The Fireflies Tour, Kuala Selangor

The fireflies twinkling away in the darkness of the night


It's a pleasant drive out of the city, winding through old rubber and palm oil plantations, a few shanty-looking towns and several Malay villages …peering into a way of life that perhaps seemed all too familiar to the British planters who used to own large tracks of lands out here at the turn of the 19th century.

Colonial planters and estate managers worked hard on their lands for most times of the month. Then when it came to payday, which was usually once every month coincidentally coinciding with a weekend, they walked or cycled into town some 60-odd kilometres away…first to the banks then to the popular watering holes. The planters got merry and rowdy on 'Setengahs' (a popular drink with ½ measurement of water, ½ measurement of whisky). After the long awaited weekend, the planters returned to their humble little cottages tucked away on the edges of the jungle.

For most of the time, these estate managers remained on their rubber plantations, most likely living a solitary life - looking forward to a hunting outing with fellowmen from neighbouring estates.

Proceed to Kuala Selangor town in the quiet hamlet of Kampung Kuantan, one of the largest firefly colonies in the world.

On arrival at Kuala Selangor, visit “Kota Melawati” formerly known as “Fort Altingsburg” , the execution block, royal mausoleum and colonial buildings. A bird sanctuary park at the foot of Bukit Melawati is an ideal place for bird watchers to watch migratory birds. Also found are silvered – leaf monkeys, butterflies etc.

Light House at Melawati Hill

Silver Leaf Monkey

Next proceed to Kampung Kuantan – the highlight of the tour. Row upstream in a small unmotorised boat (tongkang) in the quiet darkness to witness the blinking trees. This scintillating display of fireflies portrays an image of a flashing Christmas tree. The synchronized, rhythmic flashing is produced by the thousands of fireflies found in the mangrove swamp of Kampung Kuantan. The skilled local oarsmen make this experience a memorable and unforgettable one.

The fireflies on a tree, which resembles a Christmas Tree

Goin on the boat to have a closer look at the fireflies

Minimum 2 adults
Please bring along insect repellent
Inclusive set seafood dinner
Departure : Daily at 3.30 pm
Pick up : 3.15 – 3.30 pm (from selected places in KL, please specify pick up point)
Duration : 8 hrs

Please contact for bookings.

E-mail: tourwithguna@yahoo.com

Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary

The National Department of Wildlife and National Parks established the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary in 1989. The center is geared towards the plight of the endangered Malaysian elephant. Elephants are tracked down, sedated and relocated from their natural habitat that have been encroached by human developments, namely plantations. The captured wild elephants are then relocated to National Parks. Over the past 25 years the efforts of the Elephant Sanctuary has helped prevent the further decline of the elephant population by relocating more than 500 wild elephants. The center also takes in orphaned and abandoned elephants.The sanctuary is a popular destination for visitors as they get to participate in activities like feeding and grooming the elephants. They can also help bathe them in the nearby river. Admission to the Elephant Sanctuary is free, however donations towards the upkeep of the elephants is greatly appreciated. At the visitor information center, you can find out more about the center's elephant conservation efforts. There is also a very interesting video presentation. The center's activities take place between 1-4pm



The entrance to the centre.

The elephants

An elephant skull at the information center

Bathing with the elephants

The river where the elephants bathe daily

Waiting at the platform before getting onto the elephant for a ride

Feeding the baby elephants

Feeding the adult elephants

Riding on the elephant

Kuala Lumpur

Here are some pictures of some of the most popular tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur.

The Kuala Lumpur Tower.

The Petronas Twin Towers. A haven for shoppers and one of the tallest buildings in the world.

A birds eye view of the Kuala Lumpur city.

Travel and Tours in Malaysia

Hello everyone,

My name is Guna and I'm from Malaysia. I organize private tours for families and couples. We specialize in nature tours, the elephant conservation centre tours, country tours and city tours. We can also organize other tours upon request.

I have created this blog to enable people from all over the world to contact me if anyone is interested in visiting Malaysia. I can then organize tours to take you around Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, and other fascinating tourist sites in Malaysia.

Please feel free to leave your comments and messages. I can also be contacted through e-mail at tourwithguna@yahoo.com. My mobile number is +6016-3680 228.

And look out for more posts from me as I would be uploading pictures and articles on some of the most interesting tourists spots in Malaysia.

Do keep visiting my blog for more updates.

Hoping to hear from you soon. Take care and have a beautiful day.

-Guna_