kenyir lake

Kenyir Lake (Tasik Kenyir)

Location Map I How to get there I Pengkalan Gawi I Activities IFishes I Hilly Regions I Caves I Waterfalls

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.

waterfall

Kedah state begins with its eastern boundary demarcated by the Main Range. The steep hills END rather quickly and the terrain changes into lowlands. Then, among the wide lowland plain at one spot beside the sea coast, a massive Gunong Jerai suddenly makes its presence felt. In the sparsely populated highland areas, many river sources are left intact including the 'original' waterfalls
The state is literally littered with waterfalls, only a couple of the larger ones have been developed as well visited picnic spots.

Accessability: Easy
Picture	Name/Location	Type	Activities	Description
	Batu Hampar Yan Gunung Jerai	Cascades Multiple falls	Picnic Swimming Camping	Recreation park with a few small waterfalls
	Bukit Hijau Near Malau	Cascades Multiple falls	Picnic Swimming Trekking Camping	A well maintained recreation park with beautiful cascades and falls
	Durian Perangin Pulau Langkawi, Gunung Raya	Multiple falls	Picnic Swimming	Attractive, well-maintained recreational park with some nice falls. Seasonal.
	Junjong waterfall 15 km South of Kulim	Cascades Multiple falls	Picnic Swimming Camping	Popular waterfalls, not far from Kulim
	Lata Bayu Baling	Cascades Multiple falls	Picnic Swimming Camping	Well maintained park and a popular weekend destination.
	Lata Mengkuang 12 km from Sik, near the Thai border	Cascades Single fall	Picnic Swimming Camping	A nice waterfall in remote surroundings
	Perangin Sik Near Sik	Cascades	Picnic Swimming Camping	A recreation park with a cascade and a small fall
	Puteri Mandi Gunung Jerai	Single fall	Trekking	Seasonal Fall
	Serdang Falls Near Serdang	Cascades Single fall	Picnic Swimming	Popular recreation park. Fals also know as Batu Hampar falls
	Telaga Tujoh Pulau Langkawi	Single fall	Picnic Swimming Trekking	The fall is at its best in the rainy season, September/October. The name comes from the seven pools at the top of the fall
	Temurun Waterfall Pulau Langkawi, road to Damay Bay Resort	Multiple falls	Picnic Swimming	Tallest fall of Langkawi. Seasonal
	Ulu Paip East of Kulim	Rapids Cascades	Picnic Swimming	Recreational Forest with some rapids and a small waterfall.
Accessability: Moderate
Picture	Name/Location	Type	Activities	Description
	Batu Hampar near Gurun	Single fall	Picnic Swimming Camping	Situated in a Rubber Estate
	Perigi Falls Yan Kechil	Cascades	Swimming Trekking	Seasonal Fall. Climbing up will be problematic during the rainy season
Accessability: Difficult
Picture	Name/Location	Type	Activities	Description
	Sg Jagong Falls Not in Kedah, but in Croatia!	Multiple falls	Picnic Swimming	An email about these falls has been circulating on the Internet for years already. It is a hoax. There are no Sg Jagong waterfalls.

sibu island

The Island
Most of the island's resorts are situated on the north eastern section of Pulau Sibu, where the golden brown beaches slope away gradually offering ideal bathing conditions. The views from these beaches are of Pulau Tinggi and a string of smaller islets to the south. On a clear day Tioman Island can be seen to the north. The "moonrise" at full moon is so spectacular it is a sight not to be missed.

Prior to the area being designated a Marine Park in 1993 the line of kelongs which can be seen off the south western coast provided the resorts with a wonderful supply of succulent seafood. However the new regulations now mean they may only be used as platforms for rod and line fishing, popular with many tourists. This section of the coast is sheltered from almost all winds and the sea here is frequently so calm it resembles a lake, allowing mangrove trees to become established along the shore. There is along narrow spit to the south of the village, mostly planted with coconuts, a quiet, breezy place.

The south east coast of Sibu rears up as a series of steep, abrupt cliffs with a rocky shoreline at their base and provides shelter to the village behind. The rocks here, and where exposed at other points on the island, are colourful and contorted. This is due to their composition of layers of volcanic ash run through with later lavas which have combined to produce lacework patterns and reliefs. Low down on headlands near the sea rock pools are frequent and contain miniature worlds populated by colourful fish, crabs and corals. By Tg Keramat the cliffs contain caves and arches.

There is a large village, Kg Duku, towards the southern tip of Sibu which has a police post, mosque, school, clinic and drinks stall. The entire village is solar powered. The young people of the village now have the opportunity to find employment in the resorts on the island instead of having to find work on the mainland. The older folk continue to earn a living by fishing and follow a more traditional lifestyle.

The Ocean

There is good snorkeling to be found offshore Sibu, notably the north east corner of the island, Tg Semanggar, where there is a good variety of coral and fish. The scuba  diving in this area is generally shallow, between 30 feet and 40 feet, allowing longer 'bottom time'. There are many scuba diving sites within a 30 minute boat journey from Sibu offering a variety of both soft and hard corals. The sea life is prolific and varied, from Nurse Sharks to Moray Eels, Bat Fish to Blue Spotted Sting Rays, Box Fish to Nudibranches and much, much more. Less usual sights such as Sea Horses, Leopard Sharks, Schooling Baracuda and Black Tip Reef Sharks can also be seen. With a fast dive boat Pulau Aur and Pulau Permangil are also accessible from Sibu, within 1 hour, where Manta Rays and Whale Sharks can be found!

The Season

The season traditionally opens 1st February but we open earlier if Chinese New Year falls in January. We stay open till the end of November, which is our favourite month as the colours are superb when the wind is starting to change. The resort is closed for December and January for the North East monsoon  The weather remains fairly constant throughout the year, with an average temperature around 29 degrees centigrade. The air gets cooler in the evenings and the nights are pleasant, you many need your jammies! (That's pyjamas to grown ups :)

 

diving information

Malaysia is fast becoming one of the leading dive destinations of the world with the richest marine environment in the Indo-Pacific Basin. The incredible bio-diversity of marine life coupled with beautiful islands with white sandy beaches and clear warm waters keep the divers coming back for more. From schooling hammerhead sharks, huge schools of barracudas and various turtles to the bizarre frogfish or ghost pipefish, there is always something to fascinate the diver. In Malaysia, the coral reef ecosystem is reported to support aquatic organism numbering more than 50 genera of coral and more than 200 species of fish. Each time a marine bio-diversity survey is conducted in the Malaysian tropical sea, the species list increases.

Dive centers in Malaysia are well equipped and are certified by relevant agencies for maintaining their standards of safety and professionalism. Scuba diving courses endorsed by certifying agencies like PADI, NAUI, SSI and BSAC. Some of the courses available include the initial 'Open Water Course', 'Diving Instructor Course' or even a 'Re-breather Course'. Upon completion of your scuba course you can be outfitted with the latest scuba equipment of most international brands available from dive centers in Malaysia.

Almost all the islands in Malaysia cater for divers of all levels of experience - be it easy shore diving to advance wreck diving or technical diving. Operators engaged with technical diving are well equipped with portable emergency oxygen kits, special tank refilling equipment and other necessary facilities.

Top dive sites around Malaysia include diving along gentle sloping reefs, submerged reefs, coral blocks, wall dives, deep dives, drift dives and wreck dives. Dive operators, like any other around the world, will insist on seeing your certification for the type of diving that you wish to do and to undergo a check-out dive. To advance your skills in scuba diving, dive centers are able to offer further scuba courses at competitive and affordable rates.

   THE STILL UNEXPLORED SEABED'S  

IntroductionMalaysia's tropical forests and seas are the ancient homes to a staggering diversity of animal and plant life that has evolved through the years. The rainforests are reputed to be among the oldest in the region, estimated to be about 130 million years old. A trek into the rainforest is an encounter with diverse animal life. Similarly, a dip below the warm sea's surface guarantees an astounding experience with a spectrum of marine life, rivaling anything found in the forests.

Malaysia's spectacular tropical reefs boast of encounters with unique macro animals and large pelagic within a single destination. Macro animal life is scarce in areas where larger predators are present for obvious reasons. Only a handful of diving sites in the world can offer both these sights in one diving holiday.

Comprising of the Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak, Malaysia rests on the continental shelf of Southeast Asia, with the western coast of the Peninsular Malaysia separated from Sumatra by the Straits of Malacca. The South China Sea separates the peninsular Malaysia from Sabah and Sarawak.

Along the western Peninsular Malaysia coast, the diversity of marine life around the waters of Pulau Pangkor and Pulau Payar differ from those observed in the waters of the eastern coast of the Peninsular Malaysia. Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Lang Tengah, Pulau Redang, Pulau Kapas, Pulau Tenggol and the Pulau Tioman group of islands feature good coral growth and abundant fish life.

Surrounded by the nutrient-rich South China Sea and the Sulawesi Sea, the state of Sabah are the true oceanicdepths of 600 meters to more than 1000 meters, different from the waters of Peninsular Malaysia islands. Located some 300 nautical miles from mainland Kota Kinabalu, Pulau Layang Layang is blessed with the best water visibility from 20 to 50 meters. The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park islands are popular for training and easy dives, whereas to fully savour Pulau Sipadan one should be an advance diver. Pulau Lankayan, Pulau Mabul and Pulau Kapalai are famous for their 'muck dives' (that is diving in the coral rubble areas seeking out macro animals).

Pulau Talang Talang and Turtle Rock off Sarawak feature reef diving and further away from the mainland, divers can engage in wreck diving Katori Maru (a World War ll Japanese troop carrier).

Malaysia located in the heart of the Indo-Pacific basin is in the heart of one of the world's richest marine bio-diversity area, where scientists believe the marine life of the pacific ocean evolved.

   DO'S & DON'TS  

Observing Proper Reef Etiquette Coral reefs are home to many beautiful, fascinating creatures. Snorkeling or diving is a great way to explore this spectacular undersea world but must be done carefully as reefs are very fragile and easily damaged.

Avoid Touching The Coral A single kick can break coral and destroy years of growth. Even a light touch can rub off the coral's protective mucus covering, leaving it vulnerable to infection and disease.

• Never stand on coral.
• Ensure that your body and fins do not touch the reef.
• Avoid finning close to the sea bed as this kicks up silt that can smother the coral.
• Scuba divers should maintain neutral buoyancy and secure gauges/octopus rigs so that they do not drag on the reef.

Avoid Harassing Reef Life Reef animals are easily stressed and harassing them can disrupt feeding or mating.

Avoid Collecting Souvenirs Even dead coral plays an important role in the reef ecosystem and should not be taken.

Avoid Littering Litter endangers marine life and spoils the reefs natural beauty. Throw litter in a bin or take it back with you.

Avoid Anchoring on the Reef Anchors smash coral, damaging large areas of the reef.

Ensure that your boat uses a mooring buoy instead.

Try to learn as much as you can about coral reefs and their inhabitants. Tell others about the fragility and value of coral reefs. Let's all be responsible for conserving our coral reefs.

  Climate & Water Temperature  
Malaysia has an equatorial climate with fairly uniform temperatures ranging from 32 Celsius during the day to 22 Celsius at night. Humidity is about 85 to 95 per cent.

Water temperature is 27 - 28 Celsius and during the dry months the temperature may rise to 30 - 31 Celsius.

Divers will not require thick wet suits. Anything between 1.5 to 3 millimeter wet suit

  Best Time to Dive  
West coast Peninsular Malaysia
• December - May
East coast Peninsular Malaysia
• March - October
The islands of east Malaysia are reasonably well protected and are diveable all year round. However, water visibility is better during the months of April to August.

  Dive Equipment Rental  
Dive equipment is readily available for rent at almost all dive centers. But it would be wise to give prior notice to the operators, as sizes could be limited.

water rafting in malaysia

INTRODUCTION   Rivers have long been the life blood of the indigenous people of Malaysia. They have served as a means of Transport, a source of food and now, a resource for eco-tourism. The native groups of Sabah have been using rafts for centuries but white water rafting has only been a recreational activity since the 1980s. The two main rivers for rafting in Sabah are the Padas and Kiulu rivers which are certified as Grade 3 and Grade 2 respectively in the international white water rafting grading system. Under normal weather conditions the two rivers are relatively constant in depth and speed. However, heavy rains can cause them to swell into Grade 4 rivers. During this time rafting activities may be called off temporarily. Peninsula Malaysia has its share of good rafting spots. These include the Grade 2 Sungai Sunkai in Perak and the Grade 3 Selangor River in Kuala Kubu Baru. Which has its source in Fraser's Hill. The Endau River, Jeram Besu and Lipis River in Pahang and the Tembeling River in Taman Negara are also popular rafting sites.    WHITE WATER RAFTING SITE  Sungkai River Perak Selangor River Kuala Kubu Baru, Selangor Endau River Johor Jeram Besu Pahang Lipis River Pahang Telom River Pahang Tembeling River Taman Negara, Pahang Padas River Sabah Kiulu River Sabah   GETTING THERE  Malaysia Airlines operates regular flights to Sabah and Sarawak from Kuala Lumpur. Once in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah; rafting operators will arrange transport from the city to Padas Gorge through which the Padas River flows. The starting point for excursions to Padas is at Pangi Railway Station where an antique train will take you on a scenic journey through the Padas Gorge. After the train ride comes the thrill of riding rapids with names like the Headhunter, Adrenline Flow, and Merry-Go-Round. The Padas excursion is a day trip. However those wishing to stay longer can put up at the Padas River Lodge located at Rayoh. Successful rafters will be presented with a certificate of accomplishment upon completion of their adventures. Rafting sites in Peninsula Malaysia are easily accessible by car or bus. The Selangor River is reached via Kuala Kubu Bharu. It is a 0n3-hour car ride, about 90 km from Kuala Lumpur. Visitors can also board a Fraser's Hill bound bus and to be stopped three kilometers from Kuala Kubu town where rafting operators have their headquarters. Some operators also provide pick-up services from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the railway station and hotels. A rafting trip on the Selangor River will take approximately half a day. There are two runs a day at 10am and 2pm respectively, with lunch provided. Changing rooms, toilets, showers and camp sites are available. The operators also offer kayaking courses and a white water rescue module. The Telom River in Cameron Highlands and the Tembeling River, located in Taman Negara, Pahang are approximately four hours from Kuala Lumpur. It is yet another popular spot for recreational rafters. More time needed to raft the Grade 5 Telom River in Pahang as it is a more challenging site.    HOW TO GET STARTED   A minimum of three persons is needed to stabilize a raft and each group is always accompanied by two professional, certified rafters. The best time to raft is after the rains when the water level rises and there are some good rapids. The rafting expeditions usually take between 45 minutes to two hours depending on the water level. Paddles, life jackets, safety helmets, waterproof bags, life-lines, first aid kits and rescue bags are all provided. The rafter only needs comfortable clothing which does not hinder movement.    SEASONS   The dry season is a good time for rafting novices to get acquainted with the sport without having to fight the currents. Smaller rafts are used in the dry season. Only the Padas River in Sabah is recommended during the dry months as the water level is too low for rafting on the Kiulu River. East Malaysia usually records high amounts of rainfalls during the wet seasons and for more skilled rafters, this is a good time to ride the rapids as the rivers swell and the current becomes more powerful.    PRACTICAL RAFTING TIPS   All rafters will be given a safety briefing before the ride and will be shown basic backward and forward paddling techniques. Always check that the helmets and life jackets provided fit you well and are not too tight or too loose. Your life jacket will buoy you in the eventuality of the raft overturning. If you've over-turned close to the river bank, don't use your raft paddle, as you may hit someone else. Do not attempt to use the paddle as a lever against rocks as you risk getting hit by it. The following are some points to remember: Bring a change of clothes. A warm-up jacket is also a good idea. Wear well-fitting shoes or diving booties Jewellery which cannot be secured firmly should not be worn while rafting. Those wearing glasses are reminded to use an elastic sports sholder to anchor their spectacles. Contact lens users are advised to wear spectacles instead, in order to cut down the risk of their lenses getting contaminated by river water.

Some Tips For Women Traveling Alone

If you are a woman traveling alone, you need to check the rules in the country you will be visiting. 

Each country and culture has their own views of what is appropriate behavior for women. Although you may not agree with these views, it is wise to abide by the local laws and customs to avoid problems. Please become familiar with the laws and customs of the places where you wish to go. 

Here are two examples of situations you may encounter: 

It is illegal in Laos to invite Lao nationals of the opposite sex to one's hotel room. 

Foreigners in Saudi Arabia have been arrested in the past for "improper dress." 

Women traveling alone can be more vulnerable to problems in certain cultures. Keeping in mind the following information can help make your trip as safe and rewarding as possible. 

Preparing for your trip 

Passports & Visas: Make sure your passport is still valid or apply for a new one long before you plan to travel. Make sure you have the right travel documents and visas for your destinations. For information on individual countries' entry and exit requirements, refer to our publication Foreign Entry Requirements. 

Your Destinations: Make an effort to learn about the locations you plan to visit, their culture, and any problems that might be occurring there. 

Many exciting and exotic destinations may have very conservative views about women. 

Being a foreigner makes you stand out; a woman traveling alone can be even more of an oddity in some places. 

What to Leave Behind: Leave a detailed itinerary and a copy of your passport's identification page with a friend or relative at home. Include names, addresses and telephone numbers where you will be staying. Leave a copy of your flight and ticket information with them as well. 

You may wish to establish certain check in dates when you will either call, e-mail, fax, etc. to let someone know that you are all right. But remember that if you happen to miss a check-in, your loved ones may assume that you are having a problem or are in trouble. 

Leave any valuables, extra credit cards and jewelry - even fake jewelry - at home. 

Thieves often won't know the real from the fake until after they take it, so why risk your personal safety? 

Health: Make sure you have adequate health insurance coverage while abroad and that your coverage includes medical evacuations. Your policy might not cover you overseas and you may need to purchase traveler's insurance. 

If you have any condition that might develop complications- especially if you are pregnant, check with your doctor before you go abroad. If you experience complications, a medical evacuation might still take several precious hours to arrange.
If you take prescription medication, make sure you have enough to last the duration of the trip, including extra medication in case you are delayed. Always carry your prescriptions in their labeled containers as many countries have strict anti-trafficking laws and might be suspicious of pills in unlabeled bottles. Bring your prescription information and the names of their generic equivalents with you just in case.

Off you go

Safety and Security: Use common sense and be alert and aware of your surroundings. If you are unsure in general about the local situation, feel free to check with the American Citizens Services section of the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate for the latest security information.

Don't announce that you are traveling alone! Some guides for women even advise wearing a wedding ring if you're single. If you feel like you're being followed, step into a store or other safe place and wait to see if the person you think is following has passed.

Do not be afraid or embarrassed to ask for someone to double check for you to see if all is safe. Display confidence. By looking and acting as if you know where you're going, you may be able to ward off some potential danger.

Ask for directions before you set out. No matter how modest your lodgings are, your hotel concierge or other hotel staff should be able to help. If you find yourself lost, do not be afraid to ask for directions. Generally, the safest people to ask are families or women with children. Getting the right information may save you from ending up in a potentially unsafe area.

Hotels: Choose a hotel where security is good and transportation is readily available and nearby. Check that all the doors and windows in your room have locks and that they work. If you feel uncomfortable, ask hotel security to escort you to and from parking lots or your room at night. Always use your peephole and common sense about letting strangers into your room.

Clothing: There is no doubt that fashion makes a statement. Unfortunately, not everyone will interpret how you dress the same way you would. What you consider casual clothing might be seen as provocative or inappropriate in other cultures. Thieves might choose you over another potential target based on your style of dress or the amount of makeup or jewelry you are wearing. Other might single you out for harassment or even physical violence because they find your clothing offensive, based on their cultural norms. By taking your cues from local women, or at least by dressing conservatively, you could save yourself a great deal of trouble.

Use common sense, do your homework before you go, and have a safe and fun trip.