THE ECO-TOURISM SITE OF LAKE KENYIR
The
placid lake of Kenyir will be our quarters for two days. The haze may have covered the mountains and
limestone rock formations as a necessary façade of traversing the waters
through a speed boat but once each destination is reached, I felt lost in
reverie that I have to remind myself I’m in Terengganu, Malaysia.
It
was only then I have known that Lake Kenyir is the biggest man-made lake of
Southeast Asia. Once upon a time, the
small islands (340) surrounding the lake were hilltops and highlands created
through damming for the creation of Sultan Mahmud Power Station. During my recent visit to Terengganu,
Malaysia, I was given the opportunity to discover and marvel at some of the
eco-tourism sites that surround the Kenyir Lake.
Butterfly Island
Our
first stop is the Butterfly Island.
Without even setting your expectations, you know what’s in store at the
island. The attraction is relatively new
according to the caretaker.
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| THE BUTTERFLY ISLAND FACADE |
The
colorful and varied species of butterflies makes the well-landscaped garden of
the island as their natural habitat. For minutes, we roam around, took photos
and visited its breeding center.
Butterflies came in varied sizes too.
The park would appear like any other ordinary garden if it does not
feature species endemic to Peninsular Malaysia.
And it did not disappoint. Rajah
Brooke’s Birdwing, Orange Emigrant, Courtesan, Plain and common tiger, species
of sergeant and jays, and palm kings are but a few of the many
Malaysian species of butterflies captured by my camera lens.
Surprisingly,
there is a section (air-conditioned) at the Butterfly Island which features
tarantulas, scorpions and the Malaysian horned frog.
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| Photo by Edgar of eazytraveler |
Orchid Island
The
hanging bridge makes a prominent landmark of the Orchid Island that even from a
distance, the bridge is recognizable.
As
we walk, varied species of orchids all over Southeast Asia hang on each corner
of the island with tags of names and origin.
Unfortunately, the Philippine orchids are not in bloom during that time.
Herb Island
The
Herb Island is quite interesting. The
collection of herbal plants makes up the landscape of the island, visible on
the pathways with complete tagging which leads us to a small cottage
uphill. From there, we rested for
minutes and tried the complimentary drinks.
The drinks were not ordinary thirst quencher. Though known as aphrodisiacs, Tongkat Ali (for men) and Kacip
Fatimah (for women) can likewise increase blood circulation and are a good
source of oxygen in our bodies. The 240
species of plants at the island contains medicinal value.
Lasir Waterfall (Sungai Lasir)
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| Photo by Edgar of EazyTraveler |
The
cold waters was indeed a therapeutic treat and the perfect way to end the tour
at Lake Kenyir.
Where we stayed
The
island has no mobile signal, internet access and the resort provides no
television on the villas. It was a
complete immersion with nature for the night.
I stayed in one of the villas, together with Edgar and two Indonesian
members of the media.
With
a location near the world’s oldest rainforest, Malaysia’s Taman Negara, natural
attractions at Lake Kenyir would definitely be the best selling point and an
interest to nature lovers.
Special
thanks to Tourism Terengganu and media coordinator, Gaya Travel Magazine
Malaysia for making this trip possible.
Trip is conjunction with the 10th Anniversary celebration of
Sultan Mizan Royal Foundation.
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