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.