Saturday, July 05, 2003
Beautiful marshes in Putrajaya
By Liz Price
When I was a child, my mum used to sing this song:
Oh the great great great hippopotamus
He’s a clever fellow so they say
He can stay, so they say,
Underneath the water for a half a day
Although I haven’t heard this verse for many years, it instantly came to mind when I went to Paya Indah and saw the hippopotamus. Of course, these large animals can’t actually stay underwater for so long, but they do love to wallow in the water. The hippopotamuses (or hippopotami if you prefer) are a recent attraction at the Paya Indah wetlands.
Paya Indah is the brainchild of the Prime Minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and his department. In 1996, a vision to rehabilitate and restore an area of ex-mining land in Kuala Langat was made real when the masterplan to convert it into a unique wetlands park was endorsed and supported by the Federal and Selangor state governments. This project, known as Paya Indah Wetlands, received support and assistance from various government agencies and international organisations.
The wetlands
Paya Indah Wetlands is nestled in the middle of the fast growing areas of Putrajaya and Cyberjaya, and close to Kuala Lumpur International Airport. It lies about 5km from Dengkil on the road to Banting, and is easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur. The Prime Minister officially opened it on Oct 13, 2001.
There are 210 species of residential and migratory birds, such as these Manchurian cranes given by the Chinese government in Oct, 2002. - STAR filepic
The wetlands area encompasses several ecosystems, including abandoned mining lands, lakes and peat swamp forests. These are natural peat swamp forests, and the Wetlands area includes the northern part of the Kuala Langat peat swamp. Tin mining at Kuala Langat began in the 1960s, although tin mining in Malaysia actually started way back in the 1880s. From 1964 to 1980, there were four dredges in operation – one can still be seen alongside the highway to KLIA. These dredges dug large holes as the tin-rich earth was removed, resulting in the numerous lakes seen today.
Rehabilitation
Work commenced on rehabilitating the area after the last tin dredge ceased operation in 1997 when all tin mining operations stopped.
Metal debris was removed, and the lakes were cleared of salvinia, which is a noxious weed. Hills made from piles of peat from the excavated lakes were cleared. More than 6,000 mature trees were planted. Roads were made on bunds of sand. The logging canals are now used as fire breaks.
There are 14 lakes, up to 20m deep, covering 3,100ha. Some of the water in the Wetlands appears quite black. This is not because it is polluted, but a natural occurrence due to the high acidity from the peat, resulting in a pH of about 3-5. The peat is important because it prevents flooding in the wet season by absorbing water, and provides water in the dry season. The marshes are less than one metre deep, from former de-sliming pools where waste soil from the dredges was dumped after the tin ore was removed.
Flora and fauna
There is a rich natural biodiversity. More than 220 species of aquatic and terrestrial plants inhabit the area, providing food and shelter for the fauna, as well as having a beneficial effect on the environment. For instance, the common reed, which is readily found at the water’s edge, is an important plant as the root zone filters pollutants and toxicants, and stabilises shorelines and reduces erosion.
Other plants include tube sedge, ant plant, climbing fern, Straits rhododendron, water lily, and bladderwort, to name just a few. The lotus lakes are particularly scenic when the flowers are blooming. A grasslike sedge found in the marshes here is known as the Chinese water chestnut and the edible turnip-shaped tubers are used in cooking and to make a drink. The green stalks are eaten by the swamp hen and used to build their nests. Papyrus is found in shallow waters. This is a willowy and attractive plant once used by the ancient Egyptians to make paper.
The area is rich in fauna, in particular the avian kind. According to the information centre, there are 210 species of residential and migratory birds. Some of the commonly seen birds are the purple heron, found along the shallow edges of the marshes and lakes, as it seeks frogs, fish and insects to eat. The purple swamp hen, which normally live in small groups, have long toes which enables them to walk across lily pads and lotus leaves.
Fish can be seen in the lakes. There is the Striped Snakehead and Estuarine catfish. Apparently there is a pair of Arapaima in one lake, rescued from a burnt restaurant. They are one of the largest freshwater fishes, growing up to 5m in length, and originate from Latin America. The skeleton of a 5m long Arapaima can be seen in the education centre.
There are 35 species of mammals and reptiles, such as the protected Smooth otter.
The hippo quartet
And one of the main attractions is the imported animals such as the hippopotamus. There are four hippos, two males and two females. They are a gift from the government of Botswana and arrived on Sept 26, 2001, after a 27-hour flight. They have retained their Botswanan names, Kundra, Chendana, Juwita and Ti Ami.
They are Nile hippos, Hippopotamus amphibius, which means river horse in Greek. They can stay underwater about five to 10 minutes at a time, and stay mostly in the water, only emerging when it is time to feed, consuming 60kg of fruit and vegetables a day. They are fed in the evening, and their diet includes cabbage, papaya and grass. In the wild they can live for 35 to 40 years. In captivity, they can live up to 50 years.
The crocodiles are the Estuarine crocodile, the largest species in the world, but actually come from the Langkawi crocodile park. It is difficult to spot them in their enclosure as they blend in with their surroundings, so it is best to see them at feeding time.
There are also several imported birds, such as the Manchurian cranes, which were a gift from China. Others species include Mute swans, Black swans, Great White pelicans, Mandarin ducks and Painted storks. One cage contains the Red Crown crane, which originates from Korea, China, and Japan, a totally protected species.
Getting around
The best way to see the Wetlands is by the “train” or, for the more energetic, there are bicycles to rent. But first, you should visit the information and display centres, to find out more about the area, which will make your visit more informative. There are Park Educators, who can give you lots of information on the Wetlands. If you have time you can make a batik at the centre.
Once you have read what is on offer, board the environmentally friendly train. It is not actually a train but an open carriage pulled by a tractor or powered by electric batteries. Firstly, it takes you alongside some lakes, and then through Palm World. This is a showcase of 83 species of palm from all over the world, representing six climatic zones: South-East Asia, East Asia, India, Africa, Tropical America and the Pacific Islands.
Some palms will be easily recognisable, such as the Sugar palm used for producing black sugar and sago. The Sealing Wax palms with their bright red trunks are commonly found in the peat swamp forests and are used as an ornamental palm in Malaysia.
Chalets available
Perched on a hilly rise overlooking Chalet Lake is Rumah Melayu. This house was made in Besut, Terengganu, from 22 tons of seraya hitam, but assembled in its present location. It is just a showcase house, although there are chalets for rent. These are perfect for seeking a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. There is a choice of three types of chalet – the Waterfront, Bayfront or Cove – each suggesting the view a visitor will be greeted with.
The chalets display Balinese architectural elements and are built using timber from Terengganu. The viewing deck is always cool and breezy – perfect for admiring the view in the daytime or stargazing at night.
There are 18 chalets, with another 15 under construction. Packages are available and some complimentary tour packages are also offered – geological bicycle tours, forest walks, bird watching tours and recreational fishing. Additional tour packages which require two days’ advance notice are a horseback tour, and tours around a tea plantation and tin dredge. There are programmes for children during school holidays, and a two-day/one-night camp.
Future plans include the setting up of a Eurasian savannah, a canopy walk, a South American tropical theme and an Australian theme. Dredge D9 will be turned into a museum.
All told, Paya Indah Wetlands is a fascinating holiday destination with a variety of activities and attractions for a family outing or excursion with friends. W
To get there from KL:
From KLIA Elite highway, take Banting exit, and head for Banting, then on the B18 road turn left towards Dengkil and left to Paya Indah. From LDP highway, take the Cyberjaya/Putrajaya toll road, head for Dengkil, then turn right onto Banting road, and right again to Paya Indah.
Entrance fees vary. For adults, the fun and value package costs RM16, (RM18 on weekends and public holidays) and includes a bottle of water, a bicycle ride, discount vouchers for souvenirs and food and drink, and a horse or paddle boat ride.
For chalet reservations, call (03) 8768 7699 or visit http://www.payaindah.org.my/ .
Paya Indah Wetlands
Dengkil, 43800 Sepang
Selangor
Tel: (03) 8768 7699
Fax: (03) 8768 7703
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