A long trip to Tasik Chini via Chenor...

“Get busy living or get busy dying...” -  Stephen King

(Tasik Chini semakin muram - Astro Awani)

Today we went for a long trip to Tasik Chini via Chenor. The weather was a little gloomy when we started the journey. We made a brief stop at Temerloh R&R and another stop in Chenor.

(Jambatan Sungai Pahang, LPT Temerloh)

(A light brunch with kueh ketayap)

On the way to Tasik Chini we detoured to Kampung Chenor. Kampung Chenor, untouched and unspoilt, is one of the many villages which sit along Sungai Pahang and is known for its long history which spans over 200 years. Chenor is divided into Chenor Lama and Chenor Baru. Chenor Baru was a gathering area for villagers when a major flood hit almost the entire country of Pahang and Chenor was no exception in 1971. In 2007, once again flooding has occurred here. But not as bad as in 1971.

(Taking a break in Chenor)

(Resting areas near the old jetty)

(A mosque across the Pahang River)

Chenor in ancient times became a stopover for Sultan Abu Bakar, the Sultan of Pahang at that time. His Majesty Sultan took a boat from Kuala Lipis to Pekan and from Pekan to Kuala Lipis. His Majesty will stop at Chenor every time on the trip and will be greeted by the villagers. Chenor also gave birth to famous heroes against the invaders such as the legend of the Hero of Bukit Segumpal. Following the story of the people of Chenor, in the past, the people of Chenor were also involved in helping Tok Gajah in the Kelang War in Selangor.

So, it's not surprising that in Kampung Raja, Chenor, there are many relatives of the king of Pahang and the graves of Pahang heroes at that time.

(Onward journey to Tasik Chini)

(Cloudy sky over the horizon)

(Heavy rain along the rural road)

It was raining quite heavily when we reached Tasik Chini Resort and it was closed for renovation!

Tasik Chini is a lake in Pekan District in Pahang. The shores are inhabited by the Jakun Orang Asli. Lake Chini is Malaysia's second-largest natural freshwater lake, wetlands comprising a dozen interconnecting series of 12 lakes. Chini River, which drains from the lake, flows into Pahang River. The dammed river maintains the lake's depth during the dry season but has disrupted the natural ecology of the lake due to elevated water level during rainy season.

Tasik Chini is one of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status sites in Peninsular Malaysia. But massive clearing of jungle and land developments around the lake has spoiled it tranquility.

(Years ago, we used to stay here with the kids)

(Need a major upgrade to lure tourists)

(Pusat Penyelidikan Tasik Chini)

The lake used to offer tranquil and peaceful surroundings and was a favorite tourist destination as it is  steeped in myths and legends that have remained unexplained to this day. According to the Jakun legend, the lake is inhabited by a dragon called the Naga Seri Gumum sometimes referred to as Malaysia's Loch Ness Monster.

It is believed to contain an ancient sunken Khmer city at the bottom of the lake which is yet to be explored.