Kuala Selangor Firefly & Batu Caves Tour include Dinner+Boat-Ride
Description
Kuala Selangor is one of the few places in the world where visitors can watch the synchronized flashing of the fireflies. One of the state’s best-kept secrets, the fireflies colonies at Kampung Kuantan and Kampung Bukit Belimbing are a rare natural phenomena. These tiny insects live on berembang (Sonneratia caseolaris) trees that grow in the brackish waters. Enjoy a boat ride along the river to watch this enchanting display. Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner & Boat-ride.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Batu Caves is a an iconic and popular tourist attraction in Selangor. Site of a Hindu temple and shrine, Batu Caves attracts thousands of worshippers and tourists, especially during the annual Hindu festival, Thaipusam. A limestone outcrop located just north of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves has three main caves featuring temples and Hindu shrines. Its main attraction is the large statue of the Hindu God at the entrance, besides a steep 272 climb up its steps to finally view the stunning skyline of the city centre. Monkeys frolic around the caves, and it is a popular spot for rock climbing enthusiasts. Paintings and scenes of Hindu Gods can also be seen in the Ramayana Cave.
Sri Shakti Temple is the only temple in the world where manifestations of all 51 Shaktisare installed. Consciously interspersed within this space are 96 carved pillars that depict the 96 universal principles of Hinduism. Encircled by a huge decorative wall, entrance into the temple is via a magnificent Raja Gopuram (multi-tiered tower). Soaring to a height of 74 feet, the 5-tiered Raja Gopuram is a proud proclamation of the architectural treasures within. The temple’s main entrance comprises 18-foot high sculptured granite frames weighing up to 4 tonnes, carved by skilled craftsmen from the ancient city of Mahabalipuram in Tamilnadu, India.
The lighthouse is located at the highest point of Bukit Melawati where visitors can enjoy the panoramic views of the Straits of Malacca. It was built in 1907 and started to serve for navigation purposes since 1910. Due to its strategic location, it was also used to monitor the Strait of Malacca. It was named after a Dutch General and was widely used during the British colonial-period.
This ancient fort was constructed in the late 18th century during the reign of the second Sultan of Selangor. It later yielded to the Dutch cannons. The site is preserved with the original foundation stones, cannons as well as a fabled execution block. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the coastline from the hill. The Hill of Melawati is also home to the Silver-Leafed Monkeys and Long-Tailed Macaques. You can purchase peanuts from vendors around the area at Bukit Melawati and feed the monkey. Although the Silver-Leafed Monkey are generally quite gentle, visitors are advised to be cautious with the Long-Tailed Macaques as they can be highly mischevious. Just be careful when feeding them as they are considered wild creatures and can be dangerous when provoked.
Kuala Selangor is a small coastal village northwest of Kuala Lumpur. The village is renowned for the great attraction alongside the Selangor River that runs through the village. On this river you can spot the famous fireflies (Kelip-Kelip in Bahasa Melayu) during evenings/nights. The fireflies all are found on the mangrove tree species called berembang. It is said that this is one of the biggest firefly colonies in the world. If you want to check out the fireflies yourself. Fireflies are also known 'Lightning Bugs' and they shine brightly at the night to attract a suitable partner. Apparently, they are able to shine during the day too but humans then cannot see it. They are only seen at night in and along the 'Berembang' trees along the Selangor River. We could not spot any in the palm trees or any other trees for that matter. Often their flashing becomes sychronised, the overall effect is just like the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree. A trip along the river banks at the Selangor River at night is truly magnificient, and definitely a great attraction that should not be missed. There are a couple of nice restaurants where they mainly serve fresh seafood. Restoran Kuala Selangor is where we enjoyed a very nice local meal at Pasir Penambang (1A, Jalan Bagan Sungei Yu). You can stay overnight in the village of Kuala Selangor or at the chalets at Kuala Selangor Firefly Park.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pick-up & Drop At any Hotels / Apartments & Residence in Kuala Lumpur City
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(5)
Not a great experience - lots of mosquito and a very short tour. The ourney from the hotel to the tour area and during the way were not clear.
My friend and I loved all the stops on the way to the firefly location. And our driver was excellent, however the firefly experience was, in my opinion, not worth it. And of course, this is not the driver's fault. The firefly outfit put 30-35 people into the boats. We were so crowded that you could not even turn around to take a picture during the five minutes we looked for the fireflies. We also did the blue water thing which we never did see. It was disappointing.
Something different these Fireflies! Great Guide! Good combination!.......................................
Disappointing – Not a Tour, Just Transport and a Basic Meal We were really looking forward to this experience, but it didn’t deliver. This is essentially just a driver taking you from place to place — there was no commentary or information provided throughout the trip. Even when we asked questions, the answers were brief and unclear. The Firefly boat ride was beautiful, but again, no explanation or background was offered by that company, which made it feel like a missed opportunity to learn more about the area or the natural phenomenon. Dinner was also disappointing. We provided dietary information in advance but were not asked or acknowledged on arrival. Food was brought to the table without explanation, and when I asked what a dish was, I received a blunt response ("fish fillet") and nothing more. The seafood component was minimal — just two prawns per person and a small amount of fish — so it felt a bit misleading given the way the dinner was described. Overall, this felt like a very expensive car ride with a basic dinner, rather than a guided tour. With a few improvements — like adding context, offering basic hospitality, and communicating clearly — this experience could be much better.
We were picked up directly at our hotel by a very friendly driver who took us to the 4 chosen points. Private excursion. Passage to Batu Caves. This is to be seen for the imposing statue and the temple built inside the cave. In 30 minutes it is indeed more than enough. Monkeys are a spectacle and unfortunately the place filled with pigeons. Fortunately they pass a jet of water to clean.... Then stop at Amman Temple, far from everything. Very serene place and beautiful unpainted carved temple. We made a new stop at a lighthouse, the woman walking we took the cart that brings us up to admire the scenery and monkeys.... Little interest but it doesn’t make a detour so we might as well do it. And last stop in Selangor before going to see the fireflies, to dine by the river in one of the great restaurants that does well. We ate well there. Boarding at 19:15 in a small boat for a few minutes before arriving at the fireflies site. And there the magic happens, full of little beasts that we only see because they shine. The pilot approached the mangroves to catch some and show us. Some of them are entering the boat. These few minutes are superb. Then back to the river controllers... afternoon very nice! Then return to the hotel with our pleasant driver!
