 The Mangrove Forests of
Port Dickson. |
It is estimated that nearly 5
billion people in the world have never seen a mangrove forest, even a
small one. |
Our entire theory of tourism development for the Port Dickson area is based on the fact that approximately 72% of all foreign tourists enter the country via the KL International airport, 65km north of Port Dickson. It actually takes less time to drive to Port Dickson than it does to get to your hotel in KL. For that reason, the pages you find on this web site, concentrate on that area. It is also here, that one of Malaysia's most diverse eco-systems exists. Mangrove forests can be found at several locations around Port Dickson, the most notable being Sungai Linggi and Sungai Lukut. Some nice ones even exist along the beach side areas, a few metres from the town centre but these areas are obviously under the threat of "development"
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 As many will know, the mangrove forests are
crucial to humans by sustaining an entire eco-system within their root
systems, cleaning river pollution, desalination and a host of other
incalculable rewards |
One of their regular inhabitants is the crab. In a certain area of Port Dickson is the beautiful "batik crab" with its colourful patterned shell resembling traditional batik paintings.
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With one legislation, the government could have created several
invaluable marine parks, providing protection to our crabs, mangroves,
coral reefs, turtles, sea eagles, crocodiles, fireflies and others, as well as a
million dollar tourist industry.Aaah. Politicians are the same the world over. Frustrating creatures. At Sungai Linggi, not far from the beautiful Firefly colony, a retired fisherman told me that one of his best friends is an albino crocodile. He whistles to it once a day and it comes to his boat to take a fish he has caught, lets him stroke its snout and disappears again for another day. He too is fearful for the future of the river he loves. He was very excited to hear of our plans and promised to lead his people in protecting the area. Sadly, his elected politicians didn't share his enthusiasm. We haven't given up guys. Hang in there for a bit longer.
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