Matang Mangrove Forest

Jomm Kiteee Yeopp!

Gazetted as a Permanent Forest Reserve in 1906, the Matang Mangrove Forest spreads over 40,000 hectares and is the largest mangrove forest reserve in Peninsular Malaysia. It is also recognised internationally as the best managed sustainable mangrove ecosystems in the world.

Matang is teemed the rich and diverse wildlife and habitats that live in the mangrove and mudflats. About 80% of the reserve is made up of sustainable-yield production forest, consisting mainly of the Bakau Minyak andBakau Kurap species.

It is the perfect place for anyone wanting to beef up on their knowledge of nature, with boardwalks leading you into the mangrove swamps for close observation on the forest structure and get up close and personal with the wildlife, such as the Long-tailed Macques and the many migratory birds that stop by. There are also scheduled boat rides down the river at night to see the fireflies.

Things to do:

Nature Guides and Tours: The Perak Forestry Department offers guided tours for visitors interested in an ecological tour or birdwatching session.

Charcoal Production Tour: Large baking kilns are set up in the reserve where freshly cut trees are turned into charcoal. The fires burn for up to 20 days with a temperature that reaches a scorching 220ºC to transform the green mangrove trees into charcoals. The charcoals are then left to be cooled down for 8 days.

Steam Room (Wap kayu): With the plentiful charcoal sources available, operators offer healthy steam baths rooms that use charcoal to heat the water and make steam, which naturally cleanses one’s skin.

Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary: Not far from the reserve is a large wetland swamp, where local and migratory birds make a pit stop. Species spotted at the sanctuary include the endangered Milky Stork, Egrets, Herons, Kingfishers, Bee-Eaters, Woodpeckers and more.

Fireflies River Tour: Hop on a chartered boat after the sun sets to see the abundant fireflies that flock the reserve.