Kuala Selangor (1): Finding the Light - Fireflies

After deliberating for some time, I finally picked Kuala Selangor as my end of year holiday spot. Simply because it's nearby and I have only 2 days break. 

The main event was of course, firefly watching.

Initially the plan was to lodge in Bukit Belimbing firefly center resort. Initially. 

But after a long, dark journey to find the place, we finally chickened out and made a U - turn back to civilization. Literally and technically. The road going to the center was so freaking dark without any road lamp; there were sparse houses along the road; and it seems to go on and on forever. What more, Bukit Belimbing is a bit out of Kuala Selangor town. The drizzle - turn - shower made things even more creepier.

Luck was with us, we noticed the De Palma Inn teeny signboard, which sounded decent, and so made a beeline at it, along the way hunting after the signboard for direction.

Finally we found it, a quiet resort half hidden within the village. By this time, the rain finally has thinned down to a drizzle again but the fireflies - viewing plan no longer seems plausible, especially when the receptionist offered his opinion that fireflies do not come out in the rain. But at this bleak moment of despair (what with the slow long drive in the rain), our saviour stepped into the lobby and enquired whether we are interested to join their party to go watch the fireflies. This very kind uncle - we didn't realise back then that he was the hotel manager - simply waved away the receptionist and invited us to join a group of the lodgers who conveniently were heading to another center nearby at Bukit Kuantan.

Now I must admit, at first I was doubtful about the whole thing; do fireflies come or not come out in the rain? But I guess the manager was very persuasive; we ended up boarding the hotel's van to the center. It was very convinient, really, as he has arranged for the tickets and return transport. We paid RM 18 each for that.

I regret not bringing a better quality camera to capture the moments.

It was wonderful - a half hour sampan ride along the glittery shrubs where the fireflies glow silently. If you extend your hand and gently touch a firefly, it would crawl on your hand and shimmer there. If you put some of the berembang tree leaves on your palm, it would blissfully stay and suck at the nectar. So far, non bit or cause any allergic reaction, though I have no guarantee it would be the same for other people.

The viewing time is from 8.00 - 10.00 pm as these apparently are the mating hours where the fireflies shine the most. Best viewed when the moon is not out.

So who said that firefly do not come out in the rain? They sure did that night, under the gentle light rain.

Finally the magical half hour ended and we returned back to the inn.

I must say, it was a pleasant stay. We got lucky, the inn was having a promotion of RM 100 per superior room, without breakfast, a knock - out. For that RM 100, we got a comfortable room with a need interior, an electric kettle with coffee/tea making set, a fridge, sofa set, dressing table, a TV with 4 channels (RM 100... ok lah...), a bathroom with hot water and comfy beds. The room also came with a prayer rug and direction for Qiblat.

The semi - D superior rooms chalet. They may appear small, but adequate enough for 2 persons per room.

 

This was our tom yum steamboat dinner, pre ordered before we left for the fireflies - viewing. OK lah... I've tasted better. Some improvisation done by my friend who boldly requested for some more salt and sugar, made it pretty edible. This huge amount was for 2 small persons ^_^

Breakfast was a modest event, considering the small amount of lodgers as it was an off - peak season.

I think, overall, it was a pleasant stay. The staffs were very friendly and helpful, and the fireflies - viewing tour was an added bonus. Too bad the swimming pool was still under construction.