Drive down from Kuala Lumpur to the world’s largest firefly colony in Kuala Selangor
The sight of trees filled with fairy lights at a quaint cafe might leave you all mesmerized. Imagine if you get to witness a natural display of lights emitted by billion of fireflies whilst rowing in a boat? How satisfying would that be?
Yes, Fireflies do exist in this era where everything beautiful is nearly extinct! Kuala Selangor is a small coastal village which is just a 50 minutes drive away from Kuala Lumpur and is said to embrace the largest colonies of fireflies in the world.
The Selangor river that runs through this village is considered as the talisman of this area for it is the most dominant reason for attracting tourists.
You will be taken on a boat ride to observe the synchronous flashing of fireflies which dwell on a species of mangrove known as Berembang trees that grow along such brackish water.
There are two different places for you to go and admire the beauty displayed by these fireflies:
KAMPUNG KUANTAN FIREFLY SANCTUARY
This place is operated by the state government and the boats here are small wooden boats and steered manually by an oarsman. These boats provide room for only 4 people.
Operating Hours: 7.30pm to 11.30pm
Price: RM10/per person i.e. RM40 per boat. It is inclusive of a bottle of a drink and a local snack.
Tel: 03-3289 1439 and 03 3289 7046
FIREFLY PARK RESORT, BUKIT BELIMBING
This park is privately managed and is also referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the world”. Here, fibreglass boats are electrically powered and can take up to 15 passengers. Additionally, this place even offers you 12 chalets for accommodation with all the basic amenities.
Operating Hours: 7.40pm to 10.30pm
Price: RM15 per person
Tel: 03-9057 2299
BEST SEASON TO VISIT KUALA SELANGOR:
One must not waste their time and money by going on a full moon night or on a rainy/windy evening for the Kelip kelip (fireflies in Malay) do not show up in ample amounts.
FUN FACT: Fireflies stop glowing once they have found their mate, which they usually do after 10 p.m. The parks shut at around 10.30 or 11 p.m. to provide them the privacy they need.
HOW TO REACH HERE?
There is an availability of public transport or else you can rent a car or book a cab to reach here.
IMPORTANT TIPS:
-
Apply mosquito repellant
-
Avoid taking picture with the flash on.
-
Reach as early as possible. The ticket counter opens at 7 p.m.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS:
A trip to Kuala Selangor would be incomplete without visiting Pasir Penambang, a small village next to Kuala Selangor which is prominently known for its toothsome seafood.
So, the next time when you’re in Kuala Lumpur, don’t forget to pay a visit to these Lightning Bugs. At least you’ll have a different story to tell your friends when you go back!