A reason to smile, a reason to laugh...

"The best things in life are the people we love, the places we've been, and all the memories we've made along the way…" 

(Our boat house)

After our program Amal in Gerik, our DAHP group of 21 members decided to take a free and easy holiday. To declutter our minds and relax our tired muscles we stayed on a house-boat in Temenggor Lake. In the company of good old friends, we enjoyed the hot sun, the clear emerald water of the lake and the serene tranquility of the surrounding forest. We had so much fun reminiscing old tales, recalling old jokes. We have not changed much over these years.

It doesn't matter where we are, it's who we have beside us that matters.

(Arriving at the Jetty at Banding Island)

(Browsing the activities offered at the Royal Belum)

(The East-West Highway and the bridge crossing the Banding Island)

(Our spacious 4-bedroom boat-house)

Temenggor Lake is a lake in Hulu Perak District. It is the second largest lake in Malaysia after Kenyir Lake in Terengganu. This man-made lake is located south of 1,533 m high Ulu Titi Basah peak. It was created after the construction of Temenggor Dam to generate electric power. The lake is located about 45 km from the town of Gerik. There is a man-made island, Banding Island and Lake Temenggor Bridge on the East-West Highway which crosses the lake. The East-West Highway connects Gerik in Perak and Jeli in Kelantan.

(Fishing enthusiasts looking for a good place for a big catch)

(Rafting a safe distance from the Boat-house)

(A solo swimmer enjoying the dip in fresh lake water)

(A trip on a speed boat around the lake)

Temenggor Lake is surrounded by the Royal Belum Rainforest, a vast stretch of 130 million year old virgin rainforest, one of the last refuges in Peninsular Malaysia for wild animals such as elephants, tapirs, tigers and 10 species of hornbill. The Belum Forest Reserve is also home to the famous Rafflesia, the world's largest and smelliest individual flower, and other rare plant species.

An entry permit is needed for the Royal Belum Rainforest and applications must be made in advance. There are many activities that one can choose from. Among others are a visit to Orang Asli village at Kejar Hill, explore the salt lick at Jenut Papan or a picnic lunch at Sungai Ruok. Other activities include fishing, night trek, forest trail, round island cruise, Rafflesia Walk and more if you have the time to spare.

(Solat jemaah and bacaan Yasin and tahlil)

(Spacious hall for group activities at the lower deck)

(Simple meals prepared by the house-boat team)

(Spending the night of Nisfu Shaaban under the moon shadow)

As we were staying only a night on the house-boat we decided to stick to swimming, boating, rafting and jungle trekking. A fishing trip was arranged for the hard-core anglers. Others went for a morning jungle walk to search for Rafflesia.

Believe it or not, while photographing a cluster of Rafflesia buds, for a brief seconds, I experienced a paranormal activities around that area in the jungle and was for a moment transported into another dimension…

(Ready for the big catch)

(Taking a boat to hunt for Rafflesia)

(The start of the jungle trekking)

(Varieties of trees in the jungle)

(Important Birds Conservation Area)

(Species details of the local Rafflesia)

(A steep climb up the hill)

(Climbing using the rope with care)

(Taking a brief rest, against the natural stone wall)

(Entering a different dimension, unintentionally)

(A young bud of Rafflesia, blooming after 2 years)

(A week of blooming, then after disheveled and wilted)

(A photo session on upper deck)