Sunday, January 16, 2011

Tasik Kenyir,Terengganu,Malaysia

     Tasik Kenyir is the largest man-made lake in South East Asia. It was constructed between 1978 and 1985. Sultan Mahmud Hydro Electric Power Plant, built in 1985 for generating electricity, this dam holds approximately 23.6 million cubic meters of water and occupies 38000 hectares. 
   Tasik Kenyir is a showcase of 340 islands. The islands on Tasik Kenyir are the tips of highlands and hilltops which were not submerged during the flooding. 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 heaven 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 or Sungai Terengganu. 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.
    Tasik Kenyir is merely 65 km from Kuala Terengganu's Sultan Mahmud Airport, served daily by flights from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Cruise leisurely on a 500 km drive from Kuala Lumpur or 900 km from Singapore via the North-South expressway and roads that run through Malaysian lush tropical rain forests and jungles to the resort. The resort offers it's own own coach transfers which depart from Sultan Mahmud Airport in Kuala Terengganu daily to shuttle visitors. Some public taxis also ply these routes. The new name of the resort is: Kenyir Lakeview Resort. 
     The old name was: Tasik Kenyir Golf Resort. Be aware: on the road are still the old signs with the old name on it. Drive right up to the resort and leave your car in a specially designated area. The car park is manned round the clock by stringent security personnel. At the resort you can explore the boundaries of the lake as you travel by boat across this 38,000-hectare man-made wonder. Take in the landscape of submerged hilltops and highlands scattered throughout this vast watery paradise. You can also strike out and explore the serene lake by canoe. Fishing enthusiasts should try their luck at outsmarting the many fishes that make their home in Tasik Kenyir. Also you can take up the challenge of jungle tracking as you negotiate the meandering highways of the rainforest. Weave through the age-old virgin forest with knowledgeable guides to show you the way. It's also very nice to have a look at the fish farm. This fish farm is on the lake.We have seen at the fish farm very large fish and they all do swim in the lake. 
     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.


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