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There are three large man-made lakes within the Ulu Muda area, namely Muda, Ahning and Pedu, formed by the construction of three correspondingly-named dams that regulate water for domestic use and irrigation for most of Kedah, Penang and Perlis.

The Man-Made Lakes of Ulu Muda

Muda River is the longest river in Kedah and the journey across Tasik Muda and up Muda River to Kuala Labua amidst some breathtaking sights takes about 1-3 hours (depending on the water level). There are dead tree trunks protruding from the water surface, remnants of the forest that was submerged when Tasik Muda was created. Bungor trees add a dash of color lining the lake.

The banks of the Muda River is covered with grasses, sedges and creepers. One can also glimpse tree trunks overgrown with lush green climbers from time to time. Wildlife is sometimes spotted along Muda River, with wild boars as well as banded leaf monkeys feeding on fruits up a tree. Jeram Gajah (Elephant Rapids) is a fast-flowing section of the river that needs one to be mindful of.

The Honey Harvesters of Ulu Muda

Tualang trees (Koompassia excelsa), usually left untouched by loggers for superstitious and practical reasons, are the tallest in the tropical world and can reach up to around 80m in height. The massive limbs of these trees are usually decorated with large nests made by honeybees.

Each honeycomb houses between 30,000 and 70,000 ferocious bees of the species Apis dorsata, the largest among true honey bees in the world, at about 2.5cm in length. It is estimated that there about 70 bands of honey gatherers operating in the Ulu Muda area, some with special permission from the Sultan of Kedah.

Unique Bird Species

The plain-pouched hornbill has a small, rapidly declining population as a result of hunting and extensive deforestation throughout most of its range. It therefore qualifies as vulnerable according to the World Conservation Union (IUCN).

According to the BirdLife International website the plain-pouched hornbill tends to flock in large numbers and in Malaysia is only found in the forests of Belum-Temenggor and Ulu Muda. Deforestation of lowlands and foothills pose another threat, which is further exacerbated by its need for large areas of forest and trees for nesting.

The pet trade is a rather minor threat to the plain-pouched hornbill albeit still present. It also shows sensitivity to disturbance and avoids areas where logging is prevalent.

Saltlicks at Ulu Muda

A saltlick is any mineral spring or ground containing or bearing salt or any other mineral, the consumption of which is conducive to the health or well being of wild animals. The diet of most herbivores is generally poor in minerals and therefore saltlicks play an important role in improving their digestion.

Saltlicks are also sites with high tourism potential because of the relatively high probability of wildlife sightings in their vicinity. This potential has been exploited in many locations around the world (including Taman Negara National Park in Malaysia). There are numerous saltlicks in the Ulu Muda area, some with descriptive names - for example, Sira Air Hangat ("Hot Spring Saltlick"), Sira Kawi, Sira Kumbang ("Beetle Saltlick"), Sira Keladi ("Taro or Yam Saltlick") and Sira Bungor - while others remain un-named.

Sira Air Hangat is the most interesting and frequently visited saltlick in the Ulu Muda due to the rare combination of an active hot spring and saltlick. This saltlick is approximately 48m long and 24m wide. During a rapid assessment conducted by WWF-Malaysia in 2005, the water temperature at the hotspring was recorded to be about 60°C.

Animals known to visit saltlicks at Ulu Muda include the Asian elephant, the Malayan tapir, deers and wild pigs.

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Next: Flora and Fauna