Trip to Kukup Laut


Kukup Laut, a tranquil "water village" built on stilts and planks at the water's edge, lies on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, approximately 100km from Singapore, is supposedly the southernmost village in Continental Asia. This place is famous for its extremely fresh seafood and of course for the village itself. We had our breakfast at a local food centre soon after we get to the other side of the causeway.

Along the way, we passed through the vast expanse of rubber, oil-palm and cocoa plantation, whose agricultural products are an important source of Malaysia's national income. We arrived at around noon. The place was milling with tour coaches, local taxis and private cars. We got down the bus and meandered our way along the jam-packed wet road to the water-front restaurant, watched by some curious local residents. The High King Restaurant is built on an elevated platform. From its adjoining pier, we had a wide-angle view of the Straits of Malacca. We had succulent seafood for lunch before we took a boat over to the water village. From the sea, we had a fish's eye view of the rows of floating houses linked by wooden walkways. Soon after, our boat made a stop-over at the kelong.


The four of us on the boat.


The fishing village behind.                                   Stepping onto the wooden walkways

Over at one of the traps, the fish farmer arranged bits of ikan bilis along a plank across a net where a group of curious fishes seemed to be popping their eyes above the water. They were named Archers - a type of fish with a deadly aim, shooting a mouthful of water to dislodge an unsuspecting prey from its hold. This was really a spectacular feat! You'd be amazed by their accuracy. At another trap, the kelong helper showed us numerous struggling fishes on the net as the net was drawn up.


Shooting fish - known as Archers                                   Lobster taken out of water


Shark gasping for water when it is taken into the air

No tour is complete without a visit to a durian farm. The thought of tasting farm-fresh durian whetted our appetite. The Kukup Fruit Farm boasts over 50 kinds of fruits, but we didn't enter the fruit farm. Instead, we had our durian feast by the road from a lorry. After we had our fill, we bought some mangosteens and other fruits home, as no durians are allowed on board.

Do not miss the opportunity to admire the beautiful seascape and marvellous sunsets from Kukup Laut. :)


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