You are standing quietly on a cliff overlooking Tasik Kenyir, awed by the glorious lake which stretches in its great vastness before you.

Or perhaps you are on a boat slowly making its way over the deep green-grey waters, broken in places by the tops of dead trees.

Call it eerie, call it spectacular, call it what you will, but the descriptions are sure to be a reflection of Kenyir’s mesmerising beauty.

This immense body of liquid wonder is the largest manmade lake in Southeast Asia, and is the result of the construction of the Sultan Mahmud Hydro-Electric Power Plant, completed in 1985. Situated in the inner reaches of Terengganu, it is set in the heart of the rainforest which bestows upon Kenyir her majesty and incredible assortment of flora and fauna, including rate ferns, exotic orchids, hornbills, elephants, and panthers, among many others.

The lake itself contains at least 14 waterfalls, about 340 islands created by the flooding of the area, and numerous species of aquatic life, the quantity and variety of fish being the favourite attraction for anglers.

All this beauty and tranquility is completely accessible, and accommodation is easily available, yet without being obtrusive or endangering the unspoilt surroundings.

You can fish, visit the waterfalls, go jungle trekking, wildlife-watching, kayakking, canoeing, and a host of other activities. After all, you are in the enchanted world of Kenyir, far removed from the cares of the mundane world …..

Let’s begin our Kenyir adventure by taking a boat out to the middle of the lake. It’s fishing time! Kenyir is famous for hr abundance of aquatic life, featuring about 300 species of freshwater fish including baung, sebarau, lampam sungai, and the carnivorous toman. Even on the journey, you can feel your anticipation rising as you see fish jumping, breaking the water surface, as if saying, "Catch me if you can!"

But seriously, everyone who has ever done any fishing will tell you that Kenyir is an angler’s heaven. So, bring your rods and nets, and get ready to do some serious fishing. You can hire a speed-boat or perhaps rent a houseboat and stay overnight on the lake.

But remember that a entry permit from the Wildlife Department is needed if you want to fish in the National Park (Taman Negara). You can get one from the Tourist Information Centre at Pengkalan Gawi or at Kuala Berang office.

GLITTERING CASCADES that shower you with clear, cool mountain water amidst a green jungle paradise. Kenyir has more than 14 waterfalls, all beautiful, all worth a visit. There is Lasir Waterfall, located 16 km to the south of Pengkalan Gawi. Lasir Waterfall is spectacular in their rush down five rapids. A large camping area and a hiking trail up to its top further enhances Lasir’s attraction. From Uncle John’s Resort, (see Accommodation) you can easily kayak over there, right up to its falling waters.

Or take a trip to Saok, only 15 minutes from Pengkalan Gawi. With a flat, sandy area nest to the falls, it is ideal for picnickers and campers. Tembat is yet another waterfall worth the trip. It takes 40 minutes to the north of Pengkalan Gawi by speedboat. Tembat’s waters are spectacular in their rush down cascading gracefully over several tiers.

THESE ACTIVITIES are not for the faint-hearted. But then, if you were the type whose idea of entertainment is watching the wilds only from the safety of your living room couch, you wouldn’t be reading this!

So, pack your gear and head towards the jungle, that exciting, yet peaceful realm where Nature reigns in all her glory. Kenyir is surrounded by this jewel of a rainforest, so rich in flora and fauna, with thousands of species calling the area their home. Some of the highlands designated for trekking and camping are Gunung Gagau, Gunung Bongsu and Gunung Padang. But remember, this is no petting zoo, so follow only marked trails or engage an experienced guide who can lead you safely through this intricate maze, and you will be rewarded with an experience rich with information and insights into the rainforest’s countless secrets and inhabitants. You indeed can joint our annual Gunung Gagau challenge for a change.

IF VISIONS OF DWARFS digging for diamonds in caves adorned with stalagmites and stalagitites fill your imagination, then Kenyir holds yet another attraction for you. As far as we know, there are no dwarfs nor diamonds in the caves of Kenyir, but that shouldn’t keep you away as the spectacular cavern formation are definitely there.

Bewah and Taat, two magnificent limestone hills, located about an hour and a half by boat from Pengkalan Gawi, are the keepers of several magnificent caves. These caves are not only natural wonders, they are also natural wonders, they are also the sites of archeological discoveries dating back to Neolithic times. Perhaps you might stumble upon an as yet undiscovered artifact or prehistoric weapon ….. So don’t wait anymore. Put on your hat and make a beeline for the Bewah and Taat caves.

WITH SO MUCH water around you - 38,000 ha. Of surface area to be exact - you cannot not to indulge in some water sports. Take your pick, there is kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing, jet skiing, swimming and shooting down rapids on the rivers. You can arrange to do all this with the many resorts or from operators based at Pengkalan Gawi.

Presently this is the main gateway onto the lake itself. Not only does it serve as a launching point, Pengkalan Gawi also provides the following facilities. Surau, floating restaurant, public phones, food and souvenir stalls, washrooms, parking area, swimming pool, camping and picnic sites. The Tasik Kenyir Tourist Information Centre is located at Pengkalan Gawi and can provide information about the lake and its facilities and attractions. Ask them also about special events. Tel : 010-9340101.

Open Saturdays to Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (lunchbreak : 12.45 - 2.p.m.) and Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m..

To rent boats, you can go straight to Pengkalan Gawi, or contact the "Tasik Kenyir Boat Operators Association" at Pengkalan Gawi.

Tasik Kenyir offer with accommodation to suit different budget and taste, everything ranging from the luxurious five-star Tasik Kenyir Golf Resort, to the simplicity and isolation of the floating inns.

THE GOVERNMENT strictly enforces environmental laws and regulations to preserve the beauty and freshness of Tasik Kenyir. As for the safety of visitors to the lake, the Kenyir Rangers have the responsibility of keeping law and order and provide emergency services should the need arise.

TASIK KENYIR IS the water gateway to Taman Negara, the National Park. Permits are needed to enter the park and can be obtained from the counter of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks at Pengkalan Gawi or Kuala Berang office. The current rates are as follows :

Entry RM 1.00 / Cameras RM 5.00 / Fishing RM 10.00 / Camping RM 1.00