Our Love Story...and a little baby: Magical firefly moments...

We had decided to celebrate our very belated 3rd year anniversary in Kuantan. This year's anniversary celebration included a baby so we had to plan everything way in advance. No more spontaneously checking into budget hotels or backpacking. Even a few quiet minutes of romantic candle-lit dinner by the beach seemed impossible wit darling Alyssa being our center of universe 90% of the time. So we decided to explore nature and see it at its best.

I have always been fascinated with fireflies, and ever since we got married, i have occasionally been giving hints to Papa how wonderful it would be to watch a bunch of them up close. But my dreams were shattered when i read the frustrated reviews of those who have travelled all the way to Kuala Selangor to experience the magical wonder of fireflies, only to find that civilization has taken its toll on the firefly habitat, rendering them near-extinct.

Luckily, Papa did some research, and before we knew it, we were cruising on a boat along the Cherating River together with a very knowlegable tour guide and about 15 other tourist hopefuls. Keeping our fingers crossed, we held our breath as we hit the darkness of the mangrove swamp which lined the river, and kept our eyes fixed to the trees as directed by our tour guide. Sure enough, seconds later, the blinking lights started making its debut appearance, followed by thousand others following suit. Subhanallah, the sight was so breathtaking that i literally forgot to breathe! And the best part was yet to come. Our tour guide did something way beyond our imagination. He signalled to the crowd of fireflies, and the creatures just literally flew in our direction and sorrounded our boats!! We were able to catch the tiny fireflies and watch it lit up in our palms...they look like tiny flying fairies, so magically breathtaking. It was the most magical thing I could imagine.

That night, we all went back feeling mesmerized and in awe. Thank you Papa, for arranging this wonderful trip :).We're definitely coming here again in future!