Johor National Parks Tanjung Piai Pulau Kukup
Read here for more information about Johor National Parks Tanjung Piai (also known as Cape of the Golden Leather Fern) and Pulau Kukup is one of thargest mangrove islands in the world.
Johor National Parks Tanjung Piai Pulau Kukup Summary
- Attraction: Johor National Parks Tanjung Piai Pulau Kukup
- Location: Johor Malaysia
- Attraction Type: National Park in Malaysia
Johor Johor National Parks Tanjung Piai Pulau Kukup
Johor National Parks Tanjung Piai
From a geographical perspective, Johor National Parks Tanjung Piai (lit. Cape of the Golden Leather Fern) occupies a very special corner of the world. At a latitude of 1°16.00’ North, the cape constitutes the southernmost point of mainland Asia, or to be more precise, continental Eurasia. It is also one of the few places where two neighboring countries (Singapore and Indonesia) can be seen simultaneously.
Tanjung Piai Johor National Park was established in 1997 to protect this unique site; in particular, the intertidal mangroves and mudflats that line the cape along with the important ecosystem services that they provide. In 2003, Tanjung Piai Johor National Park was recognized by the Ramsar Convention as a Ramsar Site, or Wetlands of International Importance.
Since the park’s inception, it has been an ongoing battle by all involved to protect its mangrove forest which has faced serious erosion issues due to strong waves generated by thousands of tankers that sail past each year, as well as the occasional pollution events from oil spills and illegal dumping of ballast water. With the installation of offshore breakwaters, coupled with intensive mangrove replanting, the tide has now turned, and many areas that were previously eroded have now been re-colonized by healthy mangroves, and the park is now in better condition that it has ever been.
Spanning 325 ha, Johor National Parks Tanjung Piai is the smallest, but most visited amongst Johor’s five national parks. It’s certainly a great place to spend a day, observe the biodiversity, take in the views and marvel at the intricate relationship between man and nature. The park has ample facilities for visitors which include a 1.2 km network of boardwalks, a visitor complex that houses an information gallery, as well as a unique elevated campsite within the mangroves.
What countries can be seen from Tanjung Piai Johor Darul Takzim?
If you are here at Johor National Parks Tanjung Piai, you can see Singapore and Indonesia, our closest neighboring countries simultaneously.
More Johor National Parks Tanjung Piai Pulau Kukup
Johor National Parks Pulau Kukup
Pulau Kukup Johor National Park was established in 1997 to protect one of the largest mangrove islands in the world. This unique island that spans 647 ha is an important refuge for many mangrove-associated plants and animals; a number of which are considered to be rare or threatened species. The park’s boardwalks, viewing platforms and informative signage make it the perfect place to observe and uncover the web of life within this unique interface between land and sea.
Pulau Kukup National Parks is an important stopover site for migratory waterbirds undertaking the perilous journey along the East Asian – Australasian Flyway (EAAF). The 807 ha of mudflats that surround the park are productive feeding grounds for these birds during low tide, whereas the mangroves provide a safe place for them to roost. The park is also important for the local human population living on the Kukup mainland. Its mangroves are a fish nursery that supports the local fishing industry, whereas its mudflats are rich with shellfish that provide a source of food and income.
Overlooking the Straits of Melaka, one of the busiest shipping routes in the world, the island shields the coastal villages from the full force of wind and waves. In January 2003, the park was designated by the Ramsar Convention as a Wetland of International Importance, or Ramsar Site.
Like many other small islands in the region, Pulau Kukup has its fair share of myths and legends. Among them is the tale of the goblin princesses; one of whom fell in love with a sailor, with grave consequences. Another story tells of a giant snake that protects the island and occasionally swims across the straits, over to Pulau Karimun in Indonesia. In the olden days, Pulau Kukup notorious as being a pirate’s den.
According to one (unverified) source, the island’s name stems from the Malay word ‘gugup’ (lit. “nerve-wrecking”), which is what seafarers of yore might have felt when they sailed past this island, en route to the Straits of Melaka.
*Credit: www.johornationalparks.gov.my
Contact Johor National Parks
Johor National Parks Corporation
Level 1, Dato’ Muhamad Salleh Perang Building, Kota Iskandar,
79100 Nusajaya, Johor Darul Ta’zim.
Telephone: +607 266 1301
Taman Negara Johor Pulau Kukup
Lot 1319, Mukim Air Masin,
82300 Kukup, Pontian, Johor Darul Ta’zim.
Telephone: +607 696 9355 / +6013 744 0957
Johor National Parks Tanjung Piai
82030, Mukim Serkat Pontian, Johor Darul Ta’zim.
Telephone: +607 696 0264 / +6013 744 0956