Sungai Kilim Nature Park, Langkawi, Kedah Malaysia

Sungai Kilim Nature Park is a 100sqkm protected mangrove swamp with mangrove forests, remote beaches and blue lagoons. From the river banks up to the estuary, there is a good variety of flora and fauna here, ranging from the overhanging ‘bogak’ trees to iguanas, macaques and tree crabs.

Located at the northeast tip of Pulau Langkawi, the Sungai Kilim Nature Park is also noteworthy for the beautiful limestone rock formations emerging from the river bed to the unique mangrove swamps all the way to the sea. Fun fact: Note the interesting (and funny) names that some are called: the Temple of Borobodur, the Elephant Stone and the Hanging Gardens.

The park is home to a variety of birdlife during migratory season from September to March and is a great place for bird watching. There are also a couple of caves in the park that warrant exploration – namely Gua Cerita (also known as the Cave of Legends) and Gua Kelawar (the Bat Cave).

It is best to explore Sungai Kilim Nature Park on a tour. The riverboat ride will take you past brackish mangroves that protect the coastline from erosion and act as a suitable home for the marine life within the Kilim estuary. You will get to see the fish and shrimp larvae wind their way through a tangle of protruding mangrove roots seeking food, shelter and protection from predators.