If you have signed up to take the adventure package, you will most likely be taken through the lower part of Belum forest where you can see the rainforest hardwoods. These hardwoods such as Meranti, Cengal, Keruing and Merbau species are becoming increasingly rare. Many of these large hardwoods have survived 150 to 600 years with poor condition soil, lack of nutrients and weather changes.  It is a miracle that anything can grow at all.

The forest also showcases the flora of the northern region, which has distinct Myanmar-Thai influences. Species like rafflesia, wild ginger, orchids, wild flowers and Tongkat Ali can be found here.

Our most precious wildlife remains safe in Belum. There are an estimated 60-70 tigers roaming around in Belum, over 100 Seladangs survive here in groups of single males and their harems, the Sumatran Rhinos are estimated at 160 individuals and there are over 100 Tapirs. Elephants live in large tight knit families, Binturongs come out at night, Malayan Sun Bears scale trees for huge honey combs and the Serow hide away in the limestone hills. The wild fishing cats sit patiently for its food to swim down the streams as the wildcats crouch in thick undergrowth. Here, so many species share space in Belum such as Leopard Cats, Clouded Leopards, Black Panthers, Vipers, Flying Foxes, Otters, Porcupines, Armadillos, Reptiles, Dholes and 200 species of colourful birds.

The Belum Forest is also home to some 25 rare species of flies, and a few endemic prawns that have live here for centuries that cannot be found in any other part of the country.

Belum forest is facing dangers from excessive poaching and the loss of habitat.  Local poachers and those from Thailand are the main threat.  Wildlife trafficking is becoming a serious problem and more so for the meat and exotic pet market.