Earth Lodge, Ulu Muda, Kedah

Earth Lodge located within the raw jungles of Ulu Muda National Park n the northern Peninsular Malaysia state of Kedah, is managed by a group of passionate conservationists. Their aim is to make Earth Lodge a destination that combines sustainable tourism as well as a platform for much needed scientific research, nature conservation and advocacy work. The Ulu Muda Field Research Center is located a stone throws away and is where researchers do their work and live.

The adventure starts at the Muda Jetty of Muda Lake some 150km from Georgetown, Penang. A one and a half hour ride on a traditional long-tailed wooden boat across the lake and up the Muda River where the Earth Lodge will greet you at Kuala Labua.

Who is it for?

Earth Lodge is catered for the passionate and curious ecotourist and the intrepid field researcher. It is owner's hope that this combination will make Earth Lodge a unique and interesting destination where the ecotourist and researcher can meet and learn from each other.

Eligibility

Suitable for participants above 13 years old.

The lodge is not catered for young children. Unless guests and children enjoy being in serene nature with little modern distractions and conveniences, Ulu Muda and the nature lodge will not be a big attraction.

What is there to do?

Some of the activities you will experience include visits to salt-licks, overnight at a wildlife hide, swimming and frolicking in cold forest streams, floating down a river, visit a newly discovered limestone hill and its mysterious caves and watching birds and other wildlife. You can also just laze around the lodge grounds listening to nature’s jungle music and being awakened by the melodious call of the Gibbons.

Ulu Muda

The 160,000 hectares of Greater Ulu Muda is situated along the state’s eastern interior border with the Thai province of Yala. Comprising of several forest reserves, Ulu Muda Forest Reserve is by far the largest at 105,000 hectares.  Lowland Dipterocarp Forest, Hill Dipterocarp Forest and the Upper Hill Dipterocarp Forest are the forest types found here. It is particularly known as an important site for Malaysia’s mega fauna. An exciting recent find is the discovery of a limestone hill and associated caves of Bukit Labu. Limestone was previously not known to occur here.

Earth Lodge is strategically located at Kuala Labua, set in the midst of tall forest trees and on the banks of two rivers, the larger Sungai Muda and Sungai Labua. The area teems with wildlife. As in any rainforest, they are hard to see but signs of their presence is difficult to miss. Along this stretch of Muda River are nearly 30 salt licks! Making it one of the largest concentration of saltlicks found in Malaysia and maybe in the world. Three of these salt licks, Sira Keladi, Sira Bongor and Sira Ayer Hangat are relatively close to Earth Lodge. The latter is the most known as it combines a hot spring and a salt lick.

Three man-made lakes, Ahning, Pedu and Muda are found here. They were built to supply water to irrigate the vast and important paddy fields of the coastal flood plains of the states of Kedah and Perlis; also known as Malaysia’s “Rice Bowl”. In addition, these lakes and their forest covered catchment areas are also crucial for domestic and industrial water supply for three states, Perlis, Penang and Kedah; including the island of Langkawi.

Together with its biodiversity, Ulu Muda is a critical and vital forest landscape. It deserves better protection and management to ensure it remains a viable and sustainable ecosystem for many generations to come. Hunting, collection of forest products, logging, illegal fishing methods and unsustainable tourism activities remains a constant threat to its integrity.

The Lodge

Earth Lodge provides a humble nature lodging to any intrepid jungle explorer. It is about 14km away from civilization, the remoteness and the lack of modern communication is a nice respite for any traveller wanting to escape the din of the city and the electronic gadgets that rule most parts of our existence. There are only 14 rooms built with balconies overlooking the forest. Staying small to reduce the lodge’s impact on the fragile environment and ensure the site retains the isolated and tranquil feel. There will be 4 large basic rooms that can accommodate up to 6 adults while the remainder 10 rooms will comfortably accommodate 2 adults.

The dining area which will double as a place to socialize and compare notes from the day's activities is aptly called The Makan Place which is translated as the "Eating Place". Local cuisine will be served.

Electrical supply is produced via a diesel generator. All rooms are connected to the generator set to run lights and fans in the evenings. The diesel generator  had been installed by the State Government. In a few years with new sources of income and possibly sponsorship, a sustainable energy source from a dual micro-hydro and solar system can replace the diesel generator.

Piped water supply from Labua River is available to all rooms and at the Makan Place. As the water is untreated river water, it is only suitable for bathing and cleaning. Drinking water will be supplied at the Makan Place.

Earth Lodge is not merely a business, it is a conservation project. The lodging development is constantly in progress to reduce its impact on the environment. The caretakers try out new ways to reduce waste, to reduce energy consumption, to find renewable sources of energy, to use building materials that do not harm the environment, to use locally sourced products and services, and to engage the local communities as service providers at the lodging to visitors

Rate (in Malaysian Ringgit)

Valid for 2018

Itinerary

This is a suggested program and is subject to change without prior notice.

5 days / 4 nights
*4D3N package will have choice of Day 3 or Day 4
*3D2N package without Day 3 and Day 4

Day One
Meet Lake Muda Jetty (noon)
Lunch at the Jetty
Boat ride to Earth Lodge at Kuala Labua (approx. 1 1/2hrs)
Briefing / Introduction
Tea
Settle in
Wildlife boat cruise with visit saltlicks (Sira Bongor or Sira Keladi)
Free and easy
Dinner

Day Two
Breakfast
Trek to Bukit Labu (2 hours)
Visit caves at Bukit Labu
Light lunch by river
Trek back to Lodge (2 hours)
Tea
Wildlife boat cruise
Free and easy
Dinner
 
Day Three
Breakfast
Free and easy
Lunch
Boat and Trek to saltlick (Hot Springs)
Trek to Tualang Tree (Honey Bee nesting site)
Free and Easy
Tea
Wildlife boat cruise
Free and easy
Dinner

Day Four
Breakfast
Free and easy
Lunch
Boat to tubing starting point
Tubing to Earth Lodge, Kuala Labua
Tea
Wildlife boat cruise
Free and easy
Dinner
 
Day Five
Breakfast
Free and easy
Pack up & Leave Earth Lodge by Boat (11am)
Back at Lake Muda Jetty
End of trip

What is included?

¹Inclusive traditional Malay room accommodation with two single kapok mattresses on raised platform (all beddings provided) with attached bathroom, all boat transfers, all meals, activities, guides and all government fees / permits.

²Inclusive dorm accommodation on camp bed, shared bathroom, boat transfers, all meals, activities, guides and all government fees / permits. Sleeping bag and air pillow provided.

**Earth Lodge reserves the rights to make any changes or amendments to the rates and conditions at any moment without prior notice

What is excluded?

Transport to Ulu Muda Jetty, Insurance, Items not mentioned

What to wear or bring?

Wear and bring quick dry clothing, long sleeves for protection from sun and mosquitoes, hat and waterproof hiking boots.

Bring leech socks, extra batteries, poncho/rain coat, snacks and extra food, retractable hiking pole, microfibre towel, insect repellent, sun block, personal medication, binoculars, camera, torch/flashlight and multipurpose tool.

Getting Here

Travel time from Penang to Earth Lodge could take minimum 3 hours. 2 hours drive to jetty and minimum 1 hour by boat to the lodge. In dry season, guests may need to help push the boat or walk upstream.

There are no public transport services to this remote area. Your choice is self drive, hire a taxi or a private vehicle with driver.

Using North-South Expressway (Route E1) and taking the exit at Gurun (Exit 173). At the first traffic light after the toll gate, turn right using route K10 heading toward east. Follow the trunk road to Sik and then continue using route K8. You will pass through the scenic Beris Dam. Continue the straight trunk road and you should join route K13 to Gubir. You will pass a small village called Gubir and then reach the Muda Lake where there is a jetty. Earth Lodge guides will meet you here.