Thursday, August 12, 2010

Fart Leaf and Asam Keping Leaf!



there's a surprise at the end where I didnt know the camera was rolling, and the sourness of the leaf finally got to me! haha

here are more pictures from the Park!







Taman Herba! Herb Park!

information is in the clip!



On Sah Kecil Island, some 8km from Pengkalan Gawi, another curious attraction beckons visitors. Medicinal potions and herbal drinks are on offer here, freshly brewed by medicine men cum researchers, stationed at the Herb Park. Over 200 species of medicinal plants and herbs are currently being cultivated here, including the popular Tongkat Ali, which is purported to contain properties which can increase strength and virility.

The apparent pride and dedication of those involved in developing this park is heartening. The four guides at the Herb Park will be more than happy to explain the medicinal properties of the various herbs and plants. They look forward to transforming the Herb Park into one of Kenyir's most famous attractions, looking into the possibility of developing a traditional spa facility, using age-old remedies concocted from medicinal herbs cultivated here. The combination of pristine natural surroundings and fresh herbs seems like an ideal place for a traditional spa dont you think?

next post will be trying out the different types of herbal drinks!

Saok Waterfalls!

My friends and I rented a boat to a few places, we actually arrived quite late to the lake from Kuala Terengganu. The drive took us about an hour plus, and by the time we arrived, it was in the afternoon. Make sure you head early to the lake to be able to visit as many spots as possible. Remember, due to the size of the lake, the boat ride is quite long!

The first spot we visited was Saok Waterfall!

on the way to the waterfall, we stopped at this place called floating swimming pool! Its basically a confined space within the lake to swim! here's a picture :




entrance to the waterfall



walking up the steep steps towards the waterfall



climbing up the waterfall!



nice shady spot!



heading back to the boat






heading towards our next destination! Taman Herba, Herb Park




The Saok waterfall is 15 minutes away by boat from Pengkalan Gawi ( the starting point of the lake ). The waterfall is gaining its fans with its cascading waters over its rocky terraces, boulders and flat sandy areas making for a perfect picnic spot.

I decided to be a daredevil and follow my guide climb the waterfall!

next stop, Herb Park or Taman Herba!

Fishing at Lake Kenyir

Tasik Kenyir is one of the best destinations in the country for freshwater fish. They say that during the rainy season, when the rain pours almost daily, you'll be able to catch the fish with your own bare hands!

Home to nearly 300 different species of freshwater fish, the protuding dead trees play an important role serving as a perfect breeding ground for the fish as algae grows on them!

Amongst the fish found in the lake are : ( I googled these images! )



Lampam Sungai / Barboides



Kalui/ Gaint Gouramy



Kelah/Malaysian Mahseer



Toman/snakehead



Kenyir Lake is said to be an angler's heaven where fishing is concerned, with the abundance of fish present in the lake. Good fishing spots are Cacing, Leban, Petuang, and Saok.

You're advised to arrange for special fishing trips through your chalets or private boat operators and you need a permit from the Wildlife Department!

Lake Kenyir! History!

Right! on to the next thing on my list, Kenyir lake!



Kenyir Lake is the biggest man-made lake in Southeast Asia. Covered by more than 340 islands spread out in water catchments area of 38000 hectares. The biggest island would be estimated to be as big as Singapore!! And Kenyir Lake got her name from one of the river known as Kenyir River but now the river is beneath the lake when Kenyir Lake almost filled by the rainfall and surrounding water sources. I definitely underestimated the size of the lake. It takes a good few hours from one end to the other!

In terms of human history, this area had been listed as a centre of civilization in the era of Neolithic. Some artifact had been uncovered by a group of archeologists in 1956 and 1970’s. Such artifacts were kitchen utensil, axes and tools dating back in Neolithic era. It is believed that during that era this place was known as one of the business activity centres in the country, with stone tools, stone knives and seashells found!

The normal capacity of the lake store is 13.6 billion cubic metres of water. Whereas the deepest point is 145 metres deep. Scary dont you think? the infamous stark dead trees that haunt Tasik Kenyir that poke out of the lake , some say are submerged 70 meters under the lake!!

The lake contains a dam, in 1987 the whole project was officially opened by his Royal Highness The Sultan of Terengganu Darul Iman and was named after the baginda Sultan "Sultan Mahmud Hydro Electric Power Station".

The main project site is located at Kuala Kenyir (about 55km from Kuala Terengganu). The main features of Kenyir Hydro Electric Project are a rock fill dam with 400 megawatts of generating plant.

Around the lake there are waterfalls, caves, and island mountains!

you can also go boating, rafting, swimming and canoe!


I didnt stay a night, it was only a day trip for me. If you're looking for a place to stay, which is a better option because you'll to cover more areas around the lake, there's plenty of accommodation in accordance to your budget, from boathouses, to resorts spas, Kenyir Lake has it covered.

here's a few links if you're interested!

Lake Kenyir Resort & Spa : www.lakekenyir.com
Petang Island Resort : www.pirkenyir.com
Tanjong Mentong Resort ( chalets and dorms ) : 019-226548

Last Day - Long Beach













I spent my last day on Perhentian simple lazing around the scorching sun, reading a book.

The following day I took the first water taxi out, at 8 am and arrived at the jetty at 8.30am. From there I got my bags, and was able to get a ride home from a friend. Other options is ofcourse taking the bus. If you plan to visit other parts of Malaysia, all the travel-guide offices are located at the jetty and they will be more than willing to help!

Diving!


(the water in Perhentian is spectacular )

I got my license with Matahari for RM800 and this is what the course entails! It wasnt challenging at all and I had tonnes of fun!

What languages does Padi teach in?

Open Water Student Diver run PADI Open Water Diver courses in English, German, Swedish, Danish, French & Thai. They run semi-supported courses in Norwegian, Finnish, Spanish & Dutch. if you require course materials in another language and they will order them for you.




The scuba certification courses include manuals and free scuba diving equipment rental. When you sign up for the PADI Open Water Course program you’ll receive the :-
+ PADI Open Water Diver Manual
+ PADI Recreational Dive Planning Tables
+ log book
+ waterproof zip bag. prices include PADI certification fees.

Your course includes academic training, self-study sessions, pool training sessions and 4 open water dives.

You’ll learn how to assemble and take care of your equipment, use the Recreational Dive Planner to plan your dives within accepted safety limits, avoid and deal with potentially difficult situations and complete skills both in the swimming pool and in open water.

Dives 1 & 2 are to a maximum depth of 12 meters. Dives 3 & 4 are to a maximum depth of 18 metres. Not to worry, you will be under the direct supervision of a PADI Instructor at all times.

After completing your course, armed with your new C-card and also logbook, you would be able to dive anywhere in the world!!

ps : Image is by me!