My husband and I visited Taman Eko Rimba Negeri Selangor or the Selangor State Park last Saturday. It was our second attempt. The first was in January when one of several (lost count now) Covid-19 movement control orders resulted in some parks being closed in the Klang Valley.

After that trip, I didn’t hold out much hope. That said, the drive to the park was picturesque and interesting. In less than 30 minutes from where we live, which is the city centre, we were already in the outskirts of Selangor. More trees, more space and a slight elevation made it seem less hot. Admittedly, we were just happy to be doing something different.

The park entrance didn’t give much away. There were a few cars in the parking area. A handful of restaurants. Some shops selling rubber ducks and rings. I wondered why, briefly. Paid the entrance fee and walked into the park.

Voila! It was abuzz with people and activity. Families with children and elderly parents. Groups of friends. Organised school groups. Many had already staked their claim on the gazebos that were located all over the park. There were 24 gazebos in total, and all were taken. Some families resorted to sitting on mats on the ground. One family even sat on the walk path. There were tents – different shapes, sizes and colours – both in and around the gazebos and camping site. Hammocks tied to trees and pillars. Sheaths hoisted for a little privacy. Trolleys to cart food stuff were widely present.

There was a hive of activity. Fish and meat were being grilled and barbequed. A variety of cooked food piled in plastic containers, unwrapped and savoured. Single gas cookers were strategically positioned in many of the gazebos. We even saw a group walking through the second park entrance (yes, there is a second entrance with even more parking bays) carrying a full-size gas cylinder. A big feast was likely on the cards. Food was prominent, and the smells of cooking permeated the air.

That wasn’t all. A few of the visitors were already half swimming, playing and dunking themselves in the river that flowed rather swiftly through the entire length of the park. Photos were snapped for memory and social media sharing. These were seasoned picnickers or at least regular visitors to this park.

My husband and I weren’t quite as equipped. We had a rucksack. Some peanuts and water. Our plan was to look for hiking trails in the park, and walk them. There were no trails but there was a walk path that meandered and sort of ran parallel to the river. Although not as long as we would have liked, just under 2 km, the path enabled us to discover the geography of the park. And, appreciate the trees and shrubs that have lived there for years. These natural inhabitants provided us with cover, and a welcome coolness.

We crossed two bridges, one wooden and the other a suspension bridge, to get over to the other side of the river. More people. It was crazy busy, and it wasn’t even 10am yet. The desperate need to be outdoors was evident from the turnout, which was a little worrying. Still, it was nice to see especially the little ones enjoying themselves. Splashing in the river with their parents. Indulging with the family. Running and playing.

Made me think about the picnics I had growing up. Two in total. One was in the 1960’s. On the grounds of the Kedah State Palace in Anak Bukit with my family. Parents and six siblings. I can’t remember how we got there. Too many to fit into one car. Also there were no multi-seater people carriers then. I sort of remember the palace grounds. It was enormous with flowers, trees and manicured lawns. I remember cycling (not sure how we transported the bicycle), playing catch with my brothers and spending the whole day out.

The other was at Pantai Merdeka in the late 1970’s. It was during a visit by my then newly married sister number 4 and her husband. In my mind’s eye, it was a sunny, breezy day. A beautiful stretch of beach. My mum had packed loads of food for the outing including glutinous rice. My dad and brother-in-law swam quite expertly. Encouraged, my oldest brother and I jumped into the sea. We swallowed too much salt water. It was terribly uncomfortable. Hmm…  

My husband and I like walks. We like parks. We like walking in parks. Particularly those that have huge trees that offer sunshade. Picnics. Well… chocolate, peanuts, water and a couple of sandwiches. That will do us.