TAMAN BOTANI NEGARA - SKYTREX, Shah Alam

I've come to realize spontaneous trips often turn out the most satisfying & enjoyable.

Those that aren't planned with an itinerary, but only an appetite for discovery.

On the last public holiday, all i wanted to do was to be outdoors with the family.

No specific place in mind. Just spending the day leisurely spending time together & being close to nature.

Heading to a picnic spot or waterfalls were too much of work in terms of the aftermath ie cleaning up etc so on the morning itself we decided on Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam (formerly known as Bukit Cahaya), not far from home. 

There were bicycles for rent, a stone's throw away from the entrance of the park. 

We arrived approx 10:30am. Bikes suitable for Luke's size were already taken but managed to find one that was just a little too big but still manageable for him.

Rental rates: 

RM10 per bike/per hour (adult/kids)

RM15 per bike/per hour (with child seat)

Additional hour @ RM1/per hour

Confession: I don't remember the last time i exercised aside from my daily ritual of having to walk up our 5 flight of staircase. So you seriously won't want to imagine a totally out of shape mom carrying a 17kg load behind pedaling frantically up a hill. Thank God daddy has better stamina. Oh, but she was still a load to be reckon with. 

The ride up was made worth it by the thrill of going downhill, with the swooping winds against your face. I tell ya, the thrill of seeing Luke's expression was priceless. A little rewind: we made sure we taught him to familiarize with the brakes first!

We really enjoyed being under the canopies of trees, pausing for a moment to take in the fresh air. The kids were fascinated with a porcupine road sign and their eyes were diligently scouting out hoping to see one. We didn't see any but we were excited to find Skytrex nestled in the "woods". 

I've read about Skytrex some time back. i had planned to go over the last Dec school holidays but it didn't materialized.

We parked our bikes and enquired about the tickets. It was priced at RM40/per person (beginner level) but was told if we purchased it online at least a day before, it would be at RM35. Since we were already there and it won't be very soon that we'd make a trip back again, and the fact that we were there just in time before a large group came in so there was still slots available for us, we decided to go for it. 

geared up in our harnesses looking like a family of martians from outer space

learning how to use their harnesses & independently hook them on before the real thing

flying fox

Our conclusion: It was worth every cent! To see the awe & wonderment in your child's eyes as they try out things that are new to them. To see how they started out apprehensive but within minutes, confidently maneuvering between the challenges. It was an activity the whole family were involved in & it was fun to cheer each other on.

I must say the instructors we were assigned to were really good with kids. Luke & Leah themselves said their friendly & encouraging personality made them felt at ease & gave them the confidence to want to attempt the challenges.

One of those days, on the ride home, super thankful for a day of rest, beautiful weather, for a family, and precious memories.

#meimeinextroundyoucyclesendiri

Oh, and did i mention they host parties?!:)

cool party space

Entrance rates:

Taman Botani Fee @ RM3/per adult, RM1/per child

Skytrex Fee @ RM35/per person (beginner level - fun & easy - 25 challenges)

*Group booking of 10 or more gets a 10% discount

(Opens daily except on Mondays)