Attractions Of Kampung Kuantan, Berembang Tree.

The Berembang Tree

The scientific name of Berembang tree is called "Sonneratia Caselaris" and is a type of mangrove tree that grows wild near the banks of Selangor River where the damp and swampy environment cause it to grow well. Besides being a source of food for the fireflies, it also acts as a filter that filters the dirt and poison from the river that produces clean water for the other living creatures. The living creatures that thrives here are the crabs, fish, birds and prawns.

Attractions Of Kampung Kuantan, Cruising Along The River.

The best time to visit the park is after nightfall at approximately 7:30pm to 7:45pm. It is also advisable to go when it is not full moon and not during raining evening. Usually the place is quite packed during the weekends hence try to go during weekdays. One should take note that once the kelip kelip has found its mate, the flashing would stop, usually by 11.00 pm. Make sure that you do not go too late as the park is opened from 7:00pm and closes at 11:00pm.

            One will have to purchase a ticket costing RM10 per person to take a canoe ride along the river. The ticket includes a bottle of drink and a 30 minutes to 45 minutes slow cruise along the river. Life jacket will be provided during the ride.

Attractions Of Kampung Kuantan, Fireflies Park.

Firefly, one of the fascinating beetle that abound in Malaysia at one time and is now fast disappearing due to the fast pace of development. Fortunately, there are still fireflies to be seen in Kuala Selangor. That was a Kampung Kuantan. When night falls, the fireflies will feed on the nectar of the leaves and attract mates with their synchronised flashing green light. The thorax of the insect produces a green grow that flashes at a frequency of 1/3 Hz, or 3 flashes in one second. Each of the berembang tree has different groups of fireflies and each group has flashes that are synchronised. species. 

The entrance to Kampung
Kuantan Fireflies Park

    Scientifically, the type of firefly found in Kuala Selangor belongs to the Pteroptyx tener species and is about 6cm in length. They have a lifespan of about 2-3 months.  Similar members can be found in lowland tropical rainforest to as high as the highlands, but usually, we will only find one or two individuals at a time. It is only here in Kuala Selangor that you find such large groups congregating together in a bright display of lights, much to the awe of visitors and tourists. The fireflies are only fond of one type of mangrove plant, which is the 'Berembang' tree or Sonneratia Caseolaris. The Berembang trees are one of many different types of vegetation that have adapted to life in a mangrove ecosystem. They grow in clumps along the edges of specific river sections. Two areas have been gazetted as firefly watching zones for tourists, namely Kampung Belimbing and Kampung Kuantan.

            

The picture of a typical firefly found here