Firefly Watching

FIREFLIES (KELIP- KELIP) 

Firefly also known as "Kelip-Kelip" in Malay is a type of insect from the beetle family.The fireflies in Kuala Selangor are unique because of its tail that produces light. The light flashes by each insect is at an accurate interval of 3 seconds. Imagine watching thousands of fireflies flashing their light at an accurate rhythm. The fireflies are 6 cm in length. The male fireflies flash out brighter lights than the female counterparts. This is because the male must attract the female fireflies during the mating season. The lifespan of firefly is about 2-3 months.

Watching fireflies has become a major attraction for the district of Kuala Selangor which draws large number of tourists from all over the world. In fact, it has been listed as a “must-see” agenda in numerous international tour guides.  Kuala Selangor has the largest firefly colonies in the world due to the ‘Berembang Tree’ or known by its scientific name ‘ Sonneratia Caselaris’ is a type of mangrove tress that grows wildly along the bank of Selangor River. The fireflies will consume the juice from the leaves.

Kuala Selangor situated about 100 km east of Kuala Lumpur. The trip should start at 4.00 pm from Kuala Lumpur to avoid traffic. Throughout the journey you can see palm oil trees, coconut and rubber trees, cows grazing grass and locally owned pottery kiln, road side fruit stalls and rickety general stalls.

Malawati Hill

You will then pay a visit to Bukit Melawati (Fort Altingsburg). The hilltop view offers a sweeping view of Straits of Malacca and the mangrove swamps of Kuala Selangor. 

The Straits of Malacca

The fortress on this hill was built in late 18th Century to defend Selangor from the attack of the enemies. The high ground provided a vantage point of view to monitor the ships that passed by the Straits of Malacca. This hill was captured by the Dutch and renamed Fortress Altingsburg, the name of the Dutch Governor General at that time. The Civil War that occurred from 1867 to 1873 due to the struggle for tin mines had destroyed this fortress which was later taken over by the British.

What remains of the fortress today are some cannons, foundation stones, Poisoned Well and colonial houses. Other attractions at Malawati Hill include a light house, a royal mausoleum, a viewing tower, a museum, 200-year-old angsana trees and the monkeys.

200-year-old Angsana tree

Light House

On top of Malawati Hill stands a huge and well maintained light house that was built in the year 1907. This century old structure is still in use today to guide ships that sail along the Straits Of Malacca.

Silver Leaf Monkeys

There are many monkeys from the species called Silver Leaf and Long Tail Macaques. The Silver Leafed baby monkeys have golden fur as compared to the adults with dull-ashen grey fur. They roam freely in this park and will not hesitate to come near you if you have food for them. You will be able to see many visitors feeding the monkeys bread, rambutans and nuts. The adult Silver Leaf Monkeys are dark-haired whereas the young ones have a distinctive bright orange-haired all over the body. They are more gentle in nature compared to the Long Tail Macaques.

Bread and fruits can be purchased from the sellers at the hill itself if you intend to feed the monkeys. As the monkeys are wild, be careful when you feed them. 

Eagle Feeding

Eagle Feeding is the other attraction in Kuala Selangor. It will be your wonderful experience here. You will be able to experience 20-40 eagles flying in the sky and waiting the foods from your tour guides. 

Eagle Feeding is started with a boat trip from a jetty at Pasir Penambang to the estuary of the Selangor River.

The Boat Jetty

The ticket for Eagle Feeding and Firefly Watching can be purchase at the ticket counter in each service provider. Don't worry your executive taxi driver will assist you in getting your ticket.

Service Provider

You will spend about 45 minutes to 1 hour with the Eagle Feeding activities. While waiting for the Firefly Watching which is around 7.30 pm for the first boat trip, you can enjoy seafood in the restaurants near the jetty or you can do some shopping in the local shops. They are mainly selling local processed seafood products.

Firefly Watching

At about 7.30 pm the boat will arrive at the jetty to pickup guests. You will be given a life jacket to make sure safety during the boat ride to the fireflies location. 

The boat ride will take about 20 minutes to reach the area where the largest firefly colonies in the world is situated. Enjoy the amazing natural phenomena. The activity will end at around 9.00 pm. 

I am charging RM450 for the trip which include to and fro 

fare, toll charges and waiting time. 

Call me for booking 0193956856