A little paradise in the city

A little paradise in the city
By GOH EE KOON Photos by IBRAHIM MOKHTAR

NOT too long ago, the partly hidden recreational spot in Taman Tun Dr Ismail was a little bit of nature for children and adults to enjoy.

Among the trees, small and shallow streams with fish would delight the younger ones, who would bring little nets or even dip their hands into the water in attempts to catch them while indulgent parents looked on. The spot is still there, but the place has changed quite dramatically, turning from an unofficial recreational spot into a park that is visited by scores during the weekdays and hundreds during the weekends.

The Lembah Kiara Recreational Park is perhaps one of the newer ones in the Klang Valley, but its popularity already establishes the fact that it is going to be well used for many years to come.
Entrance is free and most of adults who come here either do so with their friends or families. The mornings and late afternoons are the most popular times to visit this place.

One of the biggest draws of this medium-sized park is its well-paved running path. With a cushion-like surface, the red-coloured path absorbs the shock of impact from pounding feet and exercising and running is a lot more comfortable than the more challenging 5km undulating walk a little way off.

The route of the run is broken up into two sections – one with higher inclines for the more athletic and a slightly more level one for those who prefer to take a leisurely stroll around the area. Both paths join and separate at different points, and hence, each one that visitors take offers different sights.

The wider path winds through different types of trees, and at certain vantage points, you can see almost the whole park. Along the path, a suspension bridge is also popular and is built over a large stream. The smaller walking path circles through the large pond and here and there, couples and families settle to enjoy a spot of fresh air or look for fish and turtles swimming near the surface.

The smaller walking path also allows access to a cemented platform, where teenagers often play ball or adults carry out line-dancing and Chinese fan dance sessions.

The landscape of the Lembah Kiara Recreational Park is also well-sculpted, with palms, clumps of flowers like cannas and different types of shrubs, all of which are well-kept.

The clearing nearest to the car park is the most popular place, where a wooden bridge often sees young children hanging over the side to look into the water.

At the side, specially-erected bars and benches are popular among those who want to build up muscles.

Lembah Kiara Recreational Park is located at Jalan Abang Haji Openg, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.