Kuala Selangor Fireflies | Review | Selangor

KAMPUNG Kuantan in Kuala Selangor has morphed from a sleepy village to one of the most interesting tourist spots in this part of the world, thanks to fireflies that “light” up the once backwaters of development.

The fireflies have shored up the tourist potential of Kuala Selangor and, together with its other cultural and historical heritage such as the old palace walls, cannons and royal mausoleum at Bukit Melawati, make it an attractive destination. Kampung Kuantan is one of a few very accessible spots in the world to go and watch fireflies flickering brightly on trees along Sungai Selangor.

Kuala Selangor firefly trip

The fireflies thrive on the berembang trees in the area. At night, rows after rows of these trees glitter as if they have been decorated for Christmas. It is a spectacular sight and an experience to treasure. It is made all the more special when you view the magical moment aboard a traditional sampan.

Romance In The Night

There was a crowd of visitors waiting at the little jetty where we boarded sampans (four in each boat) to view the “light show” of fireflies along a stretch of about three kilometres. Fireflies on the berembang trees are actually on a ‘romance outing’.

Boats used to ferry visitors to watch the fireflies.

Male fireflies flicker their tail-lights to attract females. The males glow brighter than the females which glow to show their acquiescence. The species of the fireflies, Pteroptyx tener, has a lifespan of between two and three months. The berembang trees provide sap on which fireflies feed.

The swish-swoosh of paddles punctuated the silence of the night as the sampan slowly moved its way along the river. It would be particularly poetic if it was a moonlit night but that night was dark, a perfect setting for watching fireflies. We also regaled ourselves with crocodile tales that added more zest to our trip. Those hoping to take pictures were in for a disappointment unless they had highly sophisticated cameras that could filter the darkness and let the subtle glitter be captured.

These berembang trees provide the needed food and shelter for the fireflies.

All of us gave up after trying for some time. The light of the fireflies simply remained elusive to cameras.

Still Shining Bright

Though there must be millions of fireflies, only a few could be seen flying around near us. I saw a few flying near the water surface. The others were all high up on the trees. At one time, it was feared that the annual haze would affect the fireflies as it contained an acid that could upset the eco-system. But everything seemed fine when we were there.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, who was also there, said the Government was committed to looking after the natural habitat of the fireflies so that they would continue to be a major tourist attraction. The area comes under the jurisdiction of the Selangor State Government and is supported by Tenaga Nasional Bhd and the Forest Research Institute.

The felling of the berembang trees here is prohibited. During the peak season (July to September), the 21 sampans available are not adequate to meet the demand and it is normal to queue up for two hours for a chance to see the fireflies. Tourists pay RM40 per person, which includes life jackets and insurance coverage.

But the wait itself can be entertaining as one can talk to tourists from other parts of the world or just enjoy the view. Kampung Kuantan fireflies are popular with the Japanese, Koreans, Taiwanese and the Arabs.

Other than fireflies, Kuala Selangor is known to have other attractions such as this lighthouse at Bukit Melawati.

When To Go

The best time to view fireflies is on moonless nights between July and September. This is because moonlight makes fireflies look less luminous. One can also shop for souvenirs at the Fireflies Complex near the jetty. The visitor’s centre here opens from 8pm to 10.30pm daily. It is closed on rainy days.

How To Get To Kampung Kuantan

Kampung Kuantan is 9km from Kuala Selangor and 56km north of Kuala Lumpur. One can book a tour with a local travel agency or drive along the North-South Highway or the coastal road from Klang. The drive should take less than one hour. There are also bus services from Puduraya bus station in Kuala Lumpur. Taxi fare from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Selangor is approximately RM40 (for four persons).

Where To Stay

There are many hotels in Kuala Selangor including De Palma Inn Kuala Selangor. It has 48 rooms and is always fully booked especially during school/public holidays and on weekends. Rates (subject to change) are RM155++ (Superior twin share) and RM260++ (Dara suite) and include breakfast. Other accommodation options are Firefly Park Resort Chalets (above RM100), Bukit Melawati Resthouse (RM30-RM50), Nature Park Chalets and dormitory (RM60-RM100), Villa Malawati (RM200), Pantai Indah Seaview Resort (RM100-RM160) and budget hotels (from RM30).

The Firefly Park Resort