Taman Alam

Taman Alam Kuala Selangor is a nature park for tourists and visitors to explore the rich diversity of Malaysia's mangrove ecosystem and wetlands. In this 200 hectare park, you can expect to see a different kind of tropical forest, one where mud and salt becomes the prevalent element. Unlike lowland or hilly rainforest, the diversity of flora and fauna is smaller, but no less unique in their identity. The trees are predominantly of the same kind, restricted to small sizes and grow with their roots elevated high above the ground, while the soil is muddy and offers little air flow, being constantly inundated with sea water during the change of tides. The roots of the mangrove trees form a butress against the erosion that occurs from this constant flooding while providing a habitat for crustaceans, fish and other coastal wildlife. It is truly a unique environment with its own little ecosystem, but often overlooked in favour of larger scale forests.

Families often enjoy bringing their children for a day trip to the nature park, as the trails are simple and moderate in distance. The different trees, plants and shrubs that grow here are marked with signboards and stickers that describe them scientifically. The next most popular activity in the park is bird watching, as Taman Alam Kuala Selangor lies along the migratory route for coastal birds, especially raptors. Huts, sheds and watch towers have been placed strategically around the wetlands area, especially the largest lake, allowing visitors to quietly observe storks, herons, eagrets and even otters going about their daily business. The visitors center at the entrance charges MYR4 per person to enter. A selection of books from the Malaysian Nature Society (who run the park for the government) can be found here.