Kenyir Lake

Kenyir Lake
Location	Terengganu
Coordinates	5°00′N 102°48′E / 5.000°N 102.800°E / 5.000; 102.800Coordinates: 5°00′N 102°48′E / 5.000°N 102.800°E / 5.000; 102.800
Type	reservoir
Primary inflows	Kenyir River
Primary outflows	Terengganu River
Basin countries	Malaysia
Surface area	260 km²
Islands	340

Tasik Kenyir or Kenyir Lake is an artificial lake located in the state of Terengganu in northeast Malaysia created in 1985 by the damming of the Kenyir River to create the Sultan Mahmud Power Station. It is the largest man-made lake in South East Asia.

Geography

The lake borders Kelantan in the west and Pahang in the south. This immense lake also serves as another gateway to Taman Negara. The lake covers 260 km² and contains 340 small islands, which were once hiltops and highlands, more than 14 waterfalls, numerous rapids and rivers. Because the lake is a reservoir, the water level can vary depending on the month. The water level is highest (and the lake consequently the most beautiful) in March and April.

Flora and fauna

Kenyir Lake with sourrounding jungle

Kenyir Lake is also home to numerous species of freshwater fishes and exotic wildlife. With a water catchment area of 38,000 hectares, the lake is naturally a haven for freshwater fish. A recent study revealed that there are some 300 species of freshwater fish dwelling in the lake^{[citation needed]}. The presence of dead trees around the lake serves as a perfect breeding ground for these fishes. Algae growing on dead trees and branches serve as the main form of sustenance for the fishes. From studies and observations conducted by the Department of Fisheries, species such as the big Lampam Sungai (barboides), Kelah (Malayan mahseer or Tor tambroides), Toman (snakehead), Kawan (Friendly Barb), Kalui (Giant Gouramy) and Kelisa (green arowana) are found in waters and around dead trees.

The jungles of Kenyir are home to some endangered species, such as Asian elephants and Malaysian tigers.

Tourism

Although an artificial lake, the area has been successfully developed for eco-tourism, and there are many resorts around its shores. Fishing is popular, as are jungle treks, waterfalls and caves. According to the locals, the best season for fishing is August when the water level is lower. Popular spots for jungle trekking are Pengkalan Gawi, Bewah at National Park, along the rivers of Saok, Lasir, Tembat and Lawit. Kayaking, canoeing, boating, rafting and rapids shooting are among the many water sport activities available here.

• Kenyir National Parks
• Top Kenyir Activities
• Captiving Kenyir

See also

• Sultan Mahmud Power Station

External links

• Tasik Kenyir main website
• Kenyir Information Site by the Central Terengganu Development Board (Malay-language only)
• Top 8 Things You Definitely Want To Do At Kenyir Lake

v t e East Coast Economic Region (ECER) ECER Kelantan Central Spine Road Gua Musang Kota Bharu Pengkalan Chepa Rantau Panjang Second East-West Highway Sultan Ismail Petra Airport Taman Negara University of Malaysia Kelantan ECER Terengganu Bandar Al-Muktafi Billah Shah Bandar Chenih Bahru Bandar Ketengah Jaya Islamic Heritage Park Kenyir Lake Kuala Terengganu Paka Perhentian Islands Rantau Abang Redang Island Kerteh Kemaman East Coast Expressway Second East-West Highway Sultan Mahmud Airport University of Malaysia Terengganu Taman Negara Kerteh-Kuantan Port Railway Line ECER Pahang Bandar Indera Mahkota Bandar Muadzam Shah Bandar Pusat Jengka Bandar Tun Abdul Razak Bera Lake Central Spine Road Chini Lake Cherating East Coast Expressway Gambang Gebeng Genting Highlands Jerantut Kuantan Kuantan Port Pekan Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport Terminal Kuantan Sentral Tioman Island University of Malaysia Pahang Taman Negara Kerteh-Kuantan Port Railway Line ECER Johor Endau Mersing Sibu Island Endau Rompin National Park