These facts may be appropriate and yet, the scenes that one finds upon arrival may not be anywhere near one would imagine. First an understanding.

Matang was the largest remaining natural Mangrove forest in Peninsula Malaysia, measuring about 43 kilometers long and 27 kilometers at its widest part. Needless to say, this vastness is conducive to the breeding of wildlife, especially the large birds. 

The shoreline near the present Kuala Gula village and the formation of Pulau Kelumpang has the most ideal setting for breeding of marine life. The exceptional large concentration of birdlife bears testimony of this fact. So are the early human settlers. They carved out a dry landing place where city folks could reach a point deep in the mangrove forest. That was history!

Today, the stretch of forest from another village in the north, Kuala Kurau to Kuala Gula had being cleared and converted into Palm Oil estate. In Kuala Gula itself, only a narrow margin of Mangrove trees line the shoreline. Harvesting of shrimps had also reached a feverish pace. Without the forest in its hinterland and continuous human activities around what looks like a forest, one would ask "What quality of birdlife remains?" 

Without evaluating the chances of seeing the endangered Milky Stork, could we at least see huge colonies of Sandpipers?

Yet all is not lost! For ardent birders who understand birding, this is a huge sanctuary. The cultivated lands are near the forest, and even the fringes of the forest can be easily reached on foot. The chances of an occasional appearances of good quality birds are good. Waders can also be watched from the bunds.

Personally, I find that seeing the Stork billed and Crested Serpent Eagle at ease, a welcoming sign to Gula. Now that birders are reporting seeing the Owls, adds to the excitement.

If you are seriously into biriding, Gula is still a good destination. If you are tourist looking for unforgettable sights, then, my advise is "think again."