‘Predator’ Hunting at Pantai Aceh

Niza Zainal — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 09:36:46 +0000

A family friend invited us to join his family outing at Pantai Aceh, Klang. Located at Indah Island specifically (previously known as Pulau Lumut), the journey took us about 45 minutes from my in-laws house in Shah Alam via the KESAS highway. I was very much excited about the short trip, as I had spent some of my childhood days on the island itself when my parents were posted there back in 1980’s; and for the second reason that I will reveal shortly.

After 25 years, I can see that Pulau Indah is rapidly developing. I vaguely remember a small fishing island, with no connection with outside world except via fisherman boat transfers from Port Klang Jetty. I'm not sure whether the boat service is still available; especially with the existance of newly constructed West Port Bridge.

Pantai Aceh is somehow is secludedly located, we sort of losing our way coming here. Thank god the telco reception is good.

We spotted some parasailing activity going on. The broad plateau and windy condition is very much suitable for such commotion. Being remote, I wonder how these people (I also spotted a few foreigners) knew about this place.

At last, this is Pantai Aceh

Yes, these critters is what lure us here... the horseshoe crab or locally known as "Belangkas"

They somehow look like the alien ‘Predators’ to me, the extra–terrestrial warrior hunted by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1987 big hit movie.

This creature is always comes together, that’s why the name ‘Belangkas’ or ‘couple’. It is even mention by Malay proverb to illustrate intimacy. A bit cliché, the male is always on top of the female. The male is usually good-for-mating only, thus it will be discarded when catched. It’s the female that is edible (we are after the eggs).

The critters are usually found on shallow muddy ocean waters, especially during high tide. Air bubbles on the waters indicate their presence. Bro Faiz here is kind enough to show us city slickers on how to catch these little ‘predators’.

They are very swift, these crustacians. Catching them requires extreme perseverance and prudence.

Gotcha! Bro Faiz pose with his trophy.

While the men are busy with their 'hunt', I saunter around enjoying the panaroma and the serenity.

Aca seems to be on the same wavelength.

The beach might not be pretty, but I just love the peacefulness.

Another pose from our crusty friend.

While at another end, our 'neighbours' are happily gliding.

As the day is getting late, I return back to where our friend's humble abode is waiting. To our surprise, the tent is load stock with food, and fully equipped with lamp, fan, some entertainment and a mobile toilet. Cool.

While waiting for the guys, I spotted a small fish entangled at the net.

Which later became Ahnaf’s obsession.

: The fishes are caught using these as baits. Known as umpun-umpun, these salt-water worms could be found hiding in mud especially at mangroves area. I can’t imagine eating any fish caught with this slimy creature at their throat. Yuck!

: Someone shoved an ugly-phallus-look-like creature to my face. It is a species of sea cucumber or ‘gamat’, a creature with therapeutic value. Its extract is highly used in Malaysia in cosmetics or as massage oils; it could heal wounds faster and minimize scars. It is also consumed to cure constipation.

The sun is setting, and soon the dark and quite will creep in. But we are not alone. There are a few marauders like us staying behind.

As night settles in, our faithful Bro Faiz setting up the fire to lighten up.

It is also used to cook our dinner.

Dinner is served! Before it could be eaten, you must remove its blood ducts as it is poisonous, which quantity is enough of killing.

We are suppose to eat the eggs (tiny, yellowish blob), the white flesh (which taste like crab, but a bit chewy) and also the egg duct, as pointed by En. Nazren. But be careful not to chomp on those bluish grey thingy as it is poisonous. However, it is highly sought after, being medicinal in value. Speculated as a cancer remedy, a litre of those bluish fluid (it is actually horseshoe crab's blood) could cost you USD5000!

Having it for the first time, the creepy looks of the horseshoe crab and the danger of being poisoned to death could not thwart off our appetite. Indeed, we ate it with very much gusto!

The End.

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‘Predator’ Hunting at Pantai Aceh