Matang Mangrove Swamp

When I was back home, my family and I decided to visit the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve one day. With the exception of my mum, the whole family set off for Matang, armed with our cameras. My younger sister had just bought a new camera, the Nikon D70s and she wanted to try it. I of course had my trusty Canon and my elder sister had her Canon Powershot as well.



The mangrove forest reserve is one of the oldest (if not the oldest) in Malaysia. It was gazetted as a permanent forest reserve since 1906. It is located in Perak and stretches 51.5km, covering more than 40 000 hectares.



The mangrove swamp is still use as a sustainable source for mangrove woods like Bakau minyak and Bakau kurap. It is home to many flora and fauna though on our short trek there, I only saw one bird but plenty of flora which I, unfortunately, could not identify.



The swamp is also used by migatory birds, as many as up to 80 000 birds according to the Malaysian Nature Society. The swamp itself houses up to 75 different species of birds.



It is a beautiful place, quiet, with all the trees surrounding you, all the greenery in different shades. Gorgeous. And to see the roots growing in such intricate patterns. While we were there, there were several families on the same mission as we were and a few joggers utilizing the wooden walkway.



That's my sister, aiming her Nikon at something. Ethan enjoyed being out there - he enjoys going 'kai-kai', however, he was a prime target for all the mosquitoes and insects, poor thing.