Mossy Forest, Cameron Highlands

Trees in the mist of the Mossy Forest, Cameron Highlands (17 September, 2005)


The Mossy Forest (GPS: 4.52386, 101.38099) is a place of surreal experience located at Gunung Brinchang, Cameron Highlands. I visited in when I was on an ecological exploration with a small group of AsiaExplorers members. We were taken in two jeeps by our ecological guide. The route to the Mossy Forest starts from the Sg Palas Boh Tea Plantation. To enter the plantation, take the hill lane near Ee Feng Gu Honey Bee Farm in Brinchang. The scenery is of meticulously cropped tea bushes that blanket the undulating terrain .

The foggy lane at the Mossy Forest (17 September, 2005)


Gradually, we left the tea plantation behind, replaced by forest vegetation. The forest on both sides of the road looks untidy and natural. Perhaps this is how Mother Nature intends it to be. We learn that this lane is the highest road in Peninsular Malaysia. It reaches 2000 metres at the peak of Gunung Brinchang. The Mossy Forest is located on the right side of the road a short distance from the peak. From the Mossy Forest, there are several forest trails, some going to Gunung Irau a short trek away.

360° View of Mossy Forest, Cameron Highlands on Google Maps Street View

As soon as we entered the Mossy Forest, I learned the benefit of having an experienced ecological guide. Our guide not only take us into the forest, he first gave us a thorough introduction of the mossy forest and why it got such a name. As we have expected, the mossy forest is a dreamy place screened by mist. Our guide provided clear explanation of why there would be mist here. Also, he pointed out to the lack of insects and explained their absence.

Treetops in the mist at Mossy Forest (17 September, 2005)


Then our guide brought us into the Mossy Forest. The ground was damp and felt like walking on very thick (and soggy) carpet. It was not flat ground, of course - in fact, there was very little distance where we could walk in a straight line. More often we had to climb over fallen trunks, branches and boulders.

Every few steps, our guide would stop and point out a plant. It could be a creeper, a pitcher plant, a herb or something poisonous. Then he explains the name, what it is used for, what medicinal properties it has, and how the Orang Asli (natives) make use of the plant.

Moss growing on the trunk of trees (17 September, 2005)


Cliff face covered with moss (17 September, 2005)


Moss-laden trees at the Mossy Forest (17 September, 2005)


I moved gingerly, stopping here and there to take close-up shots of the moss and lichen. Above me, a celebration of gnarled trunks twisted and turned as they reached for the sky. Suddenly I realised that the few of us have gotten separated from the rest of the group. I almost panicked. I wouldn't see well because the mist was particularly thick on that morning. We shouted to our friends in front and followed in the direction of their response. They were just a short distance ahead of us. I realised that it would be foolish for anybody to try to explore the Mossy Forest without a guide. It is very easy to get lost. Not only that, you miss out on all the details.

The trail continued until we reached the top of a mount. Here, the plants are stunted in size, and we can view the forest around us. There were different types of pine trees, not just the conical in shape but those that seem to branch out in horizontal fashion. Judging from the number of pitcher plants I saw, I gathered that the soil must be rather poor in nutrients.

Beautiful pattern of a fern leaf at the Mossy Forest (17 September, 2005)


The moss-covered forest floor (2 April, 2004)


A lush growth of moss. (2 April, 2004)


Monkey cups in the Mossy Forest (2 April, 2004)


We spent the entire morning Mossy Forest, to our heart's content. Afterwards, our ecological guide took us down to the tea kiosk at the Boh Tea Plantation, where rather pricey tea is served. Nevertheless, we had a great time sipping tea and talking about our trip to the Mossy Forest.

Mossy Forest Ecological Tour

If you wish to explore the Mossy Forest, I highly recommend that you engage a good ecological guide. Not only will he be able to provide you valuable details that will enhance your experience, he will also ensure that you do not unknowingly damage the fragile mossy forest ecology. Furthermore, you are less likely to get lost in the company of an experience guide. As a member of AsiaExplorers, you are reminded to be environmentally friendly. In other words, do not discard any inorganic matter in the forest, not even a single sweet wrapper please.

The Mossy Forest is on map

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Hello and thanks for reading this page. My name is Timothy and my hobby is in describing places so that I can share the information with the general public. My website has become the go to site for a lot of people including students, teachers, journalists, etc. whenever they seek information on places, particularly those in Malaysia and Singapore. I have been doing this since 5 January 2003, for over twenty years already. You can read about me at Discover Timothy. By now I have compiled information on thousands of places, mostly in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, and I continue to add more almost every day. My goal is to describe every street in every town in Malaysia and Singapore.