Nature Park

The Kuala Selangor Nature Park, also known as Taman Alam, is a large mangrove sanctuary about 200 hectares in size, established since 1987. The park is an important tourist attraction here, with the entrance point located near the foothill of Bukit Melawati. It was originally salvaged from a massive land reclamation project, but has since been preserved as a natural monument that highlights Malaysia's mangrove ecosystem and wetlands diversity. Unlike conventional rainforests, mud and salt is a prevalent element of this untypically harsh environment, greatly influencing the ecological cycle of the local flora and fauna, even down to a microscopic level.

The center of the park is a large wetlands area with random lakes; the visitor trails wind mostly around this point with several bird watching hides, sheds and a watch tower built along the pathways. As many as 150 species of birds can be found in the park, and most of the wading varieties can be glimpsed or observed around the lake, foraging for food in the muddy waters. September till March is a special time for bird watchers as the park attracts a host of migratory birds, some from as far as China and Russia, who come to feed and roost in the lake before flying over to Australia. Meanwhile, the muddy mangrove bed reveals at low tide countless holes in the ground, with colourful crabs scurrying around. Insects such as butterflies can also found abundantly in the park, along with snakes, skinks, monitor lizards, monkeys and otters.

Visitors should note that mosquitoes are rampant in the park at day or night, so cover yourselves well. Because of the nature of mangrove environments, the trees do not often provide dense shade, and the afternoon sun can really cook your skin. Previously, the park used to host a breeding programme for the endangered Milky stork, but it has since been abandoned. The aviary that used to house these creatures can still be seen in the park. The nature park also offers visitor accommodation managed by the Malaysia Nature Society, with chalets and a hostel catering for large groups. Tickets fees are MYR4 per visitor as a conservation fee, and the park opens daily from 9am to 6pm.