Lake Kenyir Nature Trip

It’s 5am, I jumped out of bed the moment the alarm clock rang just to be ready for my pick-up to airport and ensuing 7am flight to Kuala Terengganu (KT). This trip was also an exploratory trip for me on Fire Fly to assess the service. To my delight, other then the noisy propeller driven plane, it was a pleasant flight and serves as a good indication for the rest of the trip.

We were informed on board that the temperature in KT is 23 degrees Celcius and more surprise in store the moment we touched down, the upgrading of the KT airport building and runway. With Terengganu hosting Visit Terengganu Year 2008, such efforts are certainly a welcome sight but would have helped if the works were completed last year.

My limo pick-up from airport was delayed and went for a quick Nasi Lemak breakfast (Terengganu style) across the road. It does taste different with fish and a slice of boiled egg. Drinks was my usual Teh Ais (Iced Tea) and the whole breakfast cost me RM2.70. Simply affordable compared to the prices in cities.

The ride to Lake Kenyir was a revelation with sights of the new Kuala Terengganu SportsComplex which is being rushed for the upcoming 12th Sukma Games in May 2008. As we move on, can’t help noticing the 12th General Election campaign fever had gotten into the kampungs (villages) with flags and banners greeting travelers along the way.

Accomodation in Lake Kenyir was in a chalet made of timber which seats on stilts overlooking the gorgeous man-made lake with captivating landscape. The natural beauty of Lake Kenyir had remained intact since inception of the lake and mesmerized, is the word to describe the scenery.

Sunset at Lake Kenyir is an experience with the calm waters around the lake reflecting the sunset where it makes us wonder that blending nature around us has the calming effect. This destination would be a photographers haven for creative photography.

Wild boar sightings are common around the resort and they had wandered into the resort to look for food. The sightings are normally about 7pm and they normally move in groups.

On the advice of the Resort Rooms Division Manager, I woke up early the following day to look at what Mother Nature has to offer at the break of dawn and lovely birds chirping in a misty morning surrounding the 60 acre resort. Manage to watch hornbills but not too sure as to which species out the 8 types which can be found around the resort.

It was a short trip nevertheless, the 2nd experience of Lake Kenyir leaves me with many more captivating memories of the beautiful nature and not forgetting the lively chat with Pak Mat, the resort limousine driver.

It’s time to take my Fire Fly return flight to Kuala Lumpur and what a memorable trip when the Fokker 50 plane I boarded encounter left engine problems where the flight was delayed for almost an hour.

About Lake Kenyir

Kenyir Lake became one of the most magnificent tourist sports in Terengganu as well as in Malaysia. Kenyir luxurious forest is located in the district of Hulu Terengganu, which lies at a longitude of 102 degree 40 minutes and 4 degree and 40 minutes in latitude. It is believed that the rain forest is the world oldest tropical rainforest. The forest also serves as a part of Malaysia National Park.

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.

An hour from Sultan Mahmud Airport, 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. 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 Kenyir Lake creates and provides many amenities for total relaxation and enjoyment in a unique environment. Fishing, house boating, trekking, golfing, kayaking, camping, caving etc are some of the recreational activities the place has to offer.