South East Asian Trips

Kenyir Lake

Located in the interior part of Terengganu, Kenyir Lake is the largest man-made lake in Southeast Asia. Covering an area of 369 sq. km, it is also Malaysia's largest rock-filled hydroelectric dam. Sharing its border with Kelantan in the west and Pahang in the south, this immense lake also servers as another gateway to Malaysia's National Park.

With about 340 islands, which were once hilltops and highlands, more than 14 waterfalls, and numerous rapids and rivers, Tasik Kenyir is also home to numerous species of freshwater fishes and exotic wildlife. Surrounded by a lush tropical jungle, the Kenyir Lake is a popular and ideal retreat for nature lovers, anglers, photo enthusiasts and fun seekers. Some of the activities that could be carried out here are fishing, watersports, canoeing, boating, bird watching, cave exploration, and jungle trekking.

Jetty

The main gateway to the lake is Pengkalan Gawi or Gawi Jetty. Visitors can make full use of its facilities such as the Tourist Information Centre, parking bays, food stalls, and more. Boat rentals and transfers can also be easily arranged through respective representatives stationed there.

Waterfalls, Camping

There are many breathtaking waterfalls in Tasik Kenyir. Creating a cool, relaxing, and rejuvenating ambience, visitors will love picnicking at these falls. The waterfalls in Kenyir Lake are well shaded by the leafy green canopy of the Tropical Rainforest. Currently, there are no basic amenities such as restrooms, but plans are already being undertaken to accommodate for such facilities. Apart from that, these falls are also ideal for camping.

Lasir, located 16km to the south of Pengkalan Gawi, is one of the most popular picnic spots in Tasik Kenyir. It has a magnificent fall of some 500ft. Lasir drops gracefully onto a multi-tiered level of boulders and rocks, forming cascading showers of foaming white sprays of water.

Another waterfall, Saok, is fast gaining popularity amongst visitors to Kenyir Lake. Cascading waters over its rocky terraces and boulders and a flat sandy area at ground level make it a perfect picnic spot for the whole family.

Unlike Lasir and Saok, Tembat waterfall is made up of five fast flowing rapids. It has a large camping area at the side and is thus a popular destination for campers. There is a hiking trail that leads to the top of the fall with a magnificent view of the waterfall and its surroundings.

Other waterfalls within Tasik Kenyir are the Petang, Leban, Terenggan, Lata Terap and Petuang.

Hills

Apart from picnicking, the hilly regions of the lake bring visitors to a world of untouched, virgin jungles that are estimated to be millions of years old. Research scientists, nature lovers, adventurers, and keen photographers will find Kenyir a promising world of discovery. The highest altitude in Kenyir Lake is Mount Chergau. Other peaks include the Bongsu, Tembat, Raung, Kachang, Gagau, and Gajah Terom. The mountainous tropical rain forest offers tremendous Eco-tourism potential. Hence, to ensure that it is well preserved, facilities such as ranger stations, base camps, and hiking trails are in the process of development. Should visitors choose to venture into these hilly regions, it is advisable to consult the relevant authorities.

Caves

Two limestone hills that abound with mysteries and legends are Bewah and Taat. Although occasionally covered by spooky mists, these hills provide some of the most spectacular sights in Tasik Kenyir. Taat has three caves with the lowest entrance, Tok Bidan Cave, now submerged underwater. Archeologists and historians have uncovered artifacts such as kitchen utensils, axes, and tools that date back to the Neolithic era. Taat Caves can be explored through two visible entrances while the nearby Bewah Cave has only one entrance. Inside, these caves offer extraordinary sights of stalactites and stalagmites. Authorities are planning to conduct further excavations to unravel the mysteries and secrets of the caves.

Boating, Fishing, Jet Skiing

In spite of these other activities, Kenyir is still known as an angler's haven. With the many rivers and tributaries serving as breeding grounds, hundreds of species of sport fishes are found in abundance. During the wet season, fishes can even be caught with your bare hands! A recent study indicated that there are over 300 species of freshwater fishes in the lake. Anglers are advised to arrange for special fishing trips through chalets or private boat operators. Tasik Kenyir is also being promoted as a water sport circuit. Jet skiing, kayaking, canoeing, boating, and rafting are among the many water sports available.

Golf

Accommodations such as houseboats, floating chalets and lakeside resorts are available to visitors. Most of these offer basic amenities. Tasik Kenyir Golf Resort, however, is the only deluxe resort in the area. It has more facilities and activities, including golfing. The golf course is situated on a privately owned island, which is dedicated solely to golfing.

Tasik Kenyir is easily accessible from all major points in Malaysia, be it by land or air. The most recommended route is through land where driving through villages become a pleasant experience.

Tasik Bera

Located in southwest Pahang, Tasik Bera is the largest natural freshwater lake in Peninsula Malaysia. It is situated in the saddle of the main and eastern mountain ranges of the Peninsula and is approximately 35km long and 20km wide. Tasik Bera has remained a unique and remote wetland wilderness, which is surrounded by a patchwork of dry lowland forests.

Like Tasik Chini, the second largest natural lake in the Peninsula, an aboriginal tribe also inhabits Bera. The Semelai aborigines reside in the areas surrounding Tasik Bera and they continue to acquire food in traditional ways. Rich in wildlife and vegetation, Bera is therefore an ecosystem, which not only supports a diversity of animal and plant life but also sustains the livelihood of the Semelai people.

Tasik Bera plays an important role in flood control, water flow regulation and purification and it also provides many natural resources for the local community. Hence, it is protected under an international treaty, Ramsar Convention, which was declared in November 1994. The Pahang State Government has also undertaken plans to formulate a nature based tourism development plan, which includes the establishment of a visitor or field study center, the training of site personnel, and the integration of the local community into the overall development.

Bera Lake is a sanctuary for 328 species of flora, 200 bird species, 50 mammals, and more than 95 species of fishes. Although very difficult to discover, the extended wetland area and its surrounding forests still support tigers, tapirs, elephants, and other endangered species. The clouded leopard, wild boars, monkeys, flying squirrels, and flying lemurs are other wildlife known to exist in Bera. The lake also contains a large number of the country's freshwater fish species, including both popular aquarium and sport fishes.

For nature enthusiasts, Bera is an ideal place for many recreational and adventurous activities. Visitors can choose to jungle trek, participate in river safaris, or go fishing, especially after heavy rains. The relatively isolated and tranquil surroundings of the open water are also perfect for boating or kayaking. Visitors can cruise river channels and inlets in search of vegetation and wildlife.

There are distinct wet and dry seasons in Tasik Bera. The wet months are from April to May and September to January. On the other hand, dry periods are from February to April and June to August.

To ensure safety, visitors are encouraged to hire a guide for all activities on the lake and surrounding forests. The Semelai's knowledge of both the forest and lake's habitats make them a popular choice as guides.

There is only one resort in Tasik Bera but visitors are permitted to camp on the north end of the lake at Sudin's Jetty, as well as the grounds near the resort. Bera is accessible by road. Alternatively, visitors can also take the train from both Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, which stops at Triang and Mentakab respectively. From there, taxis are available to the Bera jetty. There are no local car rental facilities; they must therefore be hired in Kuala Lumpur or Kuantan.

Pedu Lake

Located approximately 5km from the Malaysian-Thai border, Pedu Lake is an ideal vacation spot for both young and old. A massive development plan has changed this 12km-long lake into a premier holiday resort, which is second to none in the world. Settled in the midst of the dense rainforest of Gunung Fakir Terbang and surrounded by an undulating terrain, this magnificent lake offers a serenity that is unmatched, a landscape that is beautiful beyond words, and a refreshingly cool environment. With its peaceful and tranquil environment, Pedu Lake is an ideal location for unwinding even under the midday sun. Just by reading your favorite novel under swaying coconut palm trees in the cool breezy mountain air can bring such simple pleasure.

Pedu Lake has the ability to bring peace and quiet in one's life. Imagine getting away from traffic jams or air and noise pollution. The entire world is at your feet. Furthermore, the crystal clear waters offer an ideal venue for water sports' lovers. One can jet ski, canoe, water-ski, or even windsurf. Apart from water sports, one can also golf, fish, camp, watch birds, and jungle trek.

For those interested in jungle trekking, it can be done by going into the inner depths of the jungle around Pedu Lake. One can discover and admire its well-protected flora and fauna. The lush jungle is home to a large population of wild animals, which includes elephants, deer, wildboar, leopards, birds, bats, flying foxes, and not forgetting the different types of insects. The jungle is also a sanctuary for a special breed of "albino snakes" although it takes a lot of patience and luck to come across one. The rich wildlife in Pedu Lake's jungle has prompted the Kedah Government to designate part of Pedu Lake and its surrounding areas as a wildlife sanctuary. This has opened a new dimension in eco-tourism, which is uniquely special to the Pedu Lake region. Hides and canopy walks have also been created to enable tourists and nature lovers to have a taste of adventure in the wilds.

Another unique natural attraction offered is "swarm" hunting as the jungle is home to millions of giant honeybees called "Appis Dorsata". The honeybees have a particular tree in the jungle called the "Tualang Tree", which happens to be their favorite tree for setting up home. Hundreds of hives can sometimes be found on the tree. Watching these honeybees swarming back to their hives at sundown is a thrilling experience that is too good to be missed. However, it would be wise to engage in the services of special guides to go on this "swarm" hunting adventure, as well as to see the natives in the jungle collecting wild honey from the honeybees.

Visitors should also not limit their adventures to daytime alone. When night falls and silence descends, one can hear the crackling calls of jungle insects, the occasional hooting of night owls, and the strange cries of wild animals. It is a world where the nocturnal animals dominate. Yet the moon high above the lake and the shimmering surface of the lake provides such peaceful and romantic feelings.

For the more pampered tourists, there are two superb holiday resorts to cater to their needs. Pedu Golf and Lake Resort and the Desa Utara Pedu Lake are two international resorts, which have laid claim to the fringes of Pedu Lake. Both provide beautifully structured chalets for visitors' perusal. They also provide all the modern facilities and amenities that are normally associated with top-class international resorts, including an 18-hole golf course. The Kedah State Economic Planning Unit and Berjaya Pedu Lake Resort are also planning to develop more chalets in Pedu Lake.

Pedu Lake has so much more to offer to us. Nature lovers have the entire jungle at their disposal to discover the hidden secrets of the tropical forests. Vacationers have the beauty all to themselves. One can never tire of this place.

Tasik Chini

Tasik Chini is one of the only two natural lakes in Peninsula Malaysia, both of which are located in the state of Pahang. Located approximately 100km from Kuantan town, the capital of Pahang, Chini is a lake that was formed from the natural damming of a river valley. It is Malaysia's second largest natural lake and is made up of a series of 12 lakes. With its well-known myths, the lake has attracted many visitors from various destinations. Legend has it that a mythical dragon lives in the lake and is the guardian of a lost city of gold, which was once situated at the lake. The Jakun people - an Orang Asli (aboriginal) tribe of Malay origin - who live around the lake also believe that the serpent Naga Seri Gumum (Loch Ness Monster) is the spirit and guardian of the lake. Nevertheless, these legends have enticed numerous archeologists to conduct scientific expeditions in Chini.

Lying majestically among 12,000 acres of lush tropical wilderness, the lake provides such beauty that it is possible to walk for miles without feeling bored. The size of the lake itself is subjective to regular periods of expansion and contractions. It is at its largest size during the monsoon months, which falls from October to January.

Virtually undisturbed for centuries, Tasik Chini itself is a habitat for over 144 species of fishes. The months of November to January is the best time for anglers to try their luck as the monsoon season would have increased the size and depth of the lake.

Earnest bird watchers will be happy to know that over 200 species of birds were recorded. Chini is a premier bird watching destination in Peninsula Malaysia. There are three bird watching trails, which go through different habitats. During the months of October to March, migratory birds come to Chini from the northern parts of Asia to escape the winter.

Chini is also a treasure trove for avid photographers. Imagine this picturesque lake with the majestic Gunung Chini in the backdrop, especially in the early mornings and late evenings. Also, during the months of July to January, the surface of the lake blossoms into a garden of pink and white lotuses, which contrasts brightly against the green lily pads. It is a truly breathtaking sight! River safaris are another way to enjoy the beauty of the lake.

For the more adventurous, Tasik Chini has a number of challenging routes through the jungle and swamps for off-road driving. The routes are only accessible by four-wheel-drives and provide enough excitement and adventure to please even the most demanding thrill-seeker. Another kind of activity is jungle trekking, which is exciting yet educational. One will be able to see an amazing array of flora and fauna here in Chini. It is best to secure a guide in order to fully utilize and appreciate the natural surroundings.

There are a number of wooden chalets and restaurants available, as well as camping spots for those who wish to rough it. Tasik Chini is accessible by road from most parts of Peninsula Malaysia and even Singapore. Daily bus services are also available from Kuantan.