Ride to Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve

It has been quite some time since I rode my kapcai on a long distance. The holy month of Ramadan is getting near and I just need to ride somewhere before the fasting month starts. I had ridden up north to the states of Kedah, Perlis, northern Perak and Thailand's border towns. This time I was thinking of riding down south. 

As usual, I Googled for interesting places in Perak. It is either in Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar or Taiping. Since I only intended to make it a day ride, Taiping is the most suitable destination and the shortest distance among the above options. Taiping is actually located on the northern part of Perak but it is on the south of Penang state.

Now, let's see which part of Taiping should I go to? After a brief search, I found that the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve was quite interesting, and I love nature too.

Trying out a new pair of army boots. A gift from a dear friend, Warrant Officer First Class Salimuhar.

On a nice sunny Sunday afternoon, on 22nd June 2014 to be precise, I took off with my old Yamaha Lagenda 110. It was about 4.30pm and I took the North-South highway from Prai heading south until Kamunting Exit. At 5.30pm, I reached Simpang Taiping for refueling. The distance was approximately 82km. After filling up the tank, I took off to Kuala Sepetang.

Kuala Sepetang is a coastal town in Taiping. It was formerly known as Port Weld. Port Weld marked its name in Malaysian history books as the first railway line in Peninsula Malaysia. It was built from Port Weld to Taiping town. However, the railway line had been dismantled.

Kuala Sepetang is famous for its Malay prawn noodle, or locally known as 'mee udang' and Chinese seafood. You can find a lot of prawn noodle stalls and seafood restaurants in Kuala Sepetang.

My main intention here was not for the food but to visit the mangrove swamp.

The distance from Simpang Taiping to Kuala Sepetang is about 11km and about 12 minutes ride. I rode through Kuala Sepetang town, a small population mixed with Malay and Chinese fishing villages. The Indian population resides in the palm oil plantations nearby. After a brief sightseeing ride in the small town, I went to the mangrove forest reserve park.

At about 6pm, upon reaching the main entrance, it was too quiet with almost no visitors. I went to the guard house at the main entrance, there were two security guards on duty. They said the park was closed for that particular day as the Raja Permaisuri of Perak had visited the park a day earlier and it was closed today for the cleaning up works.

However, the security guards were kind enough to allow me to have a short tour at the park. They were very courteous. How I wish all security guards in Malaysia are as friendly and courteous as these guards.

The wooden walkway throughout the mangrove swamp area.

The rubbish bin was being overturned by monkeys seeking for food.

Empty car park as the place is closed for that particular day.

This is where I stumbled upon a wild Hornbill.

I took a quick stroll in the park with my bike up to the jetty by the river. The mangrove swamp is well preserved. Mangroves play a very important role in the ecology system.

There were lots of bird species here. I stumbled upon a Hornbill. This is the first time I saw a live wild Hornbill. It was very beautiful. It flew away before I managed to capture a photo.

The rear rim is dirty with chain lube. Didn't have the time to wash the bike (or just plain lazy?) hehehe

After the short visit, I went to thank the security guards and call it a day. On my way back, I took a different route, This time I tried a short cut which I found through Google Map. The route is a narrow road across the villages and through the palm oil plantations. It is quite narrow, about a car's width.

Upon reaching the main road, I headed north and use the North-South Highway from Kamunting toll plaza to Prai.

Taking a short break at Bukit Merah R&R

The total riding distance is approximately 180km (both ways).

The fuel cost:-

Full tank from Prai: RM7

Simpang Taiping: RM5

Total: RM12

Ride a kapcai, save fuel & save the environment. hehehe

I wish to take this opportunity to wish all Muslims, "Ramadan Kareem".

Till the next ride, cheers.