Posted on 06-Sep-2013
By Private Reuben Lim of 6th Kuala Lumpur Company
27th July 2013
KUALA SELANGOR – On July 27th, 2013, the 6th KL BB held a field trip to Kuala Selangor Nature Park. This trip was held as a part of the practical assessment of the Nature Awareness Basic Level. Three senior Boys, Privates Patrick Soon , Reuben Lim and Poon Zhi Yong was accompanied by their Captain, Madam Goy Su Ling and KL State FTO Mr. Kenny Voon. The small team departed for this trip at Holy Light Lutheran Church, Salak South Garden at 8.00 am.
Note : Kuala Selangor Nature Park, also known as Taman Alam, is a sanctuary for many different types of flora and fauna. Kuala Selangor Nature Park is situated at the mouth of Selangor River. The lake in the Kuala Selangor Nature Park is manmade and is controlled via sluice gates. The Kuala Selangor Nature Park is the home of mangroves (spans up to 800 acres!) and mudflats. Wildlife such as otters, leopard cats, silvered leaf monkeys, mudskippers, king crabs and 156 species of birds can be spotted in the park. Nordman Greenshank, one of rarest birds around can be found here as well.
As part of the assessment, the senior Boys will have to capture photos of all sort of wildlife as well as make notes of its classification, habitat, size and other observations. After paying an entrance fee, we began our quest to seek out the many fauna dwelling in this forest with an excited heart and mind.
As we wondered through the thick forest, we observed the wonders of mother nature displayed around us. Within the lush greenery of this forest, we could spot some birds and even a squirrel but was not very successful in capturing its photo. After crossing a bridge, along the trial, we saw a group of macaques by the riverside. These primates did not seem to be afraid of human and we respectably kept our distant.
Note : Silver leafed monkey and long-tailed macaques (above) are the main draw of the Bukit Melawati Hill, Kuala Selangor. The silver haired monkeys are a delight as they are gentle and playful.
A good DSLR camera would be needed to capture shot of these flying birds. Soon we entered the swampy area where mangrove trees surrounded us. Lots of mudskipper could be seen lazing around the side of the lake.
Note : Mudskippers (left) are a type of fish. They are part of a fish family known as tribe Periophthalmini), which is in the family or type of Gobies. They are amphibious fish which means that they can use their pectoral fins to "walk" on land. Because they are amphibious, they are unlike most fishes. Mudskippers are active when they are out of the water.
The far view of the brackish lake system was magnificent. Stopping at some of the gazebo provided allowed us to get better observation of some grey-herons. Watching these white water birds in their natural surrounding brings one closer to nature.
In this large sanctuary, many trails could be found, allowing visitors to journey deeper into the forest where the chance of spotting wildlife would be greater. From here, we took the “Mangrove Walkway” where there are mangrove tress as far as the eye can see, truly living up to its name. There were also numerous crabs of different species below the bridge of this trail. The mangrove tress, providing excellent shelter, serves as great habitat for these crabs.
Further down the trail, we came across two king crabs! All too soon, we reached the end of this walkway. Not far from the exit of this walkway, there is a watch tower, allowing us to check out the view of the park from a high point. That was when we saw a crested serpent eagle, perched on top of a very tall tree.
Soaring gracefully high above our head in the sky were some egrets.
After that, we traveled the pathway all the way back and soon reached the end our journey in this park but our trip had not ended yet….nearby the park was the Freshwater Fish Park where there are lots of aquarium displaying a wide variety of freshwater fishes. Next to the aquarium, there is also a small section where birds could be seen in their cages. This is probably for those who had missed seeing them in the wild. We did not linger long here and left shortly after seeing everything.
We left the place feeling tired but was grateful for the opportunity to get close to nature and its huge diversity of flora and fauna. Now to the highlight of our trip – a scrumptious seafood lunch treated by our generous captain at a well known seafood restaurant. What a fine way to end our trip….
