Get Awed By The Fireflies Of Kampung Kuantan

By Sakini Mohd Said KUALA SELANGOR (Selangor, Malaysia), Jan 30 (Bernama) -- Stillness permeated Kampung Kuantan in the evening, interrupted after long intervals by the sound of a passing car or motorcycle. On the left and right, houses were scattered, with their typical traditional architecture, many made of wood, and some newer ones made from concrete. At dusk, the quiet and empty village was suddenly abuzz with people, both local and foreign visitors, who arrived eagerly in droves to see one of the wonders of nature -- the fireflies of Kampung Kuantan. ONLY SAMPAN ALLOWED The smiling faces and high pitched voices of the visitors reflected their excitement. On a small jetty, they waited patiently after donning the safety jackets for their turn to board the sampan. Alhough darkness had set in, the silhouette of the oarsmen and the passengers moving across the vast Sungai Selangor was visible. Visitors may had initial reservations about getting into the sampan in the intimidating river, but they were assured of their safety by oarsmen who have been in the trade for years. For safety reasons, each sampan is only allowed to carry four passengers. Why use sampan when a motorised boat is much easier to navigate over this strong-flowing river? The idea is to preserve nature, as the sampan can eliminate sound and smoke pollution that can be detrimental to the pristine habitat. Furthermore, the sampan ride adds to the thrill. The silence of the night was interrupted on and off by the cries of water fowl, and the whole atmosphere provided visitors with a real experience of wild settings. CHRISTMAS TREES ALONG THE RIVERS? In less than five minutes, the sampan reached the opposite side, and slowly the natural splendour the visitors have been waiting for started appearing. The initial fear over the fast-flowing river and the discomfort caused by the rocking sampan were soon overwhelmed by the sight of the lighted mangrove trees along the river. It is a spectacle that this writer finds it difficult to describe in words. Who would have imagined a Christmas atmosphere on the isolated banks of Sungai Selangor? The fireflies flickered simultaneously, their light glowing and fading in the panorama of a beautifully lighted Christmas tree. "It is remarkable experience for anyone. Other than in Kuala Selangor, this nature's splendour can only be seen in Brazil and Papua New Guinea. "Other than in Kampung Kuantan, the fireflies can be found in several locations in the country. However, they are rare and often found in small numbers," saya Sahar Lahajar, lead oarsman. FIREFLIES Kampung Kuantan, located about 9km from Kuala Selangor, is the best spot for both the local and foreign tourists to watch fireflies. The mangrove tree Berembang, or Sonneratia Caseolaris, that thrives on the banks of Sungai Selangor is the natural habitat for the fireflies. The fireflies found here are of the Phteroptyx Tener variety, only 6mm in length. They emit light from the lower abdomen at a rate of three flickers per second. The insect emits light to attract mates, with the males emitting brighter light than the females. The fireflies only have a lifespan between six and seven months and are highly sensitive to changes in environment. Other than Kampung Kuantan, Bukit Belimbing, located about 22km from here, has been attracting visitors as well with the fireflies. A FINE OF RM1,000! Visitors are only to view the fireflies and they are not allowed to touch them or even take pictures. Those who fail to adhere to these prohibitions can be fined RM1,000 (US$327.33). Camera flashes can stun these insects and cause them to stop flickering, points out Sahar. "Having said that, I must admit it is not easy to make the visitor toe the line, especially those who come from faraway places. At times we have to give in to their request to take pictures. "We always advise them to avoid taking pictures, as this will make their numbers dwindle," he said. Sahar pointed out that the number of visitors during weekdays is fewer, but at weekends can reach up to 400 people. There are 31 oarsmen in Kampung Kuantan and taking visitors to the fireflies is now their part-time undertaking. Sahar noted that the best time to see these insects in action is during moonless nights, as they appear clearer, and preferably during high-tide, because only then can the sampan get as close as possible to the mangrove area. TNB'S CONSERVATION EFFORT, A LIFELIME FOR THE BOATMEN In conserving the firefly habitat, national utility company Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) has been working with the Selangor State Government and the Kuala Selangor District Council (MDKS). The effort is part of the electricity generator and distributor's corporate social responsibility. TNB has allocated RM1.5 million for the purpose over a five year period since 2008. TNB Community Affairs' head Ahmad Zaki Rasid noted that the allocation involves upgrading of infrastructure, promotion and research. "The fireflies are very much synonymous with TNB because they emit light and TNB, too, provides light to the people. "TNB also provides foreign-language classes for the oarsmen to help them communicate with foreign visitors," he said. TNB's efforts have helped enhance the oarsmen's income, especially as the number of visitors has increased by more than 50 per cent. Asked whether TNB would continue with the effort after the five year period, Ahmad Zaki replied: "It depends on the federal government. If we are offered the opportunity, hopefully, we will continue". HOW TO GET THERE? The journey from Kuala Lumpur to Kampung Kuantan takes an hour, and the place is also accessible by public transport. Those keen can take a ride with bus no 141 from Hentian Duta to Kuala Selangor and continue the journey in a taxi to Kampung Kuantan. For those coming from Klang, the Transnasional no 156 from Klang Bus Stand will get them there. There are also tour agencies offering visits to Kampung Kuantan. The 60km ride from Kuala Lumpur to Kampung Kuantan provides a refreshing view of palm oil plantations and settlements in the outskirt. The flickering lights of the fireflies will awe anyone, and are best appreciated with one's own eyes. -- BERNAMA Malaysia fireflies