SIREH Park: Building Biodiversity in the Heart of Iskandar Puteri
In the midst of development and modernity of Johor Bahru lies a luscious public forest park, thriving with flora and fauna. Undulating tall trees as far as the eyes can see, vast land of green grass by the cool shimmering lake. It is a place that offers peace for those who desire tranquility, and adventure for those who dare to seek further.
SIREH Park
Named as the largest urban community green recreation park by the Malaysia Book of Records in July 2025, SIREH Park nestles in the heart of Iskandar Puteri. Surrounding the park are flagship townships of Malaysia’s leading property developer, UEM Sunrise Bhd, namely Horizon Hills, East Ledang, Nusa Idaman and Gerbang Nusajaya, making the park accessible for nearby neighbourhoods.
But just 30 years ago, the landscape was once a coconut plantation, buzzing with workers and whirring roaring trucks.
As the sounds of labour and hard work faded into history, they are now replaced with uncoordinated yet harmonious sounds of birds chirping, rustling leaves dancing to the tune of the wind, and the occasional hum of chatter from both adults and children.
Long walks along the forest for those longing for calm and serenity, windy trails for adrenaline junkies on their mountain bikes, water rafting in the 25-acre lake named after its shape, Chicken Feet Lake, for the aquaphile. Or maybe just sitting down for a picnic with a basket filled with packets of nasi lemak, colourful kuihs and a thermos of teh tarik, SIREH Park is for everyone.
Strategically nestled in Iskandar Puteri, within easy reach of Johor Bahru and Singapore, the park has been attracting over 160,000 visitors annually. With more than 50 diverse events catered for the younger and older generation in 2024, showcasing that SIREH Park is more than just a recreational park.
Immersive Learning and Playing Grounds
SIREH stands for Sustainable, Initiatives, Recreation and Education Haven, a multipurpose space for the public to play, learn and also become part of a conservation initiative.
As a playground, activities are well-coordinated and organised by authorised licensed partners to cater to visitors of all age groups. From kayaking, fishing, ATV to glamping, facilities are provided and with a nominal fee, visitors are welcomed to participate in activities of their choosing under trained personnels’ supervision.
Envisioned as an immersive learning ground for children and adults alike, education-oriented activities are also available on the ground. Birdwatchers can rejoice at the sight of 35 species that have made SIREH Park their homes. The park’s on-site Edufarm offers a unique opportunity for children to get up close with domestic animals such as goats, pygmy chickens, cows and even peacocks. For plant enthusiasts, there is the Garden.MY, an on-site nursery, houses edibles and 120 native and exotic plant species, including Podocarpus, Orchids, Monstera, Pastazanum Silver, and Alocasia Watsoniana Sulawesi, all available for purchase.
The vision for SIREH Park is for it to be a space that brings in concerted efforts for nature conservation from individuals or organisations. UEM Sunrise Bhd handed the park to be managed by The Nusajaya Natural Heritage Trust (TNNHT) as a model for ecological sustainability that would encourage community engagement and multi-stakeholder participation through diverse environmental and empowerment programmes especially, from corporate organisations.
Building a Community of Conservationists
Although SIREH Park is integrated with nature-based solutions through biodiversity conservation, air quality improvement and rainwater management, the park aspires to become a convenor for conservation efforts by enabling organisations and individuals to do their part for nature.
Since its inception, the park has brought together academic institutions, non-profits, private organisations, government bodies and the public to play their role, for the benefit of biodiversity, nearby communities and beyond.
Plant That Tree is one of the anchor initiatives with an ambitious goal of planting 25,000 native forest trees by 2028. As of 2025, more than 10,000 trees have been planted with 80% of them listed on the IUCN Red List of threatened species, including those of native species. The initiative also doubles as a programme to control invasive species by restoring native biodiversity.
To contribute to reforesting SIREH Park, participation is made easy with just a few clicks.
Individuals or organisations can pledge online and choose the number of trees they want to plant to be part of the mission. And the best part is, contributors can track the growth of their tree, accessible through the GeoTrees application.
So far, the Plant That Tree programme has received [11,309] pledges, supported by individuals and corporate organisations such as MCIS Life, CIMB and Canon Malaysia, including non-profits and educational institutions such as Persatuan Rakan Celik P.I.P.I (Physical, Intervention, Psychological, Intelectual), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Medini.
For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, there are other ways they can contribute.
On a regular basis, the park offers educational initiatives where individuals can be part of the network of experienced naturalists, citizen scientists and biologists, and get their hands dirty by participating in the various nature-based programmes, suitable for all ages.
Participants can be part of the data collection exercise by spotting and identifying various bird species and wildlife within the area, supporting the park's broader conservation efforts.
"SIREH Park is a green space that also doubles as a living classroom that cultivates environmental values and a deep sense of shared responsibility", shared Faisal Mohd Nor, Head, Regional Open Space of SIREH Park. He added, "By empowering communities to care for nature, we are protecting our surroundings and shaping a more conscious, sustainable way of living. In line with UEM Sunrise Bhd's mission, the park actively supports five of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and remains a fully equipped, inclusive sanctuary for all."
Here’s What the Public Have Been Saying about SIREH Park
SIREH Park was built and designed with inclusivity being one of the top priorities. Equipped with comprehensive and thoughtful facilities, SIREH Park welcomes anyone from locals to foreigners to enjoy a slice of Malaysia’s biodiversity.
“ Nice park with good facilities and OKU friendly for most areas, including the public toilets. The main areas are accessible by car, so we can easily push my mother in her wheelchair to reach the cafes and food truck areas.” Ermy Jeffry Jamil, 43 years old.
Recently, SIREH Park launched its Youth Empowerment Hub (BOLEH), a learning and training centre for OKU youths aged 18 and above, as well as post-pandemic microbusiness support, making the space truly inclusive.
Just five minutes away from the closest bus stop, visitors can take the bus or use e-hailing services to reach the park. Expect facilities such as restrooms and parking spaces for those driving. F&B services provided by local entrepreneurs are also available.
“There are cafes, stalls and food trucks to spoil you with choices! There are satay, mee kolok, nasi goreng kambing and such! Sireh Park even supports local community weekend markets, such as car boot sales. Kudos!” Aisy Fayyad Farizuddin, 19 years old.
As one of the few parks in Malaysia that opens from 7 am to 12 am, safety is a priority to ensure visitors can enjoy the park according to their schedule.
“There are always park rangers during the day and security guards at night. So I feel safe bringing my kids here. Most parks are closed at night, but Sireh Park is open till midnight.” Nurul Nabilah Md Sabri , 26 yrs old.
A Collective Responsibility
Nature is the foundation of life, not merely a facility or resource for humans to use and capitalise irresponsibly. Collectively, humans have the responsibility to treasure, celebrate and most importantly, protect our flora and fauna for now and the future. The Holy Quran extensively discusses humanity’s responsibility towards nature, particularly in the concept of khalifah (stewards of the earth):
˹Remember˺ when your Lord said to the angels, “I am going to place a successive ˹human˺ authority on earth.” They asked ˹Allah˺, “Will You place in it someone who will spread corruption there and shed blood while we glorify Your praises and proclaim Your holiness?” Allah responded, “I know what you do not know.” (Al-Baqarah 2:30)
So let’s come together and do our part in making sure that our natural treasures are intact and appreciated for many more years to come.
Infographic Planning Your Visit to SIREH Park - Here is What You Need to Know you need to know
Opening Hours: 7am to 12am (Closed on Monday and public holidays)
Getting to SIREH Park: You can Waze, Google or Grab here by searching SIREH Park. If you’re taking the bus, the closest bus stop is just 10 minutes away.
What to expect:
Running, mountain biking, ATV rides, hiking and trail running
Glamping and camping
Fishing, kayaking, bamboo rafting
Edufarm, birdwatching, tree planting
Written for UEM Sunrise (source)
