Apparently, there exists Taman Rekreasi Paya Bakau Kampung Sijangkang which serves as an educational park to promote the importance of the mangroves following the deadly tsunami in 2004. In 1892, the Indonesian immigrants from Kg Pendamaran, Klang explored the area for the first time, before finally settling down in Kampung Sijangkang. The name Sijangkang is a combination of the name of the river and pokok jangkang (stilt trees). To date, the recreational park is funded by the villagers by way of crowdfunding.
After passing the main entrance and the stingless bee hives, one will pass the camping site and BBQ area. Although the main attraction is the mangrove walk, there was a Banjar cooking demonstration upon request. Since I was with a big group from Gaya Travel and UPEN, it was fun watching and helping out to prepare lemper and ayam masak balaos.
Ingredients for Lemper.
Lemper.
Lemper is an Indonesian savoury snack made of glutinous rice filled with pre-cooked chicken, fish or the meat floss called serunding. Once filled, the glutinous rice is rolled and wrapped inside a banana leaf. The elongated size lemper is cooked by way of steaming.
Ayam Masak Balaos is a Banjar festive food. It looked and tasted like rendang ayam. Right after we finished eating the delicious Banjar and Javanese food served by the villagers, we explored the mangrove area.
Taman Rekreasi Paya Bakau Kampung Sijangkang
Since one of the objectives of Taman Rekreasi Paya Bakau Kampung Sijangkang is to promote the public awareness to nature and mangrove swamp, there were many information board tagged on the trunk of the trees or near the trees. It was really a good effort as we get to know the name of the trees.
To be honest, I did not have high expectation when I first look at the entrance. It might turn out to be yet another “indah khabar dari rupa” kinda thing. But, Taman Rekreasi Paya Bakau Kampung Sijangkang really impressed me with the green hues of mangrove nature. As I walked on the boardwalk, I could not help but look forward to the name sign of each tree.
It is hard not to love this place. It has its own charm and very green! Never underestimate the length of the boardwalk. It could take up to 30 minutes one way depending on your pace. Don’t forget to bring a bottle of water and remember do not throw any rubbish in the mangrove area.
At the end of the 400 metres board walk, there was a Ban Lama which is being developed as a rest area. In terms of facilities, there are surau, toilet, souvenir shops, camping area as well as team building facilities.
Facebook: Taman Rekreasi Paya Bakau Kampung Sijangkang
Tel: 016 379 0661
GPS Coordinate : 2.940780, 101.521856