Source : New Straits Times, Malaysia, 18 Oct 2007
By : Chua Bee Kim
  

	The fish farms are popular among visitors who want to take a closer look.
	The viewing tower which shows part of the world’s largest mangrove island.
	The island is a bird watchers’ paradise especially between the months of November and March.
	NST pictures by Amran Hz

The world's largest mangrove island is about a kilometre offshore from the mainland town of Kukup Laut.

The 647ha-island has a 800ha intertidal mudflat around it.

It was gazetted as a state park in 1997 and given international recognition when designated as a Ramsar site in 2003.

The island receives tourists from neighbouring countries like Singapore and Indonesia who visit Kukup town for its famous seafood dishes.

In June 2003, the Johor State Park Corporation developed some facilities at Kukup island to promote the eco-tourism industry.

A boardwalk and a suspension bridge over the mangrove vegetation were built to enable tourists to appreciate nature more closely. A tourist information-cum-education centre was also set up at Kukup Laut town.

Kukup island is also rich in bio-diversity. There are 12 wildlife species and 11 waterbird species, including the Vulnerable Lesser Adjutant Stork.

Visitors to the coastal town of Pontian should not miss the opportunity of visiting the Pulau Kukup National Park ou can get to the park by taking a boat from one of the restaurants located opposite the Kukup Immigration office.

The restaurants offer this service for a minimal fee.

Another attraction is the kelong (fish farms) which stretches between Kukup mainland and the island.

Most visitors stop over to check out these fish farms after visiting the Pulau Kukup National Park.

Most boat operators provide this service to let visitors get a closer look at the fish being reared.

Most of the fish are supplied to seafood restaurants in Kukup and also to Singapore, Hong Kong and other countries.

Visitors to Kukup island are charged a minimal entry fee but the unique experience of being on the mangrove island is worth much more.

The surroundings and ecosystem of the mudflats change during the tidal periods.

When the tide is low, you can see crabs, mud skippers, shellfish, birds, monkeys and occasionally wild boars on the mudflat.

The park is also a haven for avid bird-watchers who would not want to miss the arrival of migratory birds between November and March.

Chan May Yeng, 50, a frequent trekker, said students and young children could learn a lot about the ecology of a mangrove forest and how to appreciate it better.

She said the park management could organise study tours for students and visitors who wished to learn more about the mangrove eco-system and develop their environmental awareness.

A tower located along the pathway of the mangrove forest takes visitors up to the suspension bridge for a little adventure.

Visitors can get a bird's eye view of the whole island from the tower.

The sea breeze sweeping through the mangroves and the lush greens are not only refreshing but also soothing.