Kuala Selangor Trip - 1 Dec '07

Last Saturday, XY and I went for the Kuala Selangor trip organised by her kindy. They engaged a tour guide who's an environmentalist. Our first stop was the Kuala Selangor Nature Park. The bus ride took over 2 hours. She only napped for awhile in the bus. We went for a short walk along the trail towards a watch tower. The mozzies were having a big feast. I had forgotten to apply the mosquito repellent but it seemed that those who applied were not spared anyway. Along the way, we saw wild monkeys (silvered leaf monkeys) on tree tops. We were told to hold on tight to our belongings as these monkeys may snatch them away. There were also mangrove trees, mangrove ferns and big termite homes. We climbed up the watch tower. It has quite a spectacular view of the lake and the trees. We even saw some eagles flying across (quite far away, of coz).

The next destination was Bukit Malawati. We took the tram up the hill. Things of interest - lighthouse, cannons and monkeys (but these are the friendly type and they're not afraid of humans at all). I took a lot of pictures of the monkeys and I tried to capture one of the babies latching onto its mother for milk. But just couldn't get the right angle and shot. :(

Next, we went to visit a paddy field. The kids played with the paddy plant that the adults had plucked out for them. Too bad I didn't hear the tour guide's explanation of the planting and harvesting process as I was busy taking care of XY playing with her friends.

~ paddy field ~

I was already starving by the time we left the paddy field. It's dinner time. We went to River View Seafood Restaurant. They served 'ku lou yuk' (sweet and sour pork), fish ball soup, butter prawns, deep fried mantis prawn, fried chicken, mixed vegetable with tofu and green vege. The food was nothing fantastic. Maybe it's because of our budget or because they have to order food that's suitable for children. Anyway, XY finished all her rice coz she was competing with a friend who's sitting next to her. Moreover, she was highly motivated to finish fast so that she can play with the toy rides (that needs coins to operate). She only had one round of 'movement' (very lucky I have the coins in my wallet). Anyway, she's usually quite contented sitting inside without movement as I always tell her it's out of order or I've got no coins. hehehe

After dinner, we headed to Kampung Kuantan for the highlight of the day. We sat in the sampan with another couple and their daughter (one of XY's good friend whom she has been sticking to throughout the trip). Now they don't use engine to run the sampan due to pollution. So it was manually rowed. XY was so funny, she said she wanted to row the boat. It was really dark and there were patches of fireflies here and there, unlike many many years ago where it lighted up the whole stretch. According to the guy rowing the boat, the fireflies only feed on young mangrove trees, with good leaves. It was really beautiful... the twinkling lights, like a Christmas tree.

~ watched fireflies at Kg Kuantan ~

So that's the end of our trip. The journey back took 2 hours. XY slept most of it but I was wide awake, and feeling very tired. By the time I reached home, it was already 12:15 am. What a long and tiring day, but it was an experience of a lifetime.