Much to do at Kuala Selangor

A long weekend during the Malaysia Day holiday recently called for a trip to Kuala Selangor. Kuala Selangor is a little quaint town spanning about 117,844 hectares with many hills which have become landmarks such as Bukit Melawati (also was a fortress back during the British occupation), Bukit Belimbing, Bukit Hospital, Bukit Jeram, Bukit Permatang and Bukit Tanjung Keramat.

According to history, Selangor sprang from the name of the Selangor River and is depicted as one of the oldest kingdoms in Malaya, after Kedah. Most of the early inhabitants of Selangor were seafarers who carved a living as fishermen. Today, you will still find fishing as one of the major source of livelihood among the people of Kuala Selangor, along with agriculture, cattle-farming and tourism. Kuala Selangor was also the capital city of Selangor which was later changed to Klang and now Shah Alam.

You know when you have reached the town of Kuala Selangor when you see a big sign post with the name of the town atop the Bukit Melawati (just like when we see the 'Hollywood' sign in Los Angeles). At the foothill, you can choose to walk up the hill to the lighthouse, or pay RM 2/person for a tractor/train ride that takes you to the Historical Museum (next to the lighthouse). The Museum houses many artifacts that were excavated around Kuala Selangor thousands of years ago .

Many people also love to go up to the hill to feed the friendly silver-leaf monkeys, popular residents of the hill. The tractor ride round the hill also takes you to the Taman Alam Sanctuary Park. You may also have a cup of tea at the Rest House, Bukit Melawati (serene atmosphere although the building is currently in a debilitated state). There are also many fruit-bearing trees at the hilltop that attract interesting birds such as the Lineated Barbet, Coppersmith Barbet and Oriental Pied Hornbills, just to name a few.

Kuala Selangor is indeed a haven for nature lovers. Many local and foreign tourists come to Kuala Selangor to appreciate the flora and fauna that it has to offer. Take a leisure walk at the Taman Alam Sanctuary Park and you will be amazed with the wonders of nature. Families often enjoy bringing their children for a day trip to the nature park, as the trails are simple and moderate in distance. Ticket price is RM 4 for adults and the proceeds go to the conservation of the sanctuary. However, do remember to apply insect repellent before entering the park especially during dawn and dusk to ward off pesky mosquitoes.

A ten-minute walk from the entrance straight into the park will lead you to a small bridge. After crossing the bridge, you will come to a cross road. Going straight will eventually lead you to a large lake. It is best to turn right at the cross road as this will take you round the entire lake. I especially enjoyed the mangrove walk, an elevated concrete walkway built a few feet above the mangrove swamp so people can experience the mangrove ecosystem at its best. The different trees and plants that grow at Taman Alam are marked with signboards that describe them scientifically, making it easier for the lay person to learn more about the flora at the park.
The next most popular activity in the park is bird watching, and this comes as a no-surprise as Taman Alam Kuala Selangor lies along the migratory route for coastal birds, especially raptors (e.g., Brahminy kites, Crested Serpent-Eagle and Oriental Honey Buzzard). Huts, sheds and watch towers have been placed strategically around the wetlands area, especially the largest lake, allowing visitors to quietly observe the Grey and Little Herons and kingfishers (e.g Common, White-throated and Collared kingfishers) going about their daily business. Besides water-dwelling birds, you may also chance upon other species of birds such as the Chestnut-bellied Malkohas, Shrikes, Tailorbirds, Pied fantails, and Woodpeckers.

Kuala Selangor is also famous for its seafood. Every night (especially during the weekends), people from all walks of lives come to Kuala Selangor to have fresh seafood. Many seafood restaurants are situated along the river banks but the one that receives the most visitors is called River View Restaurant. The seafood dishes arrived speedily and tasted really good. Prices are really affordable (averaging about RM 20/person), depending on what you order, of course. After a satisfying meal, we stopped at a shop that sells local produce where people can buy dried shrimps, anchovies and sugar-coated cuttlefish for family and friends back home (RM 10 for packs of three).

Another night activity unique to Kuala Selangor is watching firefly. You can watch these nocturnal insects either at Kampung Kuantan or Bukit Belimbing. Fireflies are also called lightning beetles and as adults, they congregate at "Berembang" trees to feed on their nectar. Each firefly emits light from the tip of their abdomen. Male fireflies emit brighter lights to attract females. Their life cycle is about six to seven months and an attempt to catch them will land you a RM 1000 fine!

Best time to watch fireflies is when the sky is pitch-black (check the Chinese calendar at avoid full moon). During these times, trees along the river bank will naturally light up like Christmas trees! If you decide to watch the fireflies in Kampung Kuantan, be prepared to be chauffeured by the local boats men on skiffs (locals rowing a small sampan). Rental of the skiffs is at RM 40 (RM 10/person) that fits only four people. On the other hand, firefly-watching at Bukit Belimbing is much more commercialised as motorboats are available for this purpose.

All in all, Kuala Selangor is an ideal getaway, especially if you need a short break from the hustle and bustle of the big city.