MELAKA, No trip to Melaka would be complete without discovering the natural wonders of Sungai Rembau and Sungai Linggi in Masjid Tanah, Alor Gajah, stretching across 15 kilometres, one of the many must-explore gems in the Visit Melaka Year 2024 (TMM 2024) campaign.
Known as the Paya Lebar Eco-Tourism Centre, the river, surrounded by mangrove forests and home to nearly 1,400 crocodiles, as well as other wildlife, such as monitor lizards and various bird species, offers a unique experience that differs from navigating the famous Sungai Melaka.
State Works, Infrastructure, Public Facilities and Transport Committee chairman Datuk Hameed Mytheen Kunju Basheer said that two boats, each with a 20-passenger capacity, provided by the Sungai Melaka and Coastal Development Corporation (PPSPM) for the Sungai Linggi Eco-Cruise, will allow visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the mangrove forest panorama.
He added that the boats, based at the Paya Lebar Jetty, will be operational on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and are available for charter on weekdays.
‘This three-hour round-trip boat service offers visitors a captivating journey through the river, immersing them in the natural habitat of crocodiles, enjoying Lokan Park, and discovering the mesmerising beauty of the mangrove forest,’ he said when met recently.
In addition, Hameed Mytheen said that almost 100 fishing boats at four jetties in the area, namely Teluk Berembang Jetty, Paya Lebar Jetty, Tebing Urut Jetty, and Ramuan China Kecil Jetty, which have been upgraded with an allocation of RM250,000, are also ready to welcome tourists.
‘On average, almost 30 boats will be rented from fishermen by visitors, either for fishing trips or to enjoy the natural beauty along Sungai Rembau in the Ayer Limau state constituency every week, and we anticipate this number to increase throughout TMM 2024,’ he said.
Meanwhile, PPSPM chief executive officer Datuk Murad Husin said that some boats cruising Sungai Melaka have been given a new look to provide a different experience to visitors along the historically significant route in Banda Hilir in conjunction with TMM 2024.
‘To liven up TMM 2024, several boats have been given a fresh look featuring captivating images like Upin and Ipin characters, food products, and corporate sponsor logos, departing from their previous blue paint. We believe this aesthetic change will attract visitors to explore and engage in the river cruise service.
Murad said that the 4.5-km route, dubbed ‘The Venice of the East,’ will be operated by 33 crew members, including nine women, with the target of serving one million visitors through various interesting packages.
Among the promotions offered by PPSPM is the TMM 2024 Family Package, incorporating four attractions: River Cruise Melaka, Zoo Melaka, Perbadanan Muzium Melaka, and Menara Taming Sari.
This comprehensive package allows visitors to access various attractions with the ease of a single, more affordable ticket.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency