TASIK PERGAU: KELANTAN WORLD’S OLDEST RAINFOREST

TASIK PERGAU: KELANTAN WORLD’S OLDEST RAINFOREST – AMAZING NATURE ENVIRONMENT – ECO TOURISM AND BEST LAKE FISHING SPOT

If your are a nature lover, a tour to the Tasik Pergau Sanctuary Park at Batu 18, promises an unforgettable experience with the Pergau Hydroelectric Dam imposing a majestic view. Tasik Pergau may not be as popular as Tasik Banding, yet it its eco tourism had attracts more than 30,000 visitors annually who come here to find a piece of mind.

To reach there, it takes a two hour drive from Kota Baharu town. Located 720 meters (2,400 feet) above sea level, the cool atmosphere of 18 degrees Celsius and the surroundings covered by mist promises and enchanting experience . Travellers from Perak can get to Tasik Pergau via the East-West Link from Gerik to Jeli while those from Kota Baharu can move down to Jeli in order to reach the lake.It is not that difficult to get to the jetty at Tasik Pergau, which is located a mere 500 metres from the main road.
Apart from the immense flora and fauna found on both islands, the other similarity is that the two lakes are man-made lakes, due to the construction of the respective hydroelectric dams at Temenggor and Pergau. The lakes enchanting natural beauty has never failed to draw visitors not only from neighbouring nations like Singapore and Thailand, but those from as far as Europe and Japan. Peace and tranquility at Tasik Pergau tempts tourists to spend their vacation there and there are reports that the lake has being a regular annual stopover for many of the foreign visitors.
The lake promises unforgetful sojourns for visitors. The Pergau Lake Sanctuary Park, measuring 460 hectares in area, and about 100 km from Jeli town, promises every visitor a memorable holiday experience. It is also a popular spot among fishing enthusiasts, offering a variety of catch and the place also offers a pleasant environment apart from providing the opportunity of seeing a mist filled lake. For angling enthusiasts, Tasik Pergau is teeming with freshwater fish like lampam (carp), tilapia and toman (snakehead) among others thriving in its waters.  Visitors canrent a boat to explore the islands within the lake while searching for the best fishing spot. The boat ride also provides a closer look at the natural panorama, and the unique flora and fauna. Going along the lakes banks, visitors can glimpse mammals like deers coming down to the waters edge.

Surrounded by lush and world’s olderst green rainforests, said to be older that found at the Amazon basin in Brazil, the lake offers unique experience for its visitors. At night, the temperature at Pergau lake can dip to as low as 18 degrees Celsius, similar to that at theCameron Highlands.Tasik Pergau also serves as an avenue for a good night rest. There are no problems for accommodation as the Kelantan Selatan Development Authority (Kesedar) provides chalets for visitors who wish to spend the night at the lakeside. visitors can spend a night at the lakes resort that also provides facilities for seminars and courses.The resort can accommodate 100 lodgers at any particular time. Among the facilities available at the Kesedar resort are six floating chalets as well as a surau, tents, hostel, dining hall and shower rooms.  With only RM70, including the cost of renting a boat, visitors can put up in the floating chalets developed by South Kelantan Development Authority (Kesedar). There are also 30 campsites for the more adventurous ones who want to get a feel of the cold nights in the open. Visitors can also try kayak rides for a fee of RM20 for two persons or may opt for jungle trekking accompanied by a guide.

fishing at the chalets is an experience to consider for angling enthusiasts. A kitchen provided for each of the chalets. Anglers can grill the freshly caught fish there. The resort also provides the services of a cook based on demand. Otherwise the visitors will have to prepare their own food, visitors are advised to bring their own supply of food, which is enough for the duration of their stay at the resort.
Tourists who wish to visit Tasik Pergau can make their reservations at the Kesedar office for Jeli