Only half an hour after flying into the Kuala Lumpur International Airport you are able to experience a part of Malaysia's nature by visiting the Paya Indah Wetlands Sanctuary and discover the beauty of a local wetlands' flora and fauna. The Sanctuary, a low impact eco-tourism site, is situated on 3,200 hectares of wetland in Dengkil a mere 15 km from the airport.

It is touted as Malaysia's showcase for environmentally sound development, restoration and conservation methods, and as a green lung in the heart of bustling development, including the neighbouring Multimedia Super Corridor.

Within its perimeters, it will offer visitors the rare chance to view more than 130 bird species it currently houses, not to mention the 30 mammal species, 220 terrestrial and aquatic plants and about 40 species of fishes. One of the highlights of the Sanctuary is a lotus-covered lake; boasting pristine waters which will be home to fishes like the climbing peroh, haruan, tilapia, snake heads and cat fish.

Among the birds one can expect to see are purple swamp hens, purple herons and harriers (a type of eagle). In addition, the sanctuary will also showcase foreign animals such as crocodiles and hippopotamuses from Botswana.

The two pairs of hippos were a gift from the Government of Botswana and are part of a wildlife introduction plan aimed at rejuvenating the site through the introduction of new species of flora and fauna.

Work on the Sanctuary started in December 1997 and is managed by the Malaysian Wetlands Foundation which acts as the promoter, facilitator, caretaker and developer of the site and its activities on behalf of the Malaysian Government.

The Sanctuary will showcase Malaysian natural wetlands and will include numerous other attractions such as an interactive exhibition centre, aquatic nursery, chalets and a transportation system comprising bicycles, boats and canoes.

Visitors will be able to tour the Sanctuary's peat forests, lake sites and trails by bicycle, horse or donkey-cart and buggy; as motorised vehicles are prohibited.

The Sanctuary also includes rehabilitated mining pools, peat forests and walkabout trails. In addition, Paya Indah will have a research and development centre which will specialise in wetlands conservation and ecology, and recreational, infrastructure and training facilities, as one of its roles is promoting the conservation of local wetlands.

Opening Hours:

Tuesday - Friday 8:30am - 7:30pm
Saturday , Sunday & Public Holidays 7:30am - 7:30pm
Monday Closed

Admission Fee:

Rates Weekends & Public Holidays

Adult RM 10
Children (3-12 years old) RM 8
Snr Citizen (55 years and above) RM 8

Rates Weekdays

Adult RM 8
Children (3-12 years old) RM 6
Snr Citizen (55 years and above) RM 6

Those keen to experience the wonderful world of nature can direct enquiries to :

The Malaysian Wetlands Foundation
No.6A, Lorong Semantan
Off Jalan Duta
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Telefon: Tel: 603-8768 7696 / 7699 / 7701 / 7705
Fax: 603- 8768 770
URL: http://www.payaindah.org.my/
E-mail: mwf@mwf.nasionet.net