LOCATION: WANG KELIAN, PERLIS

Helmed by wildlife photographer and author Peter Ong, Monyet Ventures develops and curates content highlighting Malaysia’s biodiversity, with a keen interest in Malaysian primates. Established in 2019,  Monyet Ventures seeks to create projects that generate a positive impact on biodiversity conservation and local communities. They are strong advocates for local participation and engagement, ensuring the growth of each project work in tandem with the capacity of the people.  

With their goal of mapping and documenting the unique biodiversity in Wang Kelian, a documentary and publication under the same name; “Wang Kelian: The Forgotten Valley” was produced as well as “Primus: The Primates of Peninsular Malaysia”, the first comprehensive compilation of all the species of primates found in the Peninsular. Monyet Ventures has remained active in the area with growing the sustainable tourism industry through the refurbishment of the Denai Warisan, running along Kaki Bukit and Wang Kelian.  

2024 project – Survey and Building Of The Nakawan Range Trail As An Iconic Geopark Experience

Monyet Ventures successfully engaged with local communities, government officials, and NGOs to develop a strategic framework for sustainable tourism along the Nakawan Range. The study documents the natural, cultural and historic values of the area and provides strategic recommendations on how these can become a foundation for a vibrant and diverse sustainable tourism offering for both domestic and international visitors. The team worked with Perlis Nature Explorers (PNX) and members of the Wang Kelian and Kaki Bukit community to develop the Denai Warisan or Heritage Trail which lies between the villages of Wang Kelian and Kaki Bukit. Visitor gateways were established and an extensive map was created to support trail-based tourism for the community. In addition, upskilling workshops were conducted for the local communities to promote long-term stewardship of the trail by the local community. Wayfinding and interpretive signages were installed to enhance the storytelling along the trail.

Youth volunteer groups such as Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots Malaysia were also given the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in trail-making and heritage preservation, making this a truly inclusive collaborative community project. The Habitat Expeditions and Roots & Shoots are continuing to promote the use of the trail and capacity building to continue to nurture positive impacts and benefit sharing from sustainable tourism.

On 19 November 2024, DYTM Raja Muda Perlis, DYTM Raja Perempuan Muda Perlis, and government officials representing Perlis Forestry, Military, PDRM, JKR Perlis and JPS Perlis along with NGO and community partners launched the 10 km trail on 19 November 19 2024 which connects Wang Kelian and Kaki Bukit with strong community participation from both villagers. The event brought creative performances such as the Beruk Kentoi puppet display and an innovative board game showcase by students from Politeknik Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin. Their Majesties symbolically planted trees and led the entourage to enjoy part of the trail walk, demonstrating their strong support for the initiative.