Sunday, August 5, 2007

Tasik Kenyir


Located approximately 55 km from Kuaia Terengganu, the Kenyir Lake is reputed to be one of the largest and most fascinating man-made lake in the world. Covering an area of 369 sq km, it is also Malaysia's largest rock-filled hydroelectric dam. When the area was inundated by water, most of the hills were above the water level, thus creating about 340 man-made islands. 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 which could be carried out here are fishing, swimming, canoeing, boating and jungle trekking. Due to the cleanliness of the lake and abundance of food supply, the Kenyir Lake has a wide variety of fresh water fish such as Baung, Toman, Kelisa and Lampam. Accommodation such as houseboats, floating chalets and lakeside resorts are also available to visitors.


Fishing Kenyir Lake is known as an anglar's haven where fishing is concerned. With the many rivers and tributaries serving as breeding grounds, hundreds of species of sport fishes like the Kelisa, Kelab, Toman, Baung, Soberau and Lampan, just to name a few, are found in abundance. Good fishing sports are at Cacing, Pertang, Leban, Petuang, Saok, Sg. Terenggan and many others. Anglers are advised to arrange for special fishing trips through chalet or private boat operators for the best fishing location. Please be informed that a fishing permit is required from the Wildlife Department.


Camping & Jungle Trekking Camping and Jungle Trekking. If outdoor activities are your cup of tea, Kenyir Lake provides an ideal rendezvous with beautiful mother nature and peaceful camp-sites are plentiful in and around the lake. Popular spots are along the rivers of Saok, Lasir, Cacing, Chicir, Leban, Pertang, Terenggan, Tembat and Pulau Pub (KOLA). Should you decide on jungle trekking, please consult your tour guide (boat /chalet operators) for the best track and location. One of the most popular trails is Mount Gagau. Trekkers are advised to engage a jungle guide.


Water Sports With a sprawling water catchment of some 38,000 hectares, Kenyir Lake is being promoted as a water sport circuit by KETENGAH. Jet-skiing, kayaking, canoeing, boating, rafting and shooting rapids are among the many water sport activities available here. Watch out for the annual jet-ski competition, the Kenyir Regatta and the traditional long-boat race. Be it sporting activities, adventures peaceful relaxation or closeness to Mother Nature, Kenyir Lake offers so much more...


There are 30 rivers feeding the lake, 25 waterfalls and at least 25 known species of fish. Therefore Tasik Kenyir is known as an angler's haven for fishing. For anglers are arranged special trips by private boat operators. They know the best location. Please be informed that a fishing permit is required from the Wildlife Department only when you to enter National Park such as Sungai Cacing & Sungai Terenggan.Besides that the lake makes a fascinating tourist spot with its offering of a lush tropical forest, home to more than 8000 species of flowers, 2500 species of plants and trees and 300 species of fugus. Adding to the exotic colours are 800 butterflies, 370 species of orchids, 1000 species of birds and 200 species of other animals. There are also limestone caves and lush tropical rain forests.

The most important gateway to Tasik Kenyir is Pengkalan Gawi. It offers the services of a Tourist Information Centre, a parking area, a jetty and various water sports facilities for rental. Its strategic location also makes it the nearest gateway to Malaysia's well known National Park Taman Negara in the neighbouring state of Pahang.

Lasir Waterfall is one of the many spectacular waterfalls within Lake Kenyir. It's a lovely waterfall, that occurred at a boundary between two different rock types. It's a fall from about 500 feet high. The waterfall drops gracefully into multi-tiered levels of boulders forming sprays of water. Ponds of water are available at eash of the 5 levels of Lasir and one can enjoy a cold refreshing bath here. There are large camping area and hiking trail up to its top. The fall is well shaded by the canopy of the surrounding forest.

Pulau Redang


Redang is located 45 km off the coast of Kuala Terengganu is the largest of the group of islands dotting the South China Sea off the Terengganu coast. The island offers crystal clear waters and numerous dive sites for the enthusiast. Sheltered within the Redang Island Marine Park, the waters here abound with marine life.Redang Archipelago exists of 9 islands that abound with marvelous marine fishes, turtles and coral reefs that ensure great snorkeling and scuba-diving. The boat trip starts from the fishing village of Merang. This is a fishing village North of Kuala Terengganu.The best time to visit Redang is between April and October. Take note that most resorts are closed during the Northeast Monsoon, which blows from November to March.

Redang island is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, jungle trekking, boating and canoeing. This paradise-like island offers crystal clear water, pearly white shores, a colorful array of spectacular marine life, a breathtaking sunset and what could be the world's most mature coral gardens. This is your chance to see and be acquainted with the local eel, giant grouper, black tipped shark, etc. Chance encounter with the Green turtle and Hawksbill turtle is common. There are corals of every imaginable shape, size or color. The observant are rewarded with sights of flatworm, nudibranch, shrimp, squid, cuttlefish, stonefish, lionfish and pipefish.

No fishing is allowed within a 3.2 km radius of the island as Pulau Redang. The collection of corals and other aquatic life is also prohibited. The fines and penalties are severe and each year sees reports of arrests and fines. Activities prohibited and not allowed are:
Collecting and taking of aquatic life ( corals, shell or fishes whether living or alive ). Fishing without a license & Causing Pollution (3.2 km radius), i.e. littering Possession of spear fishing equipment. The waters around Pulau Redang also contain two historic shipwrecks. The H.M.S Prince of Wales and the H.M.S Repulse were sunk here at the start of World War II, setting the stage for the Japanese occupation of Malaya.

The hilly island of Redang can be fascinating in its own way. There is a moderately well trodden and marked path between Pasir Panjang and Teluk Dalam beach, about 2 km long. Sights include a small stream and pools alive with catfish, the occasional encounter with the shy kancil (little deer) and monkeys, and other jungle flora and fauna. At the end of the trek is the Berjaya Redang Beach Resort at Teluk Dalam. For the more adventurous, there are rocky cliffs and outcrops away from this beaten path that offer spectacular overhead views of Pasir Panjang below.

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Jom mandi kt Lata Cemerung, Dungun

Lets feel the cold again!!


You can feel the cold.. dont forget to bring your sweater .. ahaks thats only joke lar. . Reaching the Cemerong fall is quite an expedition because of its remoteness and lack of signage. From Kuantan you follow the Inland Highway to Kuala Terengganu. About halfway you will pass a small river, the Paka river. Take the first road to your left. Coordinates of the junction are N 04° 35.854' E 103° 12.542' From this junction it is about 30 km on a good tar road to the Entrance of the Recreation Park.From the coastal Highway you can cross over to the Inland one at Kemanan or Dungun


The Upper Fall

Really impressive!

The upper part of the fall

The very tall Cemerong Fall. Notice the human figure at the bottom of the fall
From the bottom of the fall it is not possible to climb to the top. Maybe the top can be reached by crossing the new bridge, and following the trail to the Gunung Berumbun.

Friday, July 27, 2007

Malaysia Attractions : Kapas Island

A heaven for swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, boating and fishing.


Pulau Kapas abounds in numerous deserted, white sandy beaches lined with shady palm trees to make a perfect niche to laze on. Relaxation is the foremost occupation here. It offer a refreshing change from everyday haste.The island is just 4 nautical miles from Marang. It's is an ideal place to break away and chill it out. Pulau Kapas is made up of two islands Pulau Gemia and Pulau Kapas. Pulau Kapas is about easy access, choices and plenty of bargain. Places to stay ranging from camping sites to dormitory to island resorts with en suite facilities. Only thing that never change on this island is the constant number of backpackers arriving and departing each day.




July, August and the local holidays are the best times to go.An island famous for its clear waters, sandy white beaches and swaying palms, it is relatively isolated. Home to an infinite variety of hard and soft corals, the waters around the island abound with sea-shells, fish and turtles.The island's laid back atmosphere is ideal for relaxation but the more adventurous will find it is also a haven for swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, boating and fishing.Kapas has somehow become the refuge of those who refuse or could not join the Perhentian' crowd.The island is favorite with the local people in the very high season and the public holidays.



A taxi from Kuala Terengganu airport or the bus terminal costs RM 30.00 per cab for the journey to Marang Jetty. Boat transfer service may start as early as 7:00 and costs RM 25.00 per person (two way).Services such as snorkelling around the island is very much standardised and priced accordingly. The standard price of equipment is RM5 per day for mask & tuba and RM5 per day for fins.Tourist are never been over charged on these services. The only item that sometimes may seemed over priced are the food. Be sure that all menu has price listed before ordering.Just north of the pier, a couple of small restaurants serves the cheapest basic dishes of the island : Nasi or Mee Goreng. The first one gives good portions and sell big bottle of mineral water. One of the best local eating place on this island is at Zaki's.


Due to its close proximity to shore, Pulau Kapas is exposed to the occasional visits from unwelcome parties.
Be sure that any valuables is locked in the room or better still be carried along where ever you go. Local islanders is always helpful and on the watch for these trouble makers. Anyone caught on any unlawful acts will be deal with accordingly. However, they did not guarantee that your belonging will not be stolen. Mosquito can be a serious nuisance at dusk and dawn. Most resorts have mosquito net but for the outdoors, bring enough repellent.

Diving:
A few dive shops offer the basic gears and instructions.The key attraction for diving at Pulau Kapas is the World WarII shipwreck located 5 nautical miles offshore.The outer reefs on her seaward side has are good diving spots as well. Its shallow water make it an ideal training ground for divers.Thai fishing boats caught on illegal entry in Terengganu waters are also sunk here as artificial reefs.Besides staying on the island, one may choose to stay at better facilities available in town and may do the diving on day trips


Pulau Kapas offers a variety of adventures to the Sun and Sea lovers. The hidden sweats of nature's splendors both on land and below the sea. You could track into the island's interior and amazed at the colorful natural flora and fauna along the way. Explore the most varied marine life among the many coral reefs around the island. Snorkeling and underwater diving is popular along stretches of shallow coral reefs of the island's western shore.

Waterfall in Malaysia : Lata Tembakah

Lata Tembakah

State Terengganu
Location25 km south of Jertih
Coordinates and map N05° 35.17' E102° 26.83'
Water SourceStream
Waterfall ProfileVertical Falls & Cascades
AccessibilityNature park


The Tembakah Waterfalls are probably the most impressive falls of Terengganu. The Hutan Lipur Lata Tembakah is clearly signposted and can be reached from Jertih. Coming from K. Terengganu a shortcut is possible by taking the T142 near Kg Jabi.


This is the sign you will see, when you come from K. Terengganu

The park is well maintained with many facilities

A timetable gives time and distance to the falls, but it is not very accurate

The first waterfalls are actually more like cascades. They have nice, large pools, which make them perfect for family outings. Not surprisingly, this park can be crowded!

The first cascade

Some of the cascades can be used as (bumpy) slides.
When you follow the trail along the river, you reach the main fall of the park. It is number 4 of the list.



It is a tall fall with an estimated altitude of 80 meters

To reach the upper falls, there are two possibities. First, you can choose the jungle trail, which is clearly signposted. The other way is to scramble upwards at the right side of the main fall. Interesting but not easy.The upper falls are also very impressive and as it takes some effort to reach them, they will be quiet even when there is a crowd.

Waterfall in Malaysia : Sekayu Waterfall

Sekayu Waterfall

State Terengganu
LocationSouth of Kuala Berang
Coordinates and map N04° 57.85' E102° 56.71'
Water SourceSmall River
Waterfall ProfileVertical Falls & Cascades
AccessibilityFrom carpark & river trekking


From Kuala Terengganu, proceed inland to the town of Kuala Berang. Just before reaching the town center, watch out for a turning on the left! At this junction , there is a road that leads motorist to the Sekayu Waterfall. There are indicative signs before the junction. The distance along this country road is 14 kilometers long.

The road will continue to pass through small villages and countryside. Nearing the end of the road, signboard there will indicate that the park is situated after a right turn. The park is situated at the fringe of the mountain range.

Signboard of this design are placed in many locations to guide visitors to the Park.

This is a mature park with chalets and campsites for overnight stay. It also practices a security system, which kept the main gate locked after dark.

So check with the park authority if you intend to stay there and reporting after regular working hours, on the closing and opening time.

This is a well organised nature park

The Tersat river has a fair size and plenty of water


Chalets for an overnight stay are available

The first of the many waterfalls, with an inviting pool

The falls are interspersed by quiet stretches of water

This is a beautiful park and you can easily spend many hours enjoying nature.

Beautiful flowers abound