Tanjung Piai- the southernmost tip of mainland Asia

~Cuti-cuti Malaysia~
Welcome to Tanjung Piai - The southernmost tip of Mainland Asia

Cast your eyes down a map of Asia. Work your way down China, past Thailand, until you reach Malaysia. Then close in on the southernmost tip you can find on the Malaysian peninsula.
In the south-western corner of state Johor, dipping into the Straits of Malacca, is a cape shaped like the inverted dorsal fin of a shark.This is the coastal mangrove outpost of Tanjung Piai, home to the Tanjung Piai Johor National Park , and geographically the Southernmost Tip of Mainland Asia.Tanjung Piai is located in Mukim Serkat, Pontian, Johor, near my hometown Kampung Rimba Terjun, Pontian, Johor. From Pontian town, take Jalan Kukup, and follow the signage to Tanjung Piai. The park is also not far from the seafood haven of Kukup. From Kuala Lumpur or north, take the North-South Highway and exit at Simpang Rengam (after Machap). Head for Pontian/Benut, and follow the sign boards to Tanjung Piai.Tanjung Piai Johor National Park consists of 526ha of coastal mangroves and 400ha of intertidal mudflats, with a shoreline bordering the Malacca Strait that stretches some eight kilometres.
Tanjung means cape in Malay, and Tanjung Piai derives its name from the Paku Piai Raya fern (Acrostichum aureum) which flourishes in abundance in these mangroves. At the entrance of Visitor's Center, there is a huge stone statue of this Paku Piai Raya Fern.Tanjung Piai also enjoys the unique cultural and geographical significance of being the southernmost tip of the Asian mainland (exact location-latitude 01 16.00’ North/longitude 103 30.46’ East). It forms a mangrove corridor that connects two other key wetland areas in south-west Johor – Pulau Kukup Johor National Park and Sungai Pulai mangrove forest reserve. Declared as a national park on 12 September, 2001. It was the first mangrove forest in Johor to be declared a national park.It was declared the world’s 1289th Ramsar Site (the fourth in Malaysia) as of 31st January 2003.
The park is home to 20 true species of mangrove and nine mangrove associated species. The mudflats are a haven for at least 41 species of birds. Also found that the park are seven species of mammals, seven species of reptiles, one amphibian species and a host of marine and other organisms.
The entrance fee:
Children between 13 and 21 years – RM2
Malaysian students – RM2
Non-Malaysian students - RM3
Malaysian adults – RM3
Non-Malaysian adults – RM5.

After buying the entrance tickets at the Visitor's Center counter, you have to walk through the 'Tanjung Trail' or 'Jejak Tanjung' that are made from stilt woods along the mangrove trees to go to the end of the cape. Finally.... after walking about half an hour through the mangrove trees, we arrived at the southernmost tip of mainland Asia!!!
Since my parents live nearby, we just went there for a day trip. For those from far, there are 3 types of accomodations that you can choose from: Park campsite, Homestay programme or Tanjung Piai Resort.

Park Campsite: Facilities are available for about 120 campers at any one time. Campers are expected to be self-catering. Neither tent facilities, food nor cooking facilities are provided. Food can be purchased at several eateries nearby, particularly in the vicinity of the Tanjung Piai Resort. Ask at the Visitor's Complex counter, or call in for details.

Homestay Programme: This is the best way to get a feel of life in a typical Malaysian `kampung' or village. About 30 families in the nearby village of Kampung Perpat Timbul are currently participating in a homestay programme organized by Agrotourism Tanjung Piai. Look out for the Homestay logo outside participating homes. Home stays generally cost RM35 per day for accommodation only, or RM50 for accommodation, breakfast and dinner.

Tanjung Piai Resort: A no-frills, chalets-on-the-sea style accommodation located conveniently right next to the park. Scenic location - you get a clear view of passing vessels at sea, as well as of fishermen coming home with the day's catch.

Entrance to Tanjung Piai Resort
Fishermen Village
View of passing vessels

For those who are nature lover, I strongly recommend and promote Tanjung Piai as one of the must visit places.
Selamat kembali ke sekolah (selepas 2 minggu cuti) and you can come here again next time, next school holiday...