Had the good fortune of taking a lone drive up to Tanjung Tuan or Cape Rachado across the Linggi-Negeri Sembilan border about 80km from the city to cover Malaysian Nature Society's Raptor Watch Week. It was a double bonus for me just to be in Tanjung Tuan as it is one of the most scenic sites in the country which is truly unique in every sense of the word.
Though some15km across the Negeri Sembilan border, Tanjung Tuan, covering about 100hectares, belongs to Malacca. It has been that way for as long as anyone can remember with the Portuguese, Dutch and British recognizing this since the 1500s.
It is the only coastal hill forest in the West Coast of Malaysia which is a protected forest reserve and a bird sanctuary. Besides this, it is also the site of the country's oldest light-house built by the Portuguese in 1520s over a much earlier structure of unknown origin or date.
Each year, between mid Feb to mid April, more than 20,000 various species of birds of prey fly overhead Tanjung Tuan on their migratory route from Asia to Siberia, China, Japan and Russia. The large birds ride the thermal drafts near the coast to propel them higher for their long spring-winter migration. To see an eagle fly is sight to behold but to see flocks of majestic birds of prey circling high above is truly one of nature's wonders.
Though there were only four sightings at Tanjung Tuan for that particular Saturday, I was fortunate enough to spot a flock of them between Linggi and Tanjung Tuan.
The view from the sea from the cliff next to the light-house was breath taking. It is a humbling experience as I stand in awe of God's creation, knowing how insignificant my pettiness becomes when compared to the beauty of life and its blessings.
To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.
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