By Aida Aziz
TAIPING: Kuala Sepetang offers a wealth of historical, heritage and ecotourism attractions, making it a destination worth exploring beyond its well-known charcoal factories.
Visitors can witness the charcoal-making process, from drying mangrove wood to packaging the finished charcoal.
The wood is typically sourced from the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, where minyak and kurap mangrove species are commonly used for charcoal production.
Recently, 19 students from Sungai Siput Community College had the opportunity to explore Kuala Sepetang and experience its diverse attractions.
The student tourism programme, organised by Tourism Perak, covered several popular destinations, including the Matang Mangrove Eco-Educational Centre, a charcoal factory, Kuala Sepetang Heritage Trail, the first railway station in Malaya, Matang Museum, the Kuala Sepetang–Kuala Gula river cruise, a dolphin tour and Antong Coffee Mill.
Tourism Perak said in a statement that the programme adopted an educational tourism approach, providing students with hands-on learning experiences.
It also aimed to foster a greater appreciation of Perak and nurture young tourism ambassadors who could promote the uniqueness of local destinations.
The programme concluded with a closing ceremony at Antong Coffee Mill, officiated by Tourism Perak board chairman Datuk Mohamad Kamil Shafie.
Also present were Taiping Municipal Council Director of Urban Planning and Development TPr. Syahrulnizam Baharom and MOTAC Senior Administrative Assistant Kholijah Abdul Majid.
