Sungai menyala: The sundial at the Astronomy Square in the Sungai Menyala Forest Reserve here has become a unique attraction for astronomy enthusiasts and falak (Islamic astronomy) students, while also serving as a hands-on educational tool for learning how to tell time based on the sun's position.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Senior Forest Ranger at PD Forest Sungai Menyala, Ahmad Syafiq Abdul Aziz, said the idea to construct the sundial in 2023 was conceived as a value-added feature for the Astronomy Square, initially planned solely for astronomy-related activities. He explained that the Astronomy Square was developed after the Negeri Sembilan Observatory and the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Council (MAINS) sought a location with minimal light pollution for astronomy activities.
Ahmad Syafiq noted that the Sungai Menyala Forest Reserve was identified as the most suitable location due to its shield from light pollution from Port Dickson town and its surrounding areas. The construction of the sundial was decided upon as an additional feature to enhance the Astronomy Square's offerings. The site now serves as a reference point for falak students and enthusiasts.
Furthermore, the area is an outdoor learning site for astronomy researchers and students from higher education institutions, such as Universiti Malaya (UM) and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM). It provides them the opportunity to learn firsthand how to read a sundial under actual field conditions. Ahmad Syafiq emphasized the sundial's accuracy, mentioning that prior to public access, it underwent verification processes by relevant authorities, including the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).
He elaborated on the sundial's construction, noting that it involved precise installation considering its location and the positions of sunrise and sunset to ensure accuracy. The large-scale sundial features an expanded structure with parallel lines, allowing more accurate shadow readings along a two-metre diameter scale. The sundial has been recognized by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) as the largest horizontal sundial within a permanent forest reserve in Malaysia.
In addition to the sundial, the Astronomy Square also received recognition in 2023 from the Malaysia Book of Records as the largest square located within a permanent forest reserve. Ahmad Syafiq reported an encouraging public response to PD Forest Sungai Menyala, with over 13,000 visitors recorded last year and nearly 8,000 visitors between January and July this year, drawn by the site's natural surroundings.
PD Forest, located in a permanent forest reserve, is a key ecotourism attraction in Port Dickson, offering unique natural features and experiences. It spans 1,280 hectares and is the country's only remaining lowland forest of its kind, featuring flora and fauna within a lowland dipterocarp forest. Visitors can engage in various forest-based activities, including jungle trekking, stargazing, cycling, night walks, and camping, as well as utilize facilities for courses, workshops, and meetings.