The Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, officially known as Hutan Paya Laut Matang in Malay, is situated within the administrative district of Kerian, Larut Matang and Manjung in Perak.
Comprising of 19 forest reserves, covering an area of 40466 hectares, it is the largest mangrove forest in Peninsular Malaysia.
Since gazetting the forest and implementing a systematic Matang Mangrove Working Plan in 1904, the Reserve is now acknowledged, both locally and internationally, as the best managed mangrove forest in the world.
On site, a boardwalk with an interpretation trail, camping platforms and chalets are among the facilities provided to researchers, students and tourists alike who are interested in understanding the sustainable management and ecosystem of a mangrove forest.
And for those who are interested to stay for a night, I am sure they will be glad to know that accommodation at the Reserve also happens to be the cheapest in the area, starting from just RM30 a night (for an over-swamp-water chalet).
Besides the environmental sustainability, economically, the Reserve also supports the local community through the provision of aquaculture sites for fishing and cockle breeding, as well as acting as a source of greenwood for the nearby charcoal-making industry.
So, the next time you visit Taiping, make sure you take a detour to see the best managed mangrove forest reserve in the world!!
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