Hutan Paya Laut Matang-The Northern Sanctuary

0 0 Tekkaus Wednesday, December 15, 2010 Edit this post

Amazingly, this has got to be one of the most forgotten attractions in Taiping. Today I am going to bring you guys to Taiping's hidden gem-Hutan Paya Laut Matang. It is also known as Matang's Mangrove Swamp. This sanctuary is located at Kuala Sepetang and you can reach this place via the Jalan Taiping-Kuala Sepetang road. I can still remember the morning we embarked on our journey to this venue, it was still raining. We even had a hard time trying to find this place as we strayed into Kampung Sepetang. Ha :D

Welcome to Hutan Paya Laut Matang

After being detoured for 10 minutes, Hutan Paya Laut Matang finally welcomed our arrival. I don't think there was anyone else except for us. It was still drizzling and we needed to bring our own umbrella. Bedazzled...that is what I was feeling when my eyes witnessed the vast, lush mangrove forest in front of me. I have heard a lot about this place but I have never even set my foot here before. So this is my first time being here in Hutan Paya Laut Matang!

Let the journey began!

I love the platform a lot. Walking on it made me feel so..elevated. :p

Jordan boy enjoying the whole forest from the comfort of his seat.

I have always loved to get really close to nature and being here was simply an indelible experience for me. The funny thing is...I have even studied about mangrove back in university...so now you know what my job is right, or do you? LOL :D Mangrove trees can be seen everywhere. You can easily recognize a mangrove tree based on its distinguished pneumatophores, the roots which stick on top of the soil. Aww...the sight of the tall mangroves with their giant roots is really breathtaking. Little Jordan is so lucky huh! He "conquered" this mangrove swamp at such a tender age-5 months old. LOL :D

Mangroves can be seen everywhere. :)

Look at the "airy" roots!

Grandpa, mommy, aunt and little Jordan posing in front of a 63 years old mangrove!

There is even a museum in the middle of the park.

Exposing little Jordan to mother nature. :)

I understand that Hutan Paya Laut Matang has been recognized as the best preserved mangrove forest in Malaysia. This 101,877 hectares of mangrove forest has 198 reserved forests which is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Besides that it is also said that you can find a virgin jungle reserve in Hutan Paya Laut Matang. Hmm...I wonder if I was in this virgin land the other day. There is also an eco-education forest where you can learn about the mangrove more easily.

After our "put stop" at the museum, we continued our expedition! :p

Little Jordan looking around.

OMG! Look at how beautiful this place is!

Jordan was looking at his mommy.

A~ha! Little Jordan had discovered something...

What is it?

Up close & personal: they are beautiful, aren't they?

Have any of you visited Hutan Paya Laut Matang before this? If you were to visit this nature reserve right now, you will be happy to know that they have actually put in a lot of effort to keep it clean and neat. The walking platform/deck have just been repainted some time ago giving it a good, glossy look. Moreover Hutan Paya Laut Matang also boost to have one of the oldest mangrove preservation management projects that dates back to 1904. Wow...more than 100 years already.

You can learn about the different types of mangroves here.

There are also other plants which inhabit this sanctuary.

These are "mangrove babies". Aren't they cute?

This is the place where visitors can get closer to the mangroves.

Haha :D Jordan looks so happy.

Aww...me and mother nature. :)

We also visited a jetty which is connected to the Reba River. A good one hour was spent in this reserved park. Although we have only ventured into a portion of the sanctuary, we still felt that we had seen a lot especially little Jordan. Honestly during the whole visit, he was very attentive to what he had seen. I must admit that I am thrilled to see little Jordan being so close with mother nature. You know being in a forest and admire the beauty of the trees, leaves, river... I know he is still young but I could see from his eyes, he really enjoyed his trip.

You are looking at the Reba river.

The whole place is covered with mangroves.

Can you spot the monkey?

If you happened to be in Taiping for your holiday, why not having a brief stop at this park? I can assure you that after having a stroll in this Hutan Paya Laut Matang for a while, you will instantly feel invigorated. The crisp air and the soothing ambiance will make you feel so fresh. Don't believe me? Try it on your and prove me wrong. LOL :D Bring your family along to this sanctuary as it is also a good place for family to bond. : ) So how do you get to Hutan Paya Laut Matang?

View Larger Map

Want to organize a group trip to Hutan Paya Laut Matang? Wanna know what other activities you can do here for your family, students etc. please feel free to contact:

Pejabat Hutan Daerah Taiping,

Jalan Muzium Hulu, 34000 Taiping.

Tel: 05-807 2762

That's all from me folks. I hope little Jordan can come here again next year when he starts walking. It will be a joy to see him running around under those huge trees. Maybe he will surprise us by saying, "Mommy, daddy~I think I have been here before!" LOL :D Who knows right? See you again next year Hutan Paya Laut Matang-the Northern Sanctuary.