Lata Belantan

I miss this blog, after 4 months of updating it  daily, it becomes like a hard habit to break, I guess. So here I am again writing something about Terengganu. This time, let's go some where cool since the weather is just  too hot, these days.

Located  130km away from Kuala Terengganu, Hutan Lipur Lata Belantan is another recreational park in Terengganu you can come to cool off, as the main attraction here is the cascading waterfalls. The park is well equipped with facilities and food stall making it most convenient to bring families on a picnic.

Hutan Lipur Lata Belantan is also the gateway to Gunung Tebu (1,031m). For those who enjoy mountain climbing then the view from Gunung Tebu is breath taking. Nature lovers have noted that there are large pitcher plants (pokok periuk kera) and bonsai trees here.  The cool and refreshing air here in addition to the interesting variety of flora and fauna here makes it popular with nature lovers. However, it is advisable to get the services of an experienced guide if you wish to climb Gunung Tebu, as one can easily get lost in the woods.

Tanjong Mentong National Park

Being  the the new gateway and part of the Taman Negara (Malaysia's National Park), Tanjong Mentong is interconnected with Tasik Kenyir (Lake Kenyir). As such, you have to take a boat from Sg. Gawi jetty in Lake Kenyir to get to the Tanjong Mentong.

Tanjong Mentong has one of the world's most complex and rich ecosystems, as it is part of the world's oldest untouched tropical rainforest estimated to be 130 million years old. Here you can find a variety of exotic collection of  flora and fauna as well as  wildlife in their natural  habitat and sorroundings.

Climb the Mount Gagau (one of the highest peak in Taman Negara at 1,376m) where you'll be able to get a birdseye view of the National Park that spans across three states (Pahang, Kelantan & Terengganu).

Discover and experience the thrill of cave exploration at  Gua Bewah and Gua Taat situated close to Tanjong Mentong.

There is a minimum charge of RM1 per person for entrance permit, while fishing licence cost RM10 each and camera licence is RM5 per camera. Accomodations are provided by Tanjong Mentong Resort which has  5 chalets and 60 bed hostel. There is also a jetty, restaurant , meeting hall and a viewing tower for visitors convenience.

For enquiries, kindly contact :

Deputy Superintendent,

Taman Negara Terengganu National Park, Tanjong Mentong,

Hulu Terengganu, Terenggnu

Tel : 09 622 7751

or

The Manager,

Tanjong Mentong Resort

Tel : 09 623 6684

Fireflies Sanctuary - Sg. Yak Yak, Kemaman

I've been to Kemaman a few times, but I did'nt know that there is a Fireflies Sactuary here until recently, due to the lack of publicity  about this place. Perhaps more promotion  should be made about this magical place which comes alive at night, so that more will learn to appreciate the beauty of nature that lies in Kemaman.

Located in Sg. Yak Yak,Kg. Ibok, Kemaman (not far from the Kemaman Mini Zoo, about 11 km from the Cukai town ) the Fireflies Sanctuary of Sg. Yak Yak happens to be the biggest Firefly Sactuary in Malaysia.

The abundance of Berembang and Putat trees growing  all around this area serve as a home and natural habitat for the fireflies. The fireflies feed on the Beremban leaves.

magical experience - Sg Yak Yah firefly sanctuary

When it is dark (8 o'clock and upwards), you can see the flickering lights of the fireflies as they hover over the trees by the side of the river, creating sort of a Chrismas tree look with neon light all around. It feels almost magical here, as if you've just stepped into the fairy land.

nature's wonder - the firefly

 The best time to come here to watch the fireflies is when it is pitch dark at night, between the months of July to September which is the mating season for the fireflies. During the mating season, the male fireflies emit glowing light in their abdomen  to attract the females. The females would response in the same manner creating more flickering lights all around.

Interested ? Then come to Sg Yak Yah for a magical experience. For enquiries or to hire a boat for this trip you can call Che Ghani or his friend En.Zainal Ibrahim who runs firefly tours along the Sg.Yak Yah. They can be contacted at 019-9336458 or 0134-9365681. They charge about RM20 per person for the firefly tour.

Prawn (udang galah) fishing anyone ?

In case you wish to stay the night, then try the Chalet Kg. Ibok that charges RM60.00 per night. In the daytime, you can try your hand at prawn fishing along  the Yak yah river or visit the quill farm in Kg. Ibok.

So don't forget to catch the next issue of  Terengganu travels for more fascinating travel information about Terengganu.

Pasir Raja Forest Reserve - Home of the Worlds largest Cengal tree

Worlds Largest Cengal Tree in Pasir Raja Forest Reserve

Pasir Raja Forest Reserve lies near the border of  Taman Negara (National Park). Pasir Raja Forest Reserve is famous for having World's largest Cengal tree.  Cengal is a type of hardwood used to make building, ships and bridges due to its remarkable strength and durability. Measuring 17.75 in diameter and  standing 65 meters tall the tree is estimated to be about 1,300 years old according to the Malaysian Book of Record. So huge is this tree it will need around 13 adults to hug its trunk.

Pasir Raja is an exciting destination for nature lovers and the adventurous with its outstanding array of flora and fauna, wildlife,clean fresh air, streams, waterfalls and rapids. It is a perfect setting for those who love jungle trekking, mountain climbing,camping, swimming and freshwater fishing.

How to get there :

Visitors can take a taxi or drive their own car from Kuala Terengganu to Hutan Lipur Bumbung Raja or transfer from taxi at Pekan Kuala BVerang or Pekan Ajil

For enquiries please contact :
Pegawai Hutan Daerah Dungun (Forestry D.O of Dungun)
Tel : 60-09-8441404

Bewah Caves (Gua Bewah)

Located in Tasik Kenyir, Hulu Terengganu, The Bewah Caves (Gua Bewah) is also known as Gua Tahi Kelawar (The caves of Bat Dung) perhaps due to the abundance of bat dung found there. While the name Bewah Caves gets its name from Bewah Hills as the caves is located on the Bewah Hills.

From the opening of Gua Bewah one can spot a marvellous view of the towering limestone hills and the sorrounding Tasik Kenyir. Bat dung is a good fertizer which makes the soil here very fertile. This explains why the areas around the staircase and platform of Bewah right up to the opening of the caves are grown with lots of  birds eye chillies and giant yam plants.

Historical artifacts such as the skeleton of the neolithic man, stone axe, ancient kitchen utensils, tools and splinters of pots was discovered by archeologist from the National Museum did some excavation work here. There might still be lots of hidden mysteries and secrets of the Bewah caves waiting to be discovered.

So if you love adventure and mystery, come to Bewah Caves and be amazed by the magnificent view of the stalactites and stalagmites found here. Don't forget to bring along a torchlight with you in your cave exploration.

Tune in to more interesting and useful tips on Terengganu Travels in the coming issue.

LA Hot Spring

If waterfalls and beaches isn't exactly your cup of tea, then maybe the La Hot Spring is what you are looking for. Located in at Kampung La, at the foot of Gunung Tebu complex in Besut, the La Hot Springs waters contains natural sulphur said to have healing properties. As such, it is a famous destination especially to those who suffer from skin diseases and ailments.

La Hot Springs is the gateway to Gunung Tebu forest reserve where many adventure seekers go to explore rock tunnels, rivers and streams, go fishing, abseiling, caving and jungle trekking.

La Hot springs is a great place to rest and recuperate. The warm waters rich with natural sulphur provide natural therapy to skin ailments and muscle aches.

Within the forest reserve, there is a 20 metres high rock called Batu Bahtera (ship rock), there is a 15 metres secret passage which will take you to the other side. Some 20 minutes away, you'll come to Sungai Misteri, a river which mysteriously disappears into a lage hole near Sungai Ping.

Other attractions nearby is the Lata Beringin, a scenic waterfall , Batu Katak (Frog Rock), Gua Kelawar (Bat Cave) and Kolam Puteri (Princess Pond).

Chemerung Waterfall (Air Terjun Chemerung)

Hutan Lipur Sg.Chemerong is home to the highest waterfall in the country. The Chemerung Waterfall is a sight to behold, as water plunges cascading over 305 metres of the beautiful steep rocks in to the pool of water below.

For those who love adventure, jungle trekking and swimming to the sound of  thundering waterfall then this trip to the Chemerung Waterfall is a must. Yes, you may have seen much higher waterfalls in your lifetime such as the Angel or Niagara falls, but there is no chance to swim in them as it is so dangerous and risky. 

But at Chemerung Waterfall you can do just that. Dip your feet in the icy cool waters, feel the refreshing jungle breeze, listen to the wild birds chirping in a distance and relax in the beauty of flora and fauna all around you. 

You can travel in your own car or take the taxi or other public transportation to get to Hutan Lipur Sungai Chemerung. The Hutan Lipur Sungai Chemerung is about 30 km away from Bandar Al-Muktafibillah Shah in Dungun.

Don't forget to tune into more interesting facts on Terengganu travels in our next issue.

Lake Kenyir (Tasik Kenyir)

Situated 55km inland of  Kuala Terengganu, Lake Kenyir (Tasik Kenyir) is the largest man made lake in Southeast Asia covering an area of 260,000 hectares. It is also Malaysia's largest hydroelectric dam.

Surrounded by tropical rainforest in Terengganu, Lake Kenyir is a rich assortment of flora and fauna including rare ferns, orchids, hornbills, owls, elephants and  panthers. It is a nature lovers paradise as there is more than 8,000 species of flowers, 2,500 species of plants and trees aswell as 800 species of orchids.

There is  more than 14 waterfalls, rapids and rivers and about 340 islands which are once actually mountain tops before the completion of the hydroelectric dam.

Large Arapaima fish (Ikan naga) caught in Lake Kenyir

There are many activities one can do here such as fishing, bird and wild life watching, jungle trekking, canoeing or simply enjoy the peace and quiet in the beautiful surrounding. If you love fishing then Lake Kenyir is a home to hundreds of species of freshwater fishes such as Toman, Kelah, Baung, Kelisa and Lampam. It's an anglers paradise and you can even ask the restaurants  to cook the fish you've caught. Accomodation is not a problem, as there are resorts, chalets on the islands as well as houseboats and floating resorts for you to choose from.

So if you're in for an adventure, be sure to visit Lake Kenyir for fun filled time in the beauty of nature.

Sekayu Waterfalls - Air terjun sekayu

Ok so you've had enough fun on the beach and wish  for a different kind of adventure. Why not go to the Sekayu Waterfalls located some 16km away from the town of Kuala Berang. Nestled within the Sekayu recreational forest,  you can do some jungle trekking, getting there and enjoy the flora and fauna and cool fresh air. After that have a cool and refreshing dip near the sekayu waterfalls.

 Don't worry there are lots of changing rooms, toilets and camping area complete with fireplace, electricity and clean water supply for your convenience. Its an ideal place to take the family for a picnic, rest, relax and enjoy mother nature. Feel the cool and refreshing water, listen to the sound of the gushing waterfall and the birds chirping in the background.Sounds like a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.



After some fun time by the waterfalls, visitors can stop by the  flower park, bird park, orchid park, fruit orchard and minizoo within the vicinity of the recreational forest. Its a good place to take kids so that  you can teach them more about wild life and mother nature and the how to preserve them .

Don't forget to tune in to the next issue of Terengganu Travel guide for more interesting places to visit in Terengganu. until then have a fun filled day.