Laut Matang Swampland (Hutan Paya Laut Matang), Perak

It is by sheer accident that we stumbled on this fantastic place. We were going to Kuala Sepetang from Taiping and the huge and impressive entrance caught my eyes.

And what do you know? The place opens at 4.30 pm to 7 pm and we were there right on the dot at 4.30 pm! The guard let us in but we really do not know what to expect to see.

However, surprise, surprise, it turned out to be a refreshing change of scenery and a great place for my kids. The sign said it is a an edu-eco (something) which probably means a place to study the ecosystem of the swampland.

The place is well-kept and has this wooden plank walk that meander through the swampy forest. I was expecting swarms of mosquitoes attacking my little toddler but nope, he came out unscathed.

There are places with huge pelantar or deck where a big group of people can gather. I told myself that it would be a fantastic place to hold a Halloween party (I went before Oct 31) as the trees would make grotesque backdrop.

Along the path, there are signs to inform us how the swampland help in maintaining the eco-system and how the trees help erosions etc.

At the end of the walk, we went past the living quarters of the Forestry Dept. staffs which are quaint little houses with beautiful gardens. I was transported back to my childhood where catching tadpoles was the norm. There were puddles of rainwater trap on the grassland and lots and lots of tadpoles were swimming there.

All in all, it was one of the most interesting trip we had. I hope our Tourism Ministry will promote places like these more prominently because I am sure tourists (foreign ones, especially) will be interested in nature walks like these. I tried googling for more information but unfortunately, I can find much on Laut Matang.

In a gist, I would recommend travelling from Taiping towards Kuala Sepetang. Just look out for the big sign board on the right. A day trip covering Taiping heritage spots and its beautiful lake, Hutan Paya Laut Matang and ending with a delicious prawn noodles (mee udang/mee banjir) or the freshest seafood at Kuala Sepetang will be most memorable.