Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary

The Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary is situated in Kerian of the state of Perak. The park was established by the Wildlife and National Parks in 1970 to protect migratory and resident species of birds in this area.

Its main objective of the sanctuary is to safeguard migratory and resident species birds which have been occupying the wetland area for a long time. The mudflat area is used by the migratory birds to feed and to rest during their migratory route from the northern to the southern hemisphere.

48 species from eight families of birds visit Kuala Gula from September to April every year. Their numbers are no less than tens of thousands each year.

Some of these birds even come from Siberia in Russia, Kazakhstan, Japan, China and Mongolia. The mangrove swamp forest and mudflat of Kuala Gula are not only essential for migratory birds but also for the 600 families of fishermen who rely solely on the mangrove forests and marine ecosystem for their livelihood. Fishermen here make a living by either being involved in cockle farming, aquaculture, crabs, shrimp and fishing.

Eco-tourism is slowly gaining popularity in Kuala Gula. This will slowly aid in helping fisherman make a better living in the near future. Kuala Gula received 5000 visitors every years. The fishermen living around the mangrove swamp forest have made ends meets within the natural ecosystem of the forest for many decades. The dependence on the swamp forest will continue to grow in the next generations to come.

Getting There

Though the sanctuary is situated in the state of Perak, it is much easier to access from the north which is from Butterworth. You will need to take the North-South Expressway south from Butterworth for about 30 minutes. Make a turn off at Jawi for the town of Kuala Kurau.

You will need to drive another 30 minutes before you will see the signs for direction to the sanctuary.

Attractions in Perak