Tasik Kenyir: Tranquillity and Activity

Located approximately 55 km from Kuala Terengganu Tasik Kenyir provides a tranquil and serene environment alternating with a water sports paradise. Fresh water sport fishing is unparalleled here while other activities include golf, trekking, rafting, kayaking and a whole host of others! Tasik Kenyir also serves as the alternate entrance to Taman Negara (National Park), one of the wonders of the world, which can be reached by a 2-hour boat ride from Pengkalan Gawi.

History
Kenyir Lake is reputed to be one of the largest and most fascinating man-made lakes in the world. Covering an area of 260,000 sq. ha, it is Malaysia's largest rock-filled hydroelectric dam. When the area was submerged by water, most of the hills peaked out above the water level, creating a wonderful assortment of 340 islands with waterfalls, rivers and rapids. Here and there you also see the remains of the tops of tall trees peaking out reminding us of the forest that once shrouded the area. The lake is surrounded by a lush tropical jungle, a popular retreat for nature lovers, anglers, photo enthusiasts and fun seekers. Ketengah (Lembaga Kemajuan Terengganu Tengah) is the Tasik Kenyir Development and Tourism Division.

Getting There & About
If driving from Kuala Lumpur, take the Karak highway to Jerangau-Jabor road to reach Ajil and onwards to Kenyir. Alternatively, take the Karak Highway to Kuantan and along the coastal road through Kemaman, Dungun, Kuala Terengganu and subsequently to Tasik Kenyir.

Express buses also provide daily services from Hentian Putra Bus Terminal in Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu. A direct bus service, the Tasik Kenyir Express, departs daily at 8.00pm from Hentian Putra in Kuala Lumpur to Tasik Kenyir via Al Muktafi Billah Shah Town and Kuala Berang.

Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia operate regular flights to Kuala Terengganu. A taxi ride direct from the Sultan Mahmud Airport to Tasik Kenyir takes approximately 45 minutes.

Water transportation is the most important mode of travel in Tasik Kenyir. Currently, there are about 70 boat operators who provide services within the lake. All the boats are located at Pengkalan Gawi. Gawi Jetty is the main gateway to the Kenyir Lake besides Pengkalan Utama.

Comfortable accommodation is available in Kenyir, ranging from luxurious five star accommodation to land chalets, floating inns or even houseboat, while camping sites are provided at Pengakalan Gawi and Sg. Lawit.

Cool Retreats
The hilly regions of Kenyir Lake present a world of untouched virgin tropical jungle estimated to be millions of years old. The highest peak in Tasik Kenyir is Mount Chergau, followed by Mount Gagau with an elevation of 4,514 feet above sea level (it is also the second highest peak in Taman Negara after Mount Tahan).

Bewah and Taat, two towering limestone hills in the area, abound with mysteries and legends. These hills, occasionally shrouded in mists, provide some of the most spectacular sights in Kenyir Lake.

Other peaks in Kenyir are the Bongsu, Tembat, Raung, Kachang, Chergau and Galah Torom.

Eco-Adventures
Caves
Before the creation of Kenyir Lake, the Taat limestone hill had three caves but now the lowest entrance, the Tok Bidan Cave is submerged underwater. You can now explore the Taat Caves through its two visible entrances while the nearby Bewah Cave has a single entrance.

Inside these caves, extraordinary stalactites and stalagmites await the explorer. This is the site where archaeologists and historians have uncovered artifacts such as kitchen utensils, axes and tools dating back to the Neolithic era while more interestingly archeologists from National Museum have discovered the skeleton of a Neolithic man here.. Further excavations are thus planned for these caves.

It takes approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours by boat to reach these caves from Pengkalan Gawi.

Cascading Waterfalls
There are many spectacular waterfalls in Tasik Kenyir which are popular spots for picnicking as they provide a cool, relaxed and rejuvenating ambience.

The multi-tiered Lasir is one of the most popular picnic spots in Kenyir Lake. With a majestic drop of around 500 feet it forms cascading showers of foaming white sprays of water on its descent. This waterfall, as with all waterfalls within Kenyir, is well shaded by the leafy, green canopy of the surrounding tropical rainforest.

The Saok Waterfalls, located close to Pengkalan Gawl, is fast gaining popularity among holiday makers particularly since its rocky terraces and boulders and flat sandy area makes it a perfect picnic spot for the whole family.

Tembat Waterfalls on the other hand is unusual in that is comprises five rapids of fast flowing cascades. With a large camping area at its side, it is without doubt a popular destination for campers. A biking trail leading to the top of the fall rewards the biker with a magnificent view of the waterfall and its surroundings.

Other waterfalls within the Lake are the Pertang, Leban, Terenggan, Late Terap and Petuang.

Rainforestts
The rainforest that cradles the area is believed to be one of the oldest. In the north is the Hulu Telemong Forest Reserve and in the south is Hulu Terengganu Forest Reserve and then there is the Terengganu National Park. The forests are home to an assortment of rare flora and fauna which includes ferns, exotic orchids, hornbills, elephants, and panthers. The area is said to be home to over 8,000 species of flowers, 2,500 species of plants and trees, 800 species of orchids, and 300 species of fungus.

Sports and Recreation
Water sports fans can enjoy swimming, kayaking, jet skiing, canoeing and shooting the rapids at the sprawling water catchment area of Tasik Kenyir. Other adventures include trekking into the hidden world of flora and fauna in the surrounding jungle, hiking up Mount Chergau (the highest peak at the lake) or joining the exploration of Gua Bewah and Gua Taat.

In 2008 in line with the Visit Terengganu Year, various activities have been planned in the Tasik Kenyir area. Early in the year in February there will be the Kenyir Motocross Championship, in April there is the Kenyir International Mountain Bike Challenge, In May the Kenyir Lake International Triathlon and in December it will also be part venue for the Terengganu International 4WD Rainforest Challenge.

Anglers' Paradise
Tasik Kenyir with its huge water catchment area is a natural haven for freshwater fish. A recent study revealed that there are over 300 species of freshwater fish in the lake such as Kelisa, Kelah, Toman, Baung, Sebarau and Lampam, making Tasik Kenyir an angler’s dream come true.

Some of the perfect spots for anglers are Petang, Cacing, Leban, Petuang, Sg. Terenggan and Saok. To fish at these spots you need to acquire a fishing permit from the Wildlife Department.

Tourism Information Centre

Tasik Kenyir Tourist Information Centre
Pengkalan Gawi,
Terengganu
Tel: 609 626 7788 or 666 8498