Formerly known as a fishing district, Bagan Datuk at Perak’s western tip has emerged as a new tourist destination, showcasing distinctive natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and fun experiences.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi noted that the district, renowned for its fishing industry and coconut plantations, offers a variety of attractions that can appeal to both domestic and international tourists.
Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Bagan Datuk, said one of the main attractions gaining increasing attention is the “sky mirror”, a remarkable natural phenomenon in which the sea’s surface flawlessly reflects the sky.
“Bagan Datuk boasts its own sky mirror, one of just seven such sites worldwide. This extraordinary phenomenon lets visitors witness the sky perfectly reflected on the water’s surface, creating the illusion of standing on a giant mirror,” he said in a video clip.
The phenomenon appears only a couple of times each month, during low tides around the new or full moon. At these moments, the shallow seabed becomes a flawless reflective surface, creating the illusion that visitors are walking on the sky.
Ahmad Zahid highlighted another unique attraction in Bagan Datuk, which was officially designated Perak’s 12th district in 2017: Sungai Burung. This us a popular site for feeding eagles at dusk, an experience that is increasingly drawing both domestic and international visitors.
Also in the area is the Sungai Burung Aquarium, featuring a diverse array of freshwater fish, including giant arapaima, arowana, and garfish, as well as terrestrial animals such as peacocks, rabbits, and monitor lizards.
As night falls, Ahmad Zahid noted that Sungai Burung comes alive with the spectacular Blue Tears phenomenon, which is a natural blue luminescence produced by a specific type of marine plankton in the waters of Kuala Sungai Perak as they head toward the Strait of Malacca.
“The Blue Tears phenomenon is exceptionally rare worldwide. It can be witnessed at night, in rain or clear skies, as these fish swim in groups, producing a stunning blue glow. Seeing is truly believing,” he said.
For nature enthusiasts seeking a lively and colourful experience, Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as Minister of Rural and Regional Development, described the Sunflower Garden in Bagan Sungai Burung as a must-visit destination.
Covering nearly one hectare, the garden features over 2,000 sunflowers that bloom in cycles, creating golden-yellow landscapes almost year-round. It has become a favourite destination for visitors, especially for pre-wedding and family photo shoots.
Ahmad Zahid noted that, in addition to its natural attractions, Bagan Datuk is home to Masjid Tuminah Hamidi, commonly known as the Tourism Mosque, which has emerged as a prominent new landmark in the district.
The floating mosque functions not only as a place of worship but also as a captivating embodiment of serene, contemporary Islamic architecture.
No trip to Bagan Datuk is complete without experiencing its vast coconut plantations, the district’s economic backbone and hallmark.
Dubbed the Land of Coconuts, the area is adorned with swaying coconut trees, while locals transform the harvest into coconut oil, snacks, handicrafts, and fresh coconut drinks that are a hit at roadside stalls.
To showcase Bagan Datuk’s tourism attractions, Ahmad Zahid noted that the official “Visit Bagan Datuk” portal has been launched, offering comprehensive information to visitors and encouraging greater tourist arrivals to the district.
“While Bagan Datuk may not yet have large hotels, the homestays run by residents not only supplement their income but also provide tourists with an authentic village lodging experience,” he said. – Bernama
