Tasik Kenyir or Lake Kenyir in Terengganu is a beautiful sight of calm lake water that meanders against stunning setting of islands, trees and a great clear blue sky. The Kenyir River dam in Terengganu is located approximately 80km away from the state capital Kuala Terengganu.
It is only 26 years of age, and really is a recent wonder as nature wonders go. It can be boast to be the largest manmade lake in South-east Asia with size as big as the island of Singapore, hosting 340 small islands with rapids, waterfalls and rivers to boot. Not surprising, it has become one of the finest eco-tourism destinations in the country. Here, you can immerse in fishing, jungle trekking, bird watching, kayaking, camping or caving. A total back to nature activities.
The surrounding forests are estimated to be more then 130-millions years old with around 800 different species of orchids to flourish. The Lake itself is home to some 300 species of fish while the jungle is sanctuary to Malaysian Tiger and Asian Elephant, both endangered species.
In September 2011,the Terengganu government announced their intention to build a “Bee Island” in Lake Kenyir, which will be a sanctuary as well as a tourist attraction. It is expected to be ready by end of 2012.
As Tasik Kenyir is part of the Terengganu National Park, you will need a park permit to visit, which can be easily obtained from the Wildlife Department at the Tourism Information Centre in Pengkalan Gawi. The permit is just RM1, RM10 for each fishing rod and RM5 per camera.
