Batu Hampar Recreational Forest

Location :                       
In the district of Yan, Kedah.
Coordinates of the park are N 5.77616  E 100.39994
You can access the Google Map here.

Natural Heritage Status:  
The park is famous for its waterfall. Sungai Raga flows through the forest park. The park is situated within Gunung Jerai Forest Reserve consisting of lowland dipterocarp forest. Huge century old trees belonging to the genus Shorea spp. are one of the attractions. The crystal clear Sungai Raga and its cascades and waterfalls are the other main natural heritage of the park.

The giant tree in the park.

The upper waterfalls

Gazettement :  
Situated in compartment 19 of Gunung Jerai Forest Reserve and gazetted as Batu Hampar Recreational Forest. Present status as recreational forest under the care of Sungai Petani Forestry Department.

The cascades

Accessibility: 
Accessibility in the park is convenient with bridges and paved paths. The upper waterfalls are along the fencing of the royal cottage. Parking lots are available and police was seen making rounds as the park is beside the royal cottage.

The welcome arch at the park.

Affordability:  
Entrance to the park is free. No parking fee. Need permission to camp overnight. No chalet facilities in the park. However, for accommodation near the park please refer to the section on accommodation below.

Level of Development:
At the furthest point of the park is the Royal Cottage of the Sultan of Kedah. The recreational forest offers numerous facilities including gazebos, washrooms, bridges, surau and halls for recreational activities. Campsite facilities available. There are several villages from Yan Besar to the recreational forest with Kampong Acheh Yan being the nearest to the park having a college and community park. Agricultural development can be seen along the route to the recreational forest.

Shady palms and bridges in the park.

Popularity:
Suitable activities are swimming, camping, picnic, trekking and jogging.  The park was popular among the locals during the 1990s. Restriction to enter the upper falls due to security reason beside the royal cottage.  According to locals, there are not many foreign tourists visiting the park. The number of visitors has dwindled during the dry seasons making it not conducive for swimming.  Rubbish can be seen everywhere within the park which could be another possible reason that visitors are not coming in flock.

Popular with village kids

Facilities in the park.

Accommodation:
The nearest accommodation is Salak Denai Chalet – chalet ranges from RM60-RM220 with private wading pool. Homestay accommodation is available at Kampung Raga (Contact below).
Campsite available at the park but needs permission from Forestry Department.

Threats:  
Garbage is the biggest threat of the park. Rubbish can be seen everywhere in the park. The Sungai Raga flows has receded considerably and the poor flow has driven away visitors to other waterfalls nearby Yan.

Trashes found in the forest reserve.

Mitigation:
Enforcement by the park authority and provide more rubbish bins at strategic areas.
 
Conservation:  
The forest park is home to a large spectrum of fauna and flora. Huge trees are the fascination of the park. A day in the park reveals at least 6 species of reptile and five species of amphibian. The park is also rich in herbs and has many diverse trees.

Lizards found in the park

Frogs and toads in the park

A heaven for avifauna

Tapak hantu (Trevesia burckii)

Great diversity of flora

Another huge tree in the park

Rock embedded with crystal and mica can be found in the park

Benefits to Local Communities:  
The recreational forest provides a recreational outlet for the local community.                               
 
How to Get There
Using the North-South Expressway (E1) and exit at Gurun. Head north using the old trunk road (1) until Gua Cempadak. Turn eastward towards Yan. Gunung Jerai should be on your left. At Yan Kecil, heads south for Yan Besar. At Yan Besar you should see a signboard turning left into Batu Hampar Recreational Forest. Follow the sign to the waterfall.  Batu Hampar Recreational Forest is located at the end of road. It is 40 km from Alor Star and 3 km from Yan Besar.  You can use your own transport or hire a taxi at Yan to reach the park. 

Map to Batu Hampar Recreational Forest

Important Contacts
Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri Kedah
Tingkat 8, 
Bangunan Sultan Abdul Halim 
Jalan Sultan Badlishah 
05000 Alor Setar 
KEDAH
Tel : 04-7333844
Fax: 04-7310610

http://www.kedforestry.gov.my

Pegawai Hutan Daerah
Pejabat Hutan Daerah Kedah Tengah,
08000 Sungai Petani, Kedah.
Tel. : 04-4212835

Salak Denai Chalet
Tel: 012-5376151 / 04-4471351

http://salakdenai.blogspot.com/

Kampung Raga, Yan
Homestay Kampung Raga,
No 409F Kampung Raga
06900 Yan, Kedah
Tel : 012-419 8730, 017-508 2160

References 

http://www.forestry.gov.my/index.php/ms/component/content/article/132.html

http://www.kedforestry.gov.my/index.php/bm/rekreasi-pilihan/51-batu-hampar

http://kedforestry0.tripod.com/batu_hampar.htm