IT IS not only in Kampung Kuantan in Kuala Selangor that there is a firefly colony. There is also one in Kampung Sungai Timun in Rembau, Negri Sembilan, where it is one of the attractions, too.
Millions of the insects flock among the Berembang trees along the Sungai Timun riverine system, producing synchronised flashes of light which must be experienced live to appreciate it fully.
Visitors can get to Kampung Sungai Timun by cruising on the river in motorboat, watching the fireflies along the way.
"This is one of the newest attractions we have at Sungai Timun and visitors can catch the spectacular sight for themselves.
"We are also promoting other activities at the fishing village," said Negri Sembilan Tourism officer Ahmad Fairul Ibrahim during a media tour recently.
Departing from the Avillion Admiral Cove, the group was taken on a cruise along the Port Dickson coastline. Famous spots like the Blue Lagoon and various attractions, including the lighthouse, were among the highlights of the trip.
After almost an hour, we reached the Tanjung Agas jetty, which is located about 30km south of Port Dickson, bordering Malacca.
Sungai Timun is also known for its udang kara (freshwater prawn). Visitors can watch fishermen catch these bluish-green clawed crustaceans, using either fishing line or net. And, if they are adventurous and want to catch the prawns themselves and then have their catch cooked Negri Sembilan style - masak lemak cili padi - well, that can be arranged, too.
The cruise along Sungai Timun was a refreshing experience, offering a view of various species of mangrove growing along the banks as one is serenaded by birds chirping from the trees. The cool river water constantly hitting the side of the boat seemed so inviting on the hot day.
But any thought of jumping in for a dip quickly evaporated as the boatman slowed down to show us a famous inhabitant of the river - the crocodile. Not one or two, but several.
While Ahmad Fairul considered us lucky to have caught a glimpse of so many crocodiles, we were rather taken aback by the number.
The crocodiles - of various sizes - sunning themselves in the mud along the river bank, slowly slithered into the water on sensing our presence.
On arrival at the kampung, our group was welcomed by the village head. A variety of local kuih, meehoon, and roti jala with curry were laid out on the table for us.
"We welcome anyone who wants to experience how we live our lives here," said village head Borhan Khamis, adding that visitors could join them in any of their daily activities or stay at the chalet available.
Tour groups can also make arrangements for other activities like cultural performances by the villagers, a karaoke session or joining the villagers in their evening pastimes.
The Sungai Timun package is one of a number that Negri Sembilan Tourism is trying to promote among both local and foreign tourists.
Ahmad Fairul said visitors could make the arrangements through the hotel in which they were staying or by contacting the tourism authorities themselves.
In addition to the Sungai Timun excursion, tourists can go island-hopping or simply check out the beautiful shoreline in a speed boat.
"We have a variety of packages and visitors can just tell us what type of activities they want and we will do the rest," Ahmad Fairul said.
Guests at the Avillion Admiral Cove can make the arrangements with the hotel for the packages available, including the boat cruise and visit to Sungai Timun.
