What it is: Wetland Nature Reserve
Location: Kuala Selangor, West Malaysia
Entrance Fee: $1.15 (RM4) per adult, $0.29 (RM1) per child (7-16) years of age.
The Kuala Selangor Nature Park is a mangrove wetland, an ecological oasis covering over 800 acres of inland secondary forests, muddy estuaries and mudflats abutting the sea and a 25-acre brackish lake that showcases wetland animals.
The diversity of habitats within the park also harbors a diverse collection of wildlife.
Less than two hours from Kuala Lumpur, you'll be able to see Brahminy kites, fiddler crabs, mudskippers, silvered langurs, banded archer-fish, and wading herons and egrets in their native habitat, doing what comes naturally.
The park is also an important stopover for migratory birds flying in from as far away as Siberia.
With all this biodiversity packed within its borders, the park serves as a great nature education site, leaving its visitors with a greater appreciation for mangroves and the need to conserve Malaysia’s unique wetland flora and fauna.
The Park is managed by the Malaysian Nature Society with support from the Selangor State Government.
Three Types of Habitat
Mangroves and mudflats, secondary forests and a brackish lake form the three dominant habitat types, each with their own unique properties.
Mangrove trees have evolved to thrive in the saltwater muck, and also serve as habitats for a number of sea creatures. Crabs, molluscs and mudskippers inhabit these areas, emerging at low tide to forage for food.
The park’s 450 acres of secondary forests are full of strangler figs and climbers. The park’s forest trails help visitors come face to face with snakes, songbirds and lizards.
The park’s brackish lake is bordered by a path and three wildlife observation towers – these offer a great way to socialize with other visitors, seek refuge from the sun, and see wetland birds up close.
The lake is also bordered by a “bund”, a manmade embankment to keep water levels in the lake suitable for birds to feed and roost.
The Visitors' Center is open seven days a week, including public holidays, from 9 am to 6 pm. You'll start your jaunt around the park right here, where you'll pick up tickets, drinks, souvenirs and vital information on the park.
How to get there
Travelers can get to Kuala Selangor by a number of ways:
- Visitors can make their way to Kuala Selangor by taking bus No. 141 in front of the main bus terminal, Puduraya Bus Station in Kuala Lumpur.
- Drive from Kuala Lumpur via Sungai Buloh (Route 54) or take the North-South highway and exit at the Sungai Buloh signboard and follow the signs to Kuala Selangor. Or travel to Rawang (Route E1) and head west to Batang Berjuntai (Route B33) and then proceed to Kuala Selangor. An alternative is to go straight to Klang and go north on Route 5.
- Kampung Kuantan (firefly watching) is only a 15 minute drive from town; turn left off Route 5 to Route 33 and watch for the blue Kelip-Kelip signs.
What To Bring
When going to the nature park, it pays to come prepared. Here’s a short list of items to pack when planning a trip here:
- Birdwatching equipment (binoculars, scopes)
- Camera equipment (tripod, filters)
- Long-sleeved shirt for protection
- Wear a hat or cap to block out sun
- Mosquito spray for walking trails a must
- Wear shoes that can get muddy, bring extra pair for ride home
- Plenty of water and energy snacks for trail walks and bird hides
- Guide books to identify birds, butterflies, mammals and reptiles
- Patience in the hot sun to wait out wildlife for that perfect shot
Contact Details
Kuala Selangor Nature Park Office
Jalan Klinik, 45000 Kuala Selangor
Tel: 603-3289-2294
Fax: 603-3289-4311
E-mail: ksnaturepark@yahoo.my
