Experience Mother Nature at Desaru

Text by HAIFA HASIM Images by HAIFA HASIM & NADJWA TAJUDIN

Going back to nature is a choice many city folks prefer because it offers spiritual remedy. It could be either losing ourselves in a forest of flora and fauna or submerging ourselves in a sea of corals. It’s a good step back from the fast-paced lives we are used to and serves as a reminder that there is more to life than the rat race, technology and gadgets!

I was lucky to experience a side of Johor that is fun-packed with activities that connect me to Mother Nature, enough to fill my heart to absolute contentment! Desaru, Johor is a budding destination for seaside enthusiasts due to its pristine beaches and crystal clear water. However, its sandy beaches are not the only attractions – those seeking to have a wholesome nature experience will find Desaru to be a treasure trove beckoning to be explored!

Top: A serene view of the South China Sea from Tanjung Balau Geology Site boardwalk Bottom: A mini replica of fishermen village at Tanjung Balau Fishermen Museum

Horseshoe Crab Sanctuary

“Macam belangkas!” is what you’d probably heard growing up from your elders when describing close relationships and frankly, I never really understood why until I went to this sanctuary. Belangkas or horseshoe crabs are animals that have withstood the test of time since the age of dinosaurs. Having been in existence for over 200 million years, horseshoe crabs are a species considered as living fossils and you can observe (even hold) these animals at this sanctuary, which aims to reproduce as many horseshoe crabs as possible to save them from extinction by isolating the male and female in a ‘honeymoon room’. So going back to the Malay proverb, a horseshoe crab couple is literally inseparable during mating season!

Fun fact: Horseshoe crab is a popular local delicacy here in Desaru, often cooked with sambal. Try savouring it whenever you’re in town!

Watch Fireflies Sparkle at Night with Bujang Boat Fire Fly bujangboatfirefly.blogspot.com

Due to rapid development that comes hand in hand with noise pollution, fireflies are now a faint beauty not easily seen anymore. However, treat yourself to the gorgeous flickering lights from fireflies that inhabit the mangrove trees while enjoying delicious seafood dinner as you cruise along Sungai Lebam! Watching fireflies with Bujang Boat Fire Fly is an experience that should not be missed because after witnessing how the fireflies beam at night, you would find that the man-made bright city lights couldn’t even compare.

T: +6 012 759 3468 / +6 013 702 7057

Desaru Fruit Farm www.desarufruitfarm.com

This farm spans over 100 acres of land and cultivates over 100 types of tropical fruits such as rose apple, jackfruit, starfruit, great hog plum, durian and more. Desaru Fruit Farm offers guided tours to ensure visitors get the best educational experience about local fruits, making it a perfect venue to teach city children and adults alike where the fruits actually come from, for surely they are not grown in supermarkets! After touring the farm, you can enjoy a lavish fruit buffet or opt for lunch comprising fruit-based fusion dishes that titillate your taste buds such as sweet and sour tom yam in coconut.

Operating hours Daily | 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Entrance ticket prices: Adult MYR25 | Child MYR20 T: +6 07 822 5886

Teluk Sengat Crocodile World Facebook : Teluk Sengat Crocodile World

This is the largest crocodile farm in West Malaysia, and definitely a world of its own. Over 1,000 crocodiles reside here under the loving care of the farm’s owner, Cecilia Ng. You can see many crocodiles ranging from the tailless to the blind and even toothless ones. The oldest crocodile here is over 150 years old! Moreover, stay on to watch the crocodile keepers feed these fierce reptiles. Visitors can even pet a baby crocodile.

Operating hours Daily | 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Entrance ticket prices: Adult MYR8 | Child MYR4 T: +6 07 895 5220

Tanjung Balau Fishermen Museum Facebook : Muzium Nelayan Tanjung Balau

The treasured destination of Seram First opened its doors to the public in 1994, this museum is the only of its kind in Malaysia! A museum dedicated to enriching knowledge towards seafaring and local fishing industry, visitors can learn and observe the early history of fishermen by learning about their fishing techniques and tools, including superstitions and local beliefs relating to the sea. Visitors can also step into a replica of a traditional fisherman’s house to understand the lifestyle of the fishermen and their families.

Operating hours Daily | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Entrance ticket prices: Adult MYR2 | Child MYR1

Tanjung Balau Geology Site

Interestingly, the geological rocks at Tanjung Balau were formed over 300 million years ago! Consisting of metamorphic rocks such as quartzite and phyllite, these wind stress rocks are uniquely folded and shaped, and the most interesting to look at is the three-fold rock. Visitors can admire the interesting shapes of these centuriesold rocks while walking along a concrete boardwalk overlooking the beautiful waves of South China Sea!

Fun fact: Baby crocodiles make duck-like sounds (quackquack); however, they begin growling like lions as they get older!

Clockwise from top: Visitors can pet a baby crocodile at Teluk Sengat Crocodile World, a cocoa tree at Desaru Fruit Farm, visitors can hold a live horseshoe crab at Horseshoe Crab Sanctuary.

9 MUST-DO IN SEREMBAN

For a complete immersion of Seremban, the capital of Negeri Sembilan, the following are nine memorable activities that you should do when you are in the city...

1. EXPLORING BANDAR WARISAN SEREMBAN

With history spanning over 120 years, the city of Seremban has witnessed different phases of history, from the arrival of Minangkabau settlers, British colonisation and Japanese occupation to this day and age. With this in mind, Seremban City Council has developed a heritage trail named ‘Jejak Warisan Seremban’ (Seremban Heritage Trail), which invites travellers to trace Seremban’s charms and uniqueness through historical architecture, culture, and community. The trail begins from Seremban Train Station and ends at Pokok Getah Pertama Negeri Sembilan. Be sure to download the heritage map from https://www.mbs.gov.my/en/visitors/ serembans-charm/culture-and-heritage/jejakwarisan-seremban.

2. ‘SELFIE’ AT SEREMBAN STREET ART

For Instagram fanatics, Seremban Street Art is definitely a must-visit. The street art covers Jalan Dato Abd. Rahman, Jalan Tunku Hassan, Jalan Yam Tuan, and Jalan Dato’ Sheikh Ahmad. There are over 40 murals painstakingly painted by local artists from the state and across the country. The themes of the street art include heritage, culture and prominent figures of Negeri Sembilan, besides ethnic groups, flora and fauna. Striking a pose alongside the street art is a must because the artworks are painted in 3D, resulting in unique effects on your photos!

3. WATER BIKE @ TAMAN TASIK SEREMBAN

Best suited for families, water bikes offer travellers the pleasant experience of exploring the Seremban Lake and relishing the surrounding garden’s tranquil atmosphere while pedalling on the water surface. The ticket price for the water bikes is reasonable too. Since riding on water bikes was also popular back in the 80s and 90s, the experience might just rekindle old, delightful memories.

4.VISIT NEGERI SEMBILAN’S FIRST RUBBER TREE

Do you know that Bandar Seremban is home to the oldest rubber tree in Negeri Sembilan? It is over 120 years old, the same age as the first rubber tree in Malaysia located in Kuala Kangsar, hence currently valued at MYR3.5 million! Travellers can locate this tree next to the Galeri DiRaja Seremban (Seremban Royal Gallery), which is easily accessible via a walkway.

5. ENJOY NEGERI SEMBILAN’S AUTHENTIC FOOD

The unique culture of Negeri Sembilan creates 1001 flavours that excite all food lovers. Luckily, they do not have to search hard because Seremban itself has plenty of eateries that provide authentic culinary offerings that are served in various restaurants, stalls, or food street. Of course, one dish that every foodie must try is masak lemak cili api (dish cooked in spicy vibrant yellow curry) because no trip to Seremban - and even Negeri Sembilan for that matter - is complete without this specialty.

6. CLIMBING MOUNTAINS OR HILLS IN SEREMBAN DISTRICT

Due to its geographical location, Seremban is surrounded by a portion of the Titiwangsa Mountain Range that make up the backbone of Malaysia. Travellers can experience the uniqueness of this mountain range by hiking up the hills and mountains found there, for instance Gunung Angsi, Gunung Berembun, Hutan Lipur Ulu Bendul, Bukit Kepayang and many more. No matter which peak travellers decide to conquer, these eco-tourism sites are sure to create unforgettable experience!

7. TAKE PICTURES AT MOSQUES IN SEREMBAN

There are several iconic mosques that you can visit in the city of Seremban. These mosques are open to the public and both Muslims and non-Muslims are welcome! These mosques offer trained guides who dispense information related to Islam and the mosques’ architecture. Some of the mosques have even existed for a few centuries and possess unique architectural styles such as archipelagic, Minangkabau, Indian, Turkish, Moroccan and Chinese. For a more contemporary take, you can visit Masjid Jamek Seremban, Masjid Hussain Seremban 2, Masjid Sri Sendayan and Masjid Negeri.

Seremban Street art

Seremban Heritage Trail Discover Seremban

Seremban City Map 8. LEARN ABOUT PERPATIH CUSTOM

For a long time, Seremban has been functioning as the heart of Perpatih custom, which is practised by the Minangkabau community who originated from West Sumatera, known for their tolerant, industrious, and consensual disposition. To learn more about Perpatih, you should head to Negeri Sembilan National Department for Culture and Arts (http:// www.jkkn.gov.my/en/national-departmentculture-and-arts-jkkn-negeri-sembilan) and any of the museums in Negeri Sembilan (https://lmns.ns.gov.my/my/), among others. Negeri Sembilan National Department for Culture and Arts holds Negeri Sembilan cultural performances too at certain times and venues.

9. EXPLORE ‘EXTREME’ ACTIVITY

Extreme activities have become a craze among travellers nowadays to challenge their strength and courage. Extreme activities to be experienced in Seremban include all-terrain vehicles (ATV), go-kart, motocross, high rope, flying fox, archery and more.