Tuesday, June 8, 2010

House Boats in Kenyir Lake, Terengganu, Malaysia

Kenyir Lake is one of the largest man-made lakes in South-east Asia. It is located in Terengganu, Malaysia. The lake is the result of damming the upper stream of Terengganu river to harness hydro-electric power in 1985. As the water level rises, it also creates 230 islands in the lake. These islands were once peaks of hills.

What I am going to tell you is the house boat in this lake. House boat in Kenyir Lake is one of its kind in Malaysia. It is  designed by their owners. It consists of a simple boat with an extension to its roof and facilities. Some are double storeys. If you visit Kashmir in India, you will also see house boats. But they are of different design. The ones in Kashmir are quite hospitable as leisure house boats.

In Kenyir, house boats are used as a camping point, a fishing platform or a simple accommodation. They have sleeping berths, place for eating or lounge, a simple kitchen for simple cooking and the floating toilet. Some owners installed air-conditioners or fans in their boats. These boats are anchored at certain locations. The boats also can move about the lake and therefore they are not static.

House boats are anchored by the lake side.

The moving house boat. They were on islands hopping in the morning.

There are many types of house boats.

This one is very simple house boat.

Some house boats are equipped with air-conditioner or fans.

Another simple house boat.

Pengkalan Gawi.

Another view of Pengkalan Gawi.

If you are interested to experience this house boats in Kenyir Lake, you can go to Pengkalan Gawi which is about 80 km from Kuala Terengganu. When you reached Pengkalan Gawi, go to the travel agent kiosks nearby and ask or book the house boats. The rent of the house boat per day or 24 hours is around RM1000.00-RM1200.00. Hiring this boat entitles you to move around the islands or island hopping. It is advisable to go in group as you can reduce the cost per person.The boat can accommodate around 15-20 people at a time. Bring simple cotton clothes as the humidity is high here. Night is warm. Morning is cooler. Happy travelling.

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