Mycology Adventure at Pelindung Hill and Sungai Pandan Waterfall

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Kuantan is the state capital of Pahang and the largest city on Malaysia's East Coast. It is a favorite destination for eco-tourism, boasting various biodiversity-rich spots such as Pelindung Hill and the breathtaking Sungai Pandan Waterfall.

On October 18 and 19, 2025, the Malaysian Nature Society Selangor Branch Mycology Special Interest Group (MNSSB Mycology Group) teamed up with Angsana Academy to host a fungi-guided walk at Pelindung Hill. The Mycology Group also conducted a mycological survey at Sungai Pandan Waterfall, as there is no public record indicating that a formal mycology survey has previously taken place there. This area is better known as a popular recreational spot near Kuantan.

The main goal of the event was to help the public understand, appreciate, and conserve fungi, with a special focus on the fascinating fungi found at Pelindung Hill and Sungai Pandan Waterfall. The initiative also aimed to provide comprehensive education, foster innovative research, and encourage community engagement, making mycology more accessible to everyone.


Sungai Pandan Waterfall with MNSSB Mycology group members and volunteers.


Safety briefing by Loon Yit Hong (MNSSB Mycology Group Co-Founder) to participants before the guided walk is started.
(Photo by: Jacqueline Low)

Participants and local guides getting ready for the walk. (Photo by: Jacqueline Low)

Group photo with local guides, led by Tang Tsair Ching (4th from left) and Max Bambang Loo (right)
(Photo by: Tang Tsair Ching)



Highlights

During the guided walk and mycological survey, one of the standout discoveries was the rare and endangered Spongiforma squarepantsii. This unique fungus is listed as “Endangered” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, meaning it faces a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. The excitement among the Mycology Group members and participants was palpable, as they felt incredibly fortunate to have spotted it.

Other species found included Pisolithus aurantioscabrosus, Entoloma cf. virescens, Erythrophylloporus sp., Hydnum sp., Crocinoboletus cf. rufoaureus, Cortinarius sp., Amanita cf. aporema, Amanita Sect. Roanokenses, Gymnopilus cf. luteofolius and more. The findings were uploaded to the iNaturalist platform as fungi observations, allowing the public and researchers to access this information for further scientific exploration.

The findings also highlight the rare Thismia aseroe, commonly known as Fairy Lanterns. This unique plant doesn’t have chlorophyll and relies on fungi for its nutrients. It draws carbon, water, and other essential supplies from the fungi, and scientists are still exploring the details of this fascinating symbiotic or parasitic relationship.


Spongiforma squarepantsii (SpongeBob Fungus)
(Photos by: Khor Hong Beng & Luca Pilia)
 

Entoloma cf. virescens (Skyblue Pinkgill)
(Photos by: Khor Hong Beng & Luca Pilia)

 
Pisolithus aurantioscabrosus
(Photos by: Luca Pilia & Loon Yit Hong)

Thismia aseroe (Fairy Lanterns)
(Photos by: Loon Yit Hong)


Erythrophylloporus sp.,
(Photos by: Loon Yit Hong)


Hydnum sp. (Hedgehog mushroom)
 (Photos by: Loon Yit Hong)


Crocinoboletus cf. rufoaureus
(Photos by: Luca Pilia & Loon Yit Hong)


Cortinarius sp.,
(Photos by: Jacqueline Low & Luca Pilia)


Amanita cf. aporema
(Photos by: Loon Yit Hong)


Amanita Sect. Roanokenses
(Photos by: Loon Yit Hong)


Gymnopilus cf. luteofolius (Yellow-gilled Gymnopilus)
 (Photos by: Khor Hong Beng)


Conclusions

The guided walk documented rich fungal diversity at Pelindung Hill and Sungai Pandan Waterfall, despite the short duration of the survey. By engaging members and participants, the event successfully achieved its goal of helping the public understand, appreciate, and conserve fungi, particularly the fascinating species found in these locations.


Acknowledgements

Loon Yit Hong (Event Organizer and MNSSB Mycology SIG Co-Founder)
Luca Pilia (Mycologist & MNSSB Committee Member)
Jacqueline Low (MNSSB Mycology Committee Member)
Lenny Wong (MNSSB Mycology Committee Member)
Alexia Ng (MNSSB Mycology Committee Member)
Joseph Pallante (Amateur Mycologist and MNSSB Mycology SIG Co-Founder)
Malaysian Nature Society Selangor Branch (MNSSB)
Event volunteers: Kho Wui Kiong, Khor Hong Beng, Wong Wei Fong, Yee Chun Wah, Cheah Lan Shy, Max Bambang Loo, Tang Tsair Ching and their families participated in the event.

Event Sponsor

Angsana Academy
Special Thanks To: Mdm. Aini Ahmad, Principal of Angsana Academy.
Hi, I'm Loon, a fungi enthusiast who loves exploring, discovering, and hunting mushrooms. Reading and studying about fungi keeps my curiosity alive about the wonders of nature.

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