The Green Heritage and Aborigines of Royal Belum State Park

Older than the Amazon forest, the previously inaccessible 130-million year old Royal Belum rainforest is a literal playground for some of the most exotic wildlife in the world. The 117,500 hectares of land was given the Royal status on 31 July 2003 when it came under the protection of the Perak royal family.

Rich in biodiversity, 3 out of the 20 known species of the Rafflesia flower can be found in Royal Belum. And all the 10 species of hornbills in Malaysia also reside there.

It is one of the remaining places where you can view the animals roaming freely in their natural habitat. Avid nature lovers can get their fill of wildlife sightings from the observation shelters known as bumbun stationed near the salt licks located on the north and south part of Sungai Papan.

The estimated 60 salt lick locations in Royal Belum are natural salt deposits which animals regularly lick to get their much-needed mineral sustenance. Many wildlife species including elephants, the Sambar Deer, mouse deer, tapirs, wild boars, the Sumatran Rhino, seladang, bears and tigers visit the salt licks after dark.

Your Royal Belum experience would not be complete without a stopover at the Orang Asli (aborigines) village. The gummy smiles of the Jahai people of the Negrito tribe and their ancient song of welcome done to the rhythmic beats of bamboo shoots (Sewang) will warm your heart. You can also try your hand at popping balloons with the blowpipe. For the Orang Asli, the blowpipe is the single most essential tool for hunting and self-defence.

Take a tour around the village that comprises of thatched huts, some vegetation like banana trees and very little else. Cute little girls clad in colourful sarongs peeped at visitors shyly from afar. On sale are lovely handmade products like bangles and wooden combs. Rafting is also one of water sports that you can indulge in during your stay at Royal Belum. The aborigines made it look so easy, gliding gracefully over the lake waters on their main mode of transportation surrounded by the lush verdant rainforest that is Royal Belum.

source: peraktourism