The First Group Trip To Nature Park



Who would have thought? A mere half an hour  from the bustle and flurry of the city  lies a heaven where human, animal and bird life all can find peace and tranquillity. Situated at the mouth of the Selangor River lies the Kuala Selangor Nature Park,  heaven of resident and migratory birds (from as far as Siberia and Northern China) and a host of other amazing wildlifes.



Observation towers allow you to spend more time watching wildlife without too much sun exposure. So bring a good pair of bird watching binoculars or a long lens for the camera.

Exploring the forest by walking along the track provided

Secondary Forest - Filled with strangling figs, coastal trees and climbers, these dryland species spread into and replaced the mangroves after building the bund and lake. Now covering 450 acres, forest trails lead to jungle habitat with a chance to see frog species, snake species, rainforest monkeys, lizard species and others.



Our group explore the boardwalk to see birds in nature

Mangroves-Mudflats - Comprised of 13 species of mangrove trees, these mucky habitats are full of life. Monkeys, birds and snakes seek out a meals in these green gardens; while mudflats swell with nutrients and are best to visit at low tide when you can spot crabs, molluscs and mudskippers in action.

However, unless one is a seasoned walker, a guide familiar with the flora and fauna of the area is required. For the untrained ear and eye, the subtle nuances, which the nature park is infused with requires interpretation. We were fortunate enough to meet with an experienced guide who invited us to join his small group. Immediately, the park took on a new dimension. Both land and sky were brimming with life. We chanced upon several monitor lizards ambling lazily along, a pretty white breasted king-fisher, a flock of herons taking rest, beautiful silver leaf monkeys peering curiously from their tree perches, cheeky long tailed macaques scurrying from tree to tree, storks, egrets and mudskippers. The several brahminy kites soaring above made us acutely aware of the expanse and breadth of the park. Unfortunately, the afternoon sun was too hot for the frolicking otters but there certainly were a lot of droppings along the path to remind us of their presence.

This walk through the mangroves provides an interesting contrast to the greenery of the secondary forest. During low tide one can have the luxury of observing the teeming animal life in the soft mud. Here one can take in a scenic view of the fine Avecennia forest and also observe the cockle and fishing boats in the near distance. A note of caution: be well prepared for the mosquitoes. Wearing a light cotton long-sleeved top and long pants is highly advisable. Arm yourself with insect repellent and try to avoid keeping still for prolonged periods.

 

Watching the fishs and crabs along the boardwalk

Viewing the map before departing to the nature park