BELUM-TEMENGGOR COMPLEX, Grik(Gerik), Northern Perak State
Approximately 300,000 hectares (741000 acres), it is divided into Royal Belum State Park (gazetted May 2007) and Temenggor Nature Reserve(dated map). Discover Belum with us! Hike the less trodden trails and you will be surprise by the richness of the flora and fauna in this national heritage. Visit the Jahai and Temiars indigenous tribes up-close and personal for a different perspective of life. Look up the skies and you might be greeted by a flock of Hornbills and even rare the Plain-pouched Hornbill. There are 274 bird species recorded here including the Long-tailed Jaeger (a Russian migratory bird rare in this parts). No big fancy resorts or throngs of tourist here. Just you and the wild world!
"It is one of the oldest remaining tropical rain forests in the world. It is little explored and remains an undisturbed lush wilderness and a treasure house of flora and fauna: Elephants, tigers, Sumatran rhinoceros, gibbons, more than 300 species of birds including some species unique to Belum, and countless species of insects, lizards and other reptiles. In one place alone there are more than 200 species of orchids. Expeditions undertaken by the Malaysian Nature Society never fail to return with scores of new recordings of hitherto unknown species. There are animals which are not expected to fly, but fly they do under the forest’s canopy in Belum. There are places where firefly congregations make Millennium firework displays look like amateur dramatics."
source: Ayman Ahwal, www.birminghamfoe.org.uk
Temenggor Lake(15200 hectares) is the largest man-made lake in Perak and second largest in Malaysia after Kenyir Lake in Terengganu. It was created when the Temenggor Hydro Electricity Dam was completed in 1978. The dammed waters of the Perak River, the Temenggor River and their many tributaries drowned more than 150 sq kms of mostly forested land. This large body of fresh water is home to many species of fishes which have adapted to survival in the still, deep waters of a huge artificial lake. The most common are toman, kelah, sebarau and baung.
What do I get to do?
You can fish, trek, raft/kayak, bamboo raft, seek the rafflesia, observe/participate the culture of the locals/indigenous tribes, study nature or just do nothing. Specialised birdwatching trips can be organised here as well.
Adventure Rating and Remarks
5 - A must see/do if you are a nature lover or avid birder. A great natural environment to take the family. No internet, poor mobile network and plenty of jungle noise.
Itinerary & Cost
Prices listed below are per pax and regarded as estimates only. We need to check on guides & accommodation for latest rates.
Itineraries may vary. Smaller participant numbers available with increase in rates. Please enquire.
Temenggor Adventure
Duration 3 Days, 2 Nights
PRICE RM500 based on 10pax
Day 1 : Boat ride to LBRC, check-in, lunch, boat ride –
visit to Orang asli village (sewang), dinner, free & easy
Day 2 : Breakfast, boat ride – caving, salt lick excursion, picnic
dinner, free & easy
Day 3 : Breakfast, check-out, boat ride to Banding
Duration 4 Days, 3 Nights
PRICE RM600 based on 10pax
Day 1 : Boat ride to LBRC, check-in, lunch, boat ride –
visit to Orang Asli village (sewang), dinner, free & easy
Day 2 : Breakfast, boat ride – caving, salt lick excursions, picnic
Dinner, free & easy
Day 3 : Breakfast, boat ride – rafflesia sighting, Sg. Enam
Waterfalls, lunch (picnic), dinner, free & easy
Day 4 : Breakfast, check-out, boat ride to Banding
Royal Belum State Park
Duration 3 Days 2 Night
PRICE RM550 per pax based on 10 pax
Day 1: ARR Morning at Banding Jetty or Banding Island Resort - Breakfast or tea break at Banding Jetty Kios , briefings, boat ride to Kuala Kejar Camp, lunch, visit to Orang asli Village, free & easy, dinner and night walk.
Day 2: Breakfast, nature walk (rafflesia sighting), lunch, nature walk, dinner (BBQ) & night boat ride (wildlife sighting)
Day 3: Breakfast, break camp, boat ride to Papan salt lick, boat ride to Ruok waterfalls, lunch and boat ride to Banding Jetty. Tea Break Banding Jetty Kios
40 seater transport from KL to Banding Island Jetty estimate at RM3800 for 2 way transfer
We encourage the inclusion of a knowledgable English speaking guide who will keep you entertained during the adventure and will not only share with you the insights of Belum-Temenggor but other Malaysian peculiarities. Rates vary. Please request for a quote.
What does it include?
boat transfer, basic nature guides, accommodation (dormitories or camping), meals and activities
What does it exclude?
personal medication, transport, snacks, english speaking guide
What to wear/bring?
Waterproof jacket, good hiking shoes, warm socks, hat, highly breathable/quick dry clothes, slippers, torchlight/flashlight, inflatable pillow, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, binoculars, cap, digital camera with spare batteries, leech socks, insect repellant
For camping, although tents are provided, you can consider bringing your own tents which may be waterproofed better. Sleeping bags not provided
You may consider bringing gifts of food, clothing or toys for the indigenous tribes when visited.
Best time to visit
Year round. Monsoon period November to March.
Getting here
From Kuala Lumpur, take the north-south highway and exit at Kuala Kangsar toll. Then proceed to the Gerik-Jeli East-West Highway and head for Banding.
At Grik, you can stop and buy supplies before continuing your journey. Along the way you will cross two bridges, and see a signage for wild elephant crossing – the first in the country. At Banding Island, park at the Banding Island Public Jetty and proceed to Sungai Halong campsite via boats operated by orang asli.
Responsible Travel
Malaysian Nature Society and various other non-profit nature conservation outfits played an important role in pressing for this national heritage to be converted as a forest reserve and now part of it being a state park. Their work is not yet done as apart from encouraging researches and studies to uncover the secrets of this green area they are constantly urging the government to stop logging in this parts.
As a result of on going conservation efforts, you are now fortunate enough to enjoy a destination where further generations can enjoy and study the benefits of nature for health and sciences.