Location :
In the district of Seberang Perai North District, Sungai Dua, Penang.
Coordinates of the park are N05º 27.195’ E100º 27.146’
You can access the Google Map here.
Natural Heritage Status:
Air Hitam Dalam Educational Forest or popularly known as Air Hitam Dalam Recreational Forest near Sungai Dua, Butterworth is home to some 100 species of flora and fauna. It is the only gazetted peat swamp in Penang with an area of 11 hectares. Air Hitam Dalam literally means Deep Black Water where a river in the park runs deep and black. It is now managed by the State Forestry Department.
The park is well connected with a 1,000m walkway but a newly constructed river bund has marred the landscape by dividing the park and walkway into two sections.
Gazettement :
Present status as Educational Forest managed by the State Forestry Department. The river reserve managed by Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran Malaysia (JPS).
Accessibility:
To the park: The level of accessibility to the park is through a single lane paved road. It is accessible with any vehicles. A parking lot to accommodate cars and buses was built in April 2008.
There is only a signboard placed at the main road to the park. There is also no public transport from the main road to the park which is more than a kilometer.
In the park: Walkways were built over the peat swamp for the convenience of visitors. Other facilities are hanging bridge, observation towers, toilet and sheds. However, toilets were locked most of the time.
Affordability:
Entrance to the park is free.
The park is frequented by the local villagers and children. Also it is a popular bird watching site for bird watchers from other states.
Level of Development:
Facilities available are walkways, sheds, hanging bridge, observation towers, toilet and parking area. There is a village near the park – Kg Air Hitam Dalam with an estimated 70 households with a population of 350.
Popularity:
Average arrival figure per day :
Public Holiday is about 100 persons.
Weekend is about 50 persons.
Weekday is about 20 persons.
No proper rubbish bins available in the park. No care taker at present. Contractor upkeep the area frequently. Vandalism of facilities. No mitigation control seen.
Accommodation:
No accommodation facilities at the park as at May 2008.
Threats:
Garbage: Visitors are expected to take back their rubbish. No rubbish bins are available in the park. Rubbish can be seen in the park.
Fauna : The regular clearing of overgrowth for the development of nipah farm of 20 hectares over the park could create disturbances to the fauna and avifauna in the park.
Maintenance: Wooden walkways disintegrate over time. No regular maintenance to treat the wood against weather. Holes on walkway can be seen after 6 months. This is a safety concern to visitors.
Mitigation:
Rubbish bins and rubbish collection should be employed in the park.
The present of Park Ranger can help to keep vandalism from damaging walkways and facilities.
Conservation:
Flora: Locals are involved in the commercial farming of ulam called Putat (Barringtonia racemosa ). Some adult putat trees can be found in the park which flowered during the night.
The latest conservatory project by the Forestry Department was the planting of Nipah (Nypa fruticans) to provide the locals a source of income. On February 25, 2008, 20 hectares of research and development of Nipah (Nypa fruticans) at the park was officially opened by the State Forestry Department.
Ficus trees with hanging roots can be seen along the walkway. They provide fruits and shelters for the animals in the park.
Fauna: There are some common fauna like otters, two species of monkey namely - Long-tailed macaque and Dusky Leaf monkey, water monitor lizards as huge as a baby crocodile, squirrels and birds.
To help the local from the depleting income from fishing, a project to release Udang galah seeds had also been embarked along the river at Air Hitam Dalam Educational Park.
Avifauna: The present of numerous species of birds in this small park is an interesting birders’ attraction. You don’t have to travel all over Penang to find these rare species. A number of top birds’ photographs were taken in this fresh water swamp.
Benefits to Local Communities:
The park is the only recreation ground for the local community for fishing and relaxing. There is a limited benefit in term of business opportunity for the local community. Several local farmers from the village benefited from the harvesting of putat leaves and nipah fruits and leaves.
How to Get There:
The park is situated in the Seberang Perai North District of Penang or North Province Wellesley. It takes about 25 minutes from Butterworth town to reach the park. Air Hitam Dalam Educational Park is accessible from the North-South Highway. Exit to Sungai Dua town from the highway. You will continue to proceed to Kepala Batas using the state road (P205) from Sungai Dua town. About 2 km, there will be a signboard indicating “Rekreasi Air Hitam Dalam” and the road sign for “Kubang Semang & Bukit Mertajam”. Turn right into the new road. After 200 meters from the junction, turn right into a small paved road following the canal bund. You will need to ask around from the villagers as the road to the park is not marked.
Important Contacts:
Pejabat Hutan Negeri
Pulau Pinang
Tingkat 20, Menara KOMTAR
10000 Pulau Pinang
Tel : 04-6505250
References:
Pengarah, Hutan Pelajaran Air Hitam, Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri Pulau Pinang, Pulau Pinang.
Plus (1996), Guide to Peninsular Malaysia, Tourism Malaysia.
In the district of Seberang Perai North District, Sungai Dua, Penang.
Coordinates of the park are N05º 27.195’ E100º 27.146’
You can access the Google Map here.
Natural Heritage Status:
Air Hitam Dalam Educational Forest or popularly known as Air Hitam Dalam Recreational Forest near Sungai Dua, Butterworth is home to some 100 species of flora and fauna. It is the only gazetted peat swamp in Penang with an area of 11 hectares. Air Hitam Dalam literally means Deep Black Water where a river in the park runs deep and black. It is now managed by the State Forestry Department.
The park is well connected with a 1,000m walkway but a newly constructed river bund has marred the landscape by dividing the park and walkway into two sections.
Gazettement :
Present status as Educational Forest managed by the State Forestry Department. The river reserve managed by Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran Malaysia (JPS).
Accessibility:
To the park: The level of accessibility to the park is through a single lane paved road. It is accessible with any vehicles. A parking lot to accommodate cars and buses was built in April 2008.
There is only a signboard placed at the main road to the park. There is also no public transport from the main road to the park which is more than a kilometer.
In the park: Walkways were built over the peat swamp for the convenience of visitors. Other facilities are hanging bridge, observation towers, toilet and sheds. However, toilets were locked most of the time.
Affordability:
Entrance to the park is free.
The park is frequented by the local villagers and children. Also it is a popular bird watching site for bird watchers from other states.
Level of Development:
Facilities available are walkways, sheds, hanging bridge, observation towers, toilet and parking area. There is a village near the park – Kg Air Hitam Dalam with an estimated 70 households with a population of 350.
Popularity:
Average arrival figure per day :
Public Holiday is about 100 persons.
Weekend is about 50 persons.
Weekday is about 20 persons.
No proper rubbish bins available in the park. No care taker at present. Contractor upkeep the area frequently. Vandalism of facilities. No mitigation control seen.
Accommodation:
No accommodation facilities at the park as at May 2008.
Threats:
Garbage: Visitors are expected to take back their rubbish. No rubbish bins are available in the park. Rubbish can be seen in the park.
Fauna : The regular clearing of overgrowth for the development of nipah farm of 20 hectares over the park could create disturbances to the fauna and avifauna in the park.
Maintenance: Wooden walkways disintegrate over time. No regular maintenance to treat the wood against weather. Holes on walkway can be seen after 6 months. This is a safety concern to visitors.
Mitigation:
Rubbish bins and rubbish collection should be employed in the park.
The present of Park Ranger can help to keep vandalism from damaging walkways and facilities.
Conservation:
Flora: Locals are involved in the commercial farming of ulam called Putat (Barringtonia racemosa ). Some adult putat trees can be found in the park which flowered during the night.
The latest conservatory project by the Forestry Department was the planting of Nipah (Nypa fruticans) to provide the locals a source of income. On February 25, 2008, 20 hectares of research and development of Nipah (Nypa fruticans) at the park was officially opened by the State Forestry Department.
Ficus trees with hanging roots can be seen along the walkway. They provide fruits and shelters for the animals in the park.
Fauna: There are some common fauna like otters, two species of monkey namely - Long-tailed macaque and Dusky Leaf monkey, water monitor lizards as huge as a baby crocodile, squirrels and birds.
To help the local from the depleting income from fishing, a project to release Udang galah seeds had also been embarked along the river at Air Hitam Dalam Educational Park.
Avifauna: The present of numerous species of birds in this small park is an interesting birders’ attraction. You don’t have to travel all over Penang to find these rare species. A number of top birds’ photographs were taken in this fresh water swamp.
Benefits to Local Communities:
The park is the only recreation ground for the local community for fishing and relaxing. There is a limited benefit in term of business opportunity for the local community. Several local farmers from the village benefited from the harvesting of putat leaves and nipah fruits and leaves.
How to Get There:
The park is situated in the Seberang Perai North District of Penang or North Province Wellesley. It takes about 25 minutes from Butterworth town to reach the park. Air Hitam Dalam Educational Park is accessible from the North-South Highway. Exit to Sungai Dua town from the highway. You will continue to proceed to Kepala Batas using the state road (P205) from Sungai Dua town. About 2 km, there will be a signboard indicating “Rekreasi Air Hitam Dalam” and the road sign for “Kubang Semang & Bukit Mertajam”. Turn right into the new road. After 200 meters from the junction, turn right into a small paved road following the canal bund. You will need to ask around from the villagers as the road to the park is not marked.
Important Contacts:
Pejabat Hutan Negeri
Pulau Pinang
Tingkat 20, Menara KOMTAR
10000 Pulau Pinang
Tel : 04-6505250
References:
Pengarah, Hutan Pelajaran Air Hitam, Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri Pulau Pinang, Pulau Pinang.
Plus (1996), Guide to Peninsular Malaysia, Tourism Malaysia.
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