"One perceives a forest of jagged, gnarled trees protruding from the surface of the sea, roots anchored in deep, black mud, verdant crowns arching toward a blazing sun. Here is where land and sea intertwine, where the line dividing ocean and continent blurs, in this setting the marine biologist and the forest ecologist both must work at the extreme reaches of their disciplines.“ Klause Rutzler and Ilka C. Feller, Scientific American, March 1996.
Soak in the splendor of swampland by heading on to a forest reserve and traverse its boardwalk on stilts to get intimate with trees and plants that have been around longer than mankind. See the nipah palm, which seed fossils were found in England, a telling us the equator was once lined across Europe millions of years ago.
Swamp ecosystems have traditionally been sustainably managed by local populations for the production of food, medicines, tannins, fuel wood, and construction materials. Learn how the forest maintains a healthy coastal ecosystem by nursing juvenile fish, crabs, shrimps, and mollusks. Additionally, manatees, crab-eating monkeys, fishing cats, monitor lizards, sea turtles, and mud-skipper fish also thrive in the swamp.
After a light tea-snack, hop over to Krian for an exciting river cruise to make it in time to bask in glorious sunset. Spot prime nesting and migratory sites for hundreds of bird species, seeking refuge from northern hemisphere’s winter. These birds include the Eurasian Duck (Anas penelope), Chinese egret (Egretta Eulophotes), Common sandpiper (Actitus hypoleucos) and many more.
And finally, highlight of the excursion comes in the form of glowing fire-fly colonies that are only found in Krian. See swarms of glittering Pteroptyx tener make Sonneratia trees magically glow in the dark! Touch, feel their fluttering wings and be one of the lucky few to view this dreamlike phenomenon.
Tour Itinerary
* 1 pm: Pick up in Ipoh. Trip briefings and safety procedures.
* 2 pm: Matang. Visit Ngah Ibrahim fort and Capt.Speedy’s mansion. Learn about bygone Larut, the world's largest tin mining ground in 18th century.
* 3 pm: Trek mangrove forest reserve via stilt broadwalk and learn about its ecology, medicinal plants, migratory birds and role in nursing juvenile sealife.
* 4.30pm: Eat unusual seafood for teatime at Kuala Sepetang mangrove fishing village.
* 5.30pm: Bagan Krian river safari starts. View estuarine wildlife and birds.
* 7.00pm: See quaint riverine villages and catch the glorious seaview sunset at Krian’s river mouth.
* 7.30pm: See the first glitters of fire-fly colonies moments after sundown. Expect to view miles glowing Sonneratia trees in this hidden swamp.
* 8.00pm: Complete boat safari and head back to jetty.
* 8.50pm: Dinner.
* 9.30pm: Transfer back to Ipoh.
Travelers can expect a day of easy-going walks into the swamp forest and breathtaking boat tour to watch the sunset and fire-fly colonies. This superb educational field trip is suitable for the young and old. Needs for safety and steadfast guidance are kept firmly in mind.
Couples, families and friends traveling together will have a good balance between activity and relaxation. Lunch will be enjoyed in a small holder seafood restaurant that’s hygienic and dish out food that only uses locally sourced ingredients.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- One teatime snack (seafood) and one dinner (more seafood) during excursion
- Private English-speaking naturalist/outfitter/instructor
- Private boat and transfers to all destinations & activities
Please note that all trips are private-type and require a minimum of 2 people to operate; surcharge applicable for 1 person trip. Discounts are available for self-drive, groups, retirees, students, families and nature clubs.
All packages are ex-Ipoh, a town 200km north capital Kuala Lumpur(KL) and 150km south Penang. To reach Ipoh from KL, hop on the daytime hourly bus services available at KL Puduraya bus station. The ride takes 2 hrs and cost USD4.20 one way, air con. Recommended bus services are Transnasional, Plusliner or Sri Maju. Hotels are cheap in Ipoh as the town is non-touristy. YMCA offers basic room for USD11.80, budget hotel USD24 air-con room, 3 star hotel USD47 room and 4 star hotel USD80 room.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Malaysia
Ecotourism
Cultural Journey
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