WHO would have thought that an ordinary-looking river like Sungai Kerian in Nibong Tebal during daytime would transform into a beautiful and magnificent scenery at night with thousands of fireflies?
In a recent visit to the river, the Buletin Mutiara team was taken on a boat ride in a night tour along the 8km river to experience this magical phenomenon.
During the 45-minute boat ride from the jetty in Jalan Teluk Ipil, we were amazed with the fireflies doing their awesome synchronised flashing covering the trees around the banks.
The scenery was unforgettable. It seemed like the whole river had been decorated with fairy lights, evoking a great feeling of awe.
The firefly tour was conducted by Amazing Nibong Tebal, a tour company owned by local entrepreneur, Tan Chin Hock.
It offers a special boat ride package after sunset along the Sungai Kerian.
Tan said the idea to make Sungai Kerian as a popular tourist destination for firefly watching came in 2005 when he and his friends visited a popular firefly spot in Kuala Selangor.
“When I came back here, I could see that the firefly habitat in Sungai Kerian has the same environment as the one in Kuala Selangor.
“What I mean is the river here has plenty of Berembang trees which are one of the important elements to attract fireflies.
“Thus, I could see the potential to further promoting Sungai Kerian and turning it as a popular destination for firefly watching.
“And in 2007, I set up my own tour company which is known as Amazing Nibong Tebal for that purpose,” he told Buletin Mutiara during the trip.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Tan said he received about 5,000 domestic and foreign tourists each year.
“Most of them came from Hong Kong, Singapore, China and Taiwan.
“Although our business has suffered losses due to this pandemic, we are slowly recovering now after the Federal Government has allowed interstate travel which opens the door to domestic tourism.
“I also hope the Penang government will continue their good efforts in preserving and conserving Sungai Kerian.
“This is important to ensure the firefly habitat along with others will be keep protected,” he said.
Tan said his company provides two trips to watch firefly along the Sungai Kerian.
“We operate daily with the trips starting at 7.45pm and 8.30pm.
“Each trip will take about 45 minutes. If there are more visitors, we will add more trips to the schedule.
“The entrance fees for adult and children (aged 12 and below) are priced at RM35 and RM15 respectively.
“We are located at Kampung Che Isa in Jalan Teluk Ipil,” he added.
For further details, call Tan Chin Hock at 012-555 4873.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis