Na 130 X X X X X X X X X
- Golden baisam
(Balsaminaceae)
Ipomoea purpurea
54. Na 64 -Morning glory X X X X X X
(Convolvoceae)
Jewel orchid
55. Na 11 X
(Orchidaceae)
Kam chang
56. - X X X X X X X
(Liliaceae)
Labisia sp.
57. Na 27 X X X X X
(Myrsinaceae)

12
 Lantana camara
- Bunga tahi
58. - X X X
ayam
(Verbenaceae)
59. Na 63 (Leguminasae) X X X
60. Na 67 (Leguminasae)
61. Na 117 (Leguminasae) X
62. Na 105 (Leguminasae) X
63. Na 121 (Leguminasae) X
64. Na 46 (Liliaceae) X
Lithocarpus sp.
65. - X X
- Mempening
Lysichiton
66. - americanus X X
(Araceae)
Macarangga sp.
67. - X X
-Mahang
Melastama sp.
68. Na 72 -Senduduk X X X X X X X X X
(Melastamataceae)
69. Na 25 (Melastamataceae) X X
70. Na 38 (Melastamataceae) X X
71. Na 58 (Melastamataceae) X
72. Na 66 (Melastamataceae) X X
73. Na 84 (Melastamataceae) X X
Michelia doltsopa
74. - X
(Cupressaceae)
Mimosa pudica
75. - - semalu X X X X X X X X
(Fabaceae)
76. Na 88 (Moss) X X X X X X X X X X X X
Crocosmia sp.
77. - Monbrectia X X X X
(Liliaceae)
Musa sp.
78. - -Wild banana X X X X X X X X X X
(Musaceae)
Nepenthes sp.
79. - -Pitcher plant X X X X X X X X
(Nepenthaceae)
Neprolepis sp.
80. Na 49 X X X X X X X X
(Fern)
Neprolepis sp.
81. Na 93 X
(Fern)
82. Na 55 (Oleaceae) X
Olleandra sp.
83. Na 97 X X X X X X X X X X
(Olleandraceae)
84. Na 59 (Orchidaceae) X
85. Na 95 (Orchidaceae) X
86. Na 29 Oucimum sp. X

13
 Oxyspora sp.
87. Na 23 X X X X X X
(Melastamataceae)
88. Na 21 Palm sp. (Palmae) X X X X X X X X
89. - Pandanus sp. X X X X X X X X
Pinanga sp.
90. Na 45 -Pinang hutan X X X X X X
(Palmae)
91. Na 113 Pegaga gajah X
92. - Pines Tree X
93. Na 52 (Piperaceae) X X
94. Na 124 (Piperaceae) X
Phyllagathis sp.
95. Na 99 X
(Melastamataceae)
Rattan sp.
96. - X X X X X X X X X X X X
(Palmae)
Rhododendron
97. Na 28 malayanum X X X X
(Ericaceae)
98. - Fungi X X X X X X X X X X X X
99. Na 09 (Rubiaceae) X
100. Na 16 (Rubiaceae) X X X
101. Na 60 (Rubiaceae) X
102. Na 85 (Rubiaceae) X X X X X
103. Na 132 (Rubiaceae) X
104. - Rattan sp. X X X X X X X X X X X X
Rubus moluccanus
105. Na 126 X X X X X X
(Rosaceae)
Rudbeckia sp.
106. - - Sun flower X
(Compositae)
Sauracia sp.
107. Na 47 X
(Actinidaceae)
Selaginella sp.
108. Na 91 X X X X X X X X X X X X
(Selaginellaceae)
Sonerilla sp.
109. Na 02 X X X X
(Melastamataceae)
Sonerilla sp.
110. - X X X X X X X X
(Melastamataceae)
Sonerilla sp.
111. Na 101 X X X X
(Melastamataceae)
Spiranthes sp.
112. Na 122 X
(Orchidaceae)
Symplocos sp.
113. - X X
-Kelat
114. Na 123 (Verberaaceae) X
Agrostemma sp.
115. - X X X X X X X X X X X X
-White star
Widelia biflora
116. Na 125 X
(Compositae)
117. - Wild orchid X X X X X X X X X X X X

14
 (Orchidaceae)
Wild pepper
118. - X X X X X X X X X X X
(Piperaceae)
119. - (Zingiberaceae) X X

Disscussion :

Each of the trails in Cameron Highlands has its own individual charms and
attractions. There are a variety of trees, shrubs, herbaceous species, and mosses that grow
here. Without some knowledge of the plants everything appear green. A checklist of
plants or flora along every nature trails in Cameron Highlands is documented here. In my
2 months of practical here I have identify at least 119 different species of plants, some at
the family level, some at species level and some by common name.

The largest family is the Melastomataceae which is represented by 11 species,

followed by the Compositae with 10 and the third is an Orchidaceae with 6 species. Some
common species found in every trails are Begonia sp., Cyathea contaminans, Bird’s nest,
Melastomataceae and Henkelia sp. In addition, there are a lot of fungi, moss, fern and
lichen which I cannot identify. I also can find Guatamala grass which is planted to
prevent landslide. Endemic species are a confined to a limited geographic area, for
examples, Sonerilla rudis and impatients oncioides are endemic species in Cameron
Highlands.

An attractive plant is Zingiberales (ginger order). The flower are red, white and
yellow according to the different species. Species in the following genera are particularly
abundant like Musa sp., Alpinia sp. and Globba sp. Beside that, we also see some native
plants and some invasive plants.

Other than that, most of the plant species including climbing vines and palms
can be seen in a dazzling array of forms. Some of the vines eg; Rattan are use by the
orang asli community for to make furniture, baskets, fish traps and a range of other
products.

Bryophytes is another class of plant life. Moss and liverworts belong to this
group. Bryophytes have no roots, leaves or stems to transport water. They dry out very
quickly, so they are usually found in moist habitats such as Mount Brinchang (Trail
no.1). The mosses spread along the whole floor like grasses. This carpet of mosses can
only be found in the montane forest and it commonly called Mossy forest. Colour varies
from light green to yellow.

15
9.0 CONCLUSION :

Most of the plants in each of the trails are quite similar. It is because all the trails is
located in main range called Main range. They are in the same environment such as
physical topography, temperature and light intensity. Variations is due to the climate,
geology, humidity, and pH level. For people who want go to jungle walk, I recommended
you to go to Trail no. 1 (Mount Brinchang). Trekking through the trails is very exciting
and most challenging. This nature also offers a wide spectrum of activity for the
adventurous visitor providing the opportunity to get back to nature and experience the
hidden and mysterious secret of its wilderness.

10.0 REFERENCES

Corner. 1952. Wayside Tree of Malaya. Vol 1 and 11.

M.R.Henderson.1959. Malayan wild flowers dicotyledons.

M.R.Henderson.1954. Malayan wild flowers monocotyledons.

E.J.H.Corner. Wayside trees of Malaya. Volume 1.

T.C.Whitemore.1972.Tree flora of Malaya. Volume 1.

K.Larsen, H.Ibrahim, S.HKhaw and L.G.Saw. Gingers of Peninsular Malaysia and

Singapore. Nature History Publication (Borneo) Sdn.Bhd.

A.G.Piggot. 1988. Fern of Malaysia In Colour. Tropical Press Sdn.Bhd.

David P. Bank. 1990. Tropical Orchids of Malaysia and Singapore. Published by

Periplus Edition (HK) Ltd.

T.C.Whitmore. 1973. Palms or Malaya.

11.0 THE APPENDICES

Appendix 1 : Map of jungle Trails 2 to 5, 7 to 9/9a

Appendix 2 : Map of jungle trails of 6, 10,14

Appendix 3 : Trails picture.

Appendix 4 : Plants profile.

16
Appendix 1 : Map of jungle Trails 2 to 5, 7 to 9/9a

17
Appendix 2 : Map of jungle trails of 6, 10,14

18