Asia is the biggest continent on Earth. It spans across a few climatic zones. Its Southernmost tip is located in the state of Johor of the Peninsula Malaysia known as Tanjung Piai. The exact location is at lattitude 01 degree 16 North/longitude 103 degree 30 min 46 East.
Tanjung means "cape" in Malay. Tanjung Piai is named after a fern, Acrostichrum aurem (Paku Piai Raya) which flourishes in the mangrove here.
The climate there is tropical with shining sun the whole year round. It has relative humidity of above 90% and temperature 24 - 32 degree Celsius.
Located within the District of Pointan, State of Johor, Malaysia, Tanjung Piai is a haven for diverse species of flora and fauna. Tanjung Piai Johor National Park covers an area of over 926ha, 526 ha of which comprises of lush coastal mangroves.
There are 2 entry points to Tanjung Piai - one at Sungai Belukang and the other at Desa Sri Piai.
Entry into the hinderland of Tanjung Piai nowadays is easy as extensive boardwalk criss-crosses the 926 ha reserve bringing visitors deep into the mangrove thickets, which would otherwise be impossible to penetrate unless the visitors do not mind walking in mud.
At the entrance of Tanjung Piai National Park, one is welcomed by a landmark monument measuring 20m high and 10m wide. It is made of eco-friendly fibre reinforced concrete. Its stark grey colour represents the rich mangroves and mudflats of Tanjung Piai.
The monument is adorned by 2 fronds of Paku Piai Raya (Acrostichum aurem) which is a indigenous fern which Tanjung Piai derives its name. The type of fern flourshes in the mangrove.
Immediately after the monument are frank leading visitors to boardwalk into the mangrove. There are camping sites for both men and women deep inside the mangrove. One may experience a night sleep within the mangrove.
Tanjung Piai is famous for being a hot spot for birdwatchers to visit during the migratory season which falls around September and March every year. Among the birds which one could spot the whole year round are :
- i. Collared kingfisher (Hacyon chloris)
- ii. Goldenbodied woodpecker (Dinopium javanense)
- iii. Chestnut bellied malkoha
- iv. Egrets
- v. Grey herons (Arden cinerea)
- vi. Little herons (Butorides striate)
- vii. Lesser adjutant
2 species of monkey are thriving here. One is longtailed macaque and the other dusky leaf monkey with a cute white "mustache" and white rim around its eyes.
One may spot fiddler crabs in gorgeous colors of orange and electric blue by a slow walk on the boardwalk. The other animal a visitor can see is beady-eyed mudskippers. If it is disturbed, it will stir the mud and escape quickly.
There is a resort here called Tanjung Piai Resort with 6 studio rooms catering for different needs located near to the Tanjung Piai National Park. Booking in advance must be done if visitors want to stay here.
If a visitor cannot get booking at the Tanjung Piai Resort, he may have to stay at Pontian or Kukup for a night or two before coming back to Johor Bahru. Transportation from Pontian to Tanjung Piai is by a cab.
This article is written by Chai Yong from http://www.temasekmap.com which provides handy map of Singapore, map of Batam & Bintan, map of Johor & Johor Bahru and an ebook.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chai_Yong
