Kenyir Lake is located in the district of Hulu Terengganu and is the biggest man-made lake in South East Asia, spanning an
area of 209,199 hectares. This lake shares a common border with Kelantan in the west and Pahang in the south. There are
over 340 islands on this lake and more than 14 waterfalls. Rivers and rapids are a common sight on this exotic getaway
holiday destination.
Freshwater fishes can be found in abundance here as the lake with a catchment area of 38,000 hectares makes it
a perfect habitat for fishes to thrive. Here are some of the activities that you can do while enjoying the tranquility of
the beauty of Kenyir Lake.
Fishing
Whether you are new to fishing or an experienced angler, this lake is the perfect spot to get some freshwater fish. There
are over 300 species of fishes that make their home here. The protruding dead trees as a result of the man-made lake is
an ideal breeding ground for these fishes. Some of the species of fish that you can find here include:
Kelah, also known as Malaysian Mahseer
Lampam Sungai or barboides
Toman or Snakehead
Kawan or Friendly barb
Kalui or Gaint Gouramy
Kelisa or Green Arowana
Some fishing spots that you may want to explore include Leban, Petuang, Cacing and Saok.
Videos of freshwater fishing in Kenyir Lake. This 2kg Sebarau is a common fish that you can get while visiting this lake.
Waterfalls
Have a picnic at some of the many Waterfalls here. The more popular waterfalls have facilities such as washrooms and rest
areas that have been cleared. Lasir Waterfalls is located 16km or 30 minutes boat ride away from Pengkalan Gawi, the main
gateway to the lake. This waterfall is about 500 feet high and is surrounded by lush greeneries and rocks, typical scene
of a tropical rainforest.
Saok Waterfalls is another waterfall that is about 15 minutes boat ride away from Pengkalan Gawi. This waterfall has
cascading waters over its rocky terraces. There is a flat sandy area at the foot of the waterfall that makes it an
ideal place for a time of picnic with your family or friends.
Tembat Waterfalls consists of 5 rapids of fast flowing cascades. This waterfall is about an hour boat ride from Pengkalan
Gawi. It has a large area for camping and is one of the most popular camping site. There is a trail that leads to the top
of the fall.
Herbs Park
Taman Herba Tasik Kenyir is a park with over 200 species of traditional herbal species. Species that are planted at the
15.8 hectares land include Tongkat Ali, Kacip Fatimah, Misai Kucing, Mas Cotak and Haji Samad. Located about 7km or 10
minutes boat ride from Pengkalan Gawi. Most of these herbs have medicinal values and you can savour some of the herbal
beverages here.
Caves
A good view of Tasik Kenyir can be seen at the Bewah and Taat limestone hills. Taat has 3 caves with the lower cave known
as Tok Bidan Cave submerged under water. Archaeologists have found some artefacts dating back to the Neolithic era. You
will be able to see the spectacular formation of stalagmites and stalactites inside these caves. The caves are about
an hour and a half by boat from Pengkalan Gawi.
Resorts
There are many accommodation here that you can stay ranging from rooms, chalets, dorms to bungalows.
Kenyir Lake View Resort with 136 rooms
Petang Island Resort with 27 chalets
Kenyir Sanctuary Resort with 43 chalets
Lake Land Resort with 22 chalets
Uncle John Resort with 22 rooms
Musang Kenyir Resort with 15 chalets
Tanjong Mentong Resort with 8 chalets and 1 dorm
Federal Government Resthouse with 10 bungalows
Kenyir Lake Resort with 42 bungalows
Water Sports
Water sports activities such as canoeing, boating, kayaking, rafting and rapid shootings are some of the outdoor activities
that you can do here. The annual Kengir Regatta and Telematch is held here.
Videos
See the video of the cruise on Kenyir Lake. Notice the tranquility of the lake surrounded by mountains and lush greeneries.
Getting To Tasik Kenyir
If you are driving from Kuala Lumpur, use the Karak Highway to Jerangau-Jabor Highway where you will reach Ajil. From Ajil,
drive towards Kuala Berang and you will reach Pengkalan Jawi which is about 55km away from Ajil.
Public bus can also be taken from Hentian Putra, Kuala Lumpur direct to Tasik Kenyir for a fare of about RM35.