Sunday, December 13, 2009

CHINI LAKE

Malaysia has two natural lakes; Bera Lake and Chini Lake. Both are connected by Chini River. You can arrange your kayak activity from Bera Lake to Chini Lake. Cini Lake is on the right bank from Pahang River. Around 4-5 hours driving from KL.

In 12,565 acres Chini Lake, one can enjoy nature activities such as camping, lake crossing, trekking, fishing, and visiting Jakun (aborigines) village in Kampung Gumum. In Kampung Gumum you'll see unique Jakun folks traditional live traditionally as they call Chini Lake and the surrounding jungle home. The best time to go is between August and September because the lake is transformed to the floating garden with thousands of pink and white lotus flowers covering the surface!!
Two myths in Chini Lake are...

1) An ancient dragon-like beast to dwell in the depth
2) An ancient Khmer beneath the surface of the lake (Malaysia's answer to Atlantis story)

You should talk to the old Jakuns here on how they strongly believe these two myths and the might provide you some evidents too. The best is you spend few days with them and get the feeling of the mysterious dragon and Khmer.

Accomodations in Chini Lake are dormitries or chalets which is run by Tasik Chini Resort (Tasikchiniresort@hotmail.com). Many hotels in Kuantan arrange a day trip to Chini Lake too. But I would suggest you to spend at least 1 night in Lake Chini.
A few options to Tasik Chini:

1) Via Kampung Belimbing (1 1/2 hour from the capital of Pahang State - Kuantan). Then by boat along Chini River.

2) The best (and easiest) is by road to the town of Chini. Bus to Chini town is available from Kuala Lumpur (Mara Liner) at RM 23 (USD 6.5) and it takes around 5 hour.

3) By bus from Kuantan to Chini Town (10 times daily) - 2 hours journey. Or you just take taxi to Chini Lake from Kuantan town.

* it is quite difficult to get taxi from Chini town to the lake. But usually locals will take you to the lake for few dollars. RM 30 -RM 40 is normal.

2 comments:

  1. Mobile hostels exist in the form of a campsite, a temporary building, or a short term agreement in a permanent building.

    Cusco Hostels

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  2. I had a look at some of the pictures in Google Images for Lake Chini, the route looks ideal from a backpackers point of view!

    ReplyDelete