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