Report: Temu the Temuans - Part 1 (WW06-F)

Members' & Non-Member Report by: Lim San San, Mike Lam, CK, Yvonne Koo, Carolyn Lau, Muna Noor, Mark Choo and HY Leong

Photos by: Yvonne Koo, HY Leong, Siew Kien, KRoy, Mike Lam and Wendy

On 12 July 2026, the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) Selangor Branch organised the first part of Wild Wonders: Temu the Temuans, an immersive peat swamp forest walk in the Kuala Langat North Forest Reserve (KLNFR). The morning programme attracted 17 adult participants, comprising 12 MNS members and five non-members. The walk was led by two experienced Temuan guides—Panglima Gang, a respected member of Kampung Orang Asli Busut Baru's Traditions Council, and indigenous artist and activist Shaq Koyok from a neighbouring Temuan village.

Prior to the programme, the Branch obtained a permit from the Selangor State Forestry Department (JPNS) to conduct the activity in the forest reserve, and permission from the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) to visit the village.

Before entering the forest, participants had the opportunity to contribute to the local community.

"We visited the Orang Asli village, helped to place pre-loved clothes, toys and books in the community hall for the villagers to select what they like," said Lim San San. 

With the consent of Samsul anak Senin, Chairman of the Indigenous Community Management Council, Kampung Orang Asli Busut Baru, MNS members and non-members transformed the rear of the community hall (balai raya) into a One-Day Free Market. Villagers were invited to take home donated and new clothing for men, women and children, shoes, children's books and toys, and dental care kits at no cost. The initiative was warmly received by the villagers.

Mike Lam appreciated the opportunity to support the Temuan community through this initiative. He said, "Good opportunity to help by giving out new & used items."

For all but one participant, this was their first visit to a peat swamp forest. To prepare participants for the walk, Yao Tze Leong, MNS Selangor Branch Flora Special Interest Group (SIG) Lead Coordinator, introduced the characteristics of peat swamp forests and explained how they differ from other forest types in Peninsular Malaysia.

After a safety briefing by Samsul, participants were divided into two groups. The Semomok Group was led by Panglima Gang with Tze Leong (Flora) and Loon Yit Hong (Mycology), while the Kulim Group was led by Shaq Koyok with Lim Koon Hup (Flora) and Jacqueline Low (Mycology). HY Leong, Wild Wonders Facilitator, and Samsul served as sweepers, while Bahari bin Kolek cleared the trail ahead of the Semomok Group.

After crossing a peat stream, the groups embarked on a 1.84 km walk through the peat swamp forest. Along the trail, Panglima and Shaq Koyok shared their traditional ecological knowledge and the many uses of forest plants, while members of the Flora and Mycology SIGs highlighted the diversity of plants and fungi found in this unique ecosystem.

CK described the sensory experience of walking through the peat swamp forest and the value of learning directly from both the Temuan guides and MNS Selangor Branch specialists.

"Walking into the swamp forest, I got the feeling of walking under the spongy peat," observed CK. "The smells of the environment is definitely different. Recognising the environment, the flora and fauna that grows there. All this making it more interesting as we had the experienced orang asli, Yao, Loon to guide us. This includes the most patient HY as the sweeper to make sure no one is left out in the group."

Yvonne Koo was equally impressed by the rich biodiversity and indigenous knowledge encountered during the walk. She said: "A fascinating peat swamp forest walk with the Panglima, where I learned about the rich biodiversity of the forest - from unique plants, mushrooms, and other green treasures to the delicate balance of this ecosystem. Also discovered signs of wildlife, such as wild boar tracks, offering a glimpse into the hidden life within the forest."

Carolyn Lau particularly enjoyed observing the diversity of fungi and plants: "Good exploration of the forest. Saw lots of fungal, flora and a small snake...found one Kempas tree, so was happy."

Another member found the beauty of the peat swamp forest especially memorable.

"I enjoyed being in the peat swamp forest which was very scenic," said Muna Noor.

Although the walk covered just 1.84 km, it took about three hours as participants stopped frequently to observe, learn and ask questions.

San San appreciated both the relaxed pace and the opportunity to learn from the experts. She said: "I enjoyed the walk very much. There were so much to see and learn from both floral expert and mycologist. The forest floor was soft to walk on and there was no mosquito. So it was a very pleasant walk to enjoy what the forest offered."

Another participant highlighted the joy of exploring the forest at a slower pace and connecting with the Temuan community.

"This was such an awesome experience!" said Anon. "I loved being around people who actually wanted to stop and appreciate the mushrooms and plants. Usually, my friends just tell me to walk faster, so being able to actually enjoy the journey was amazing. And the guide's knowledge was next level, it felt like discovering a whole new world. Connecting with the Orang Asli was the absolute highlight for me."

Back at the community hall, participants visited a handicraft stall featuring products made by Temuan artisans. Each participant received a RM10 discount voucher to encourage purchases from the craftswomen. Eleven vouchers were redeemed, with the Branch contributing RM110 directly to the artisans.

Mark Choo commended both the organisation of the programme and the warm hospitality extended by the Temuan hosts.

"I really appreciated the MNS (Selangor Branch) team effort - meticulous info pack," remarked Mark. "Temuans are such (a) hospitable group. As hosts, they have been very kind and generous to us, the visitors."

The programme successfully combined environmental education, indigenous knowledge, cultural appreciation and community engagement, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation of the biodiversity of peat swamp forests and the Temuan community's enduring relationship with their ancestral lands.

Note: Participants contributed to this report through a feedback form. The MNS Selangor Branch extends its appreciation to the Indigenous Community Management Council of Kampung Orang Asli Busut Baru and Shaq Koyok for their warm hospitality and the opportunity to collaborate in this meaningful programme. Thank you to Marcus Lim, coordinator of MNS Selangor Branch Herp SIG for identifying the snake.