Surya Rakit @Tasik Kenyir - A Lovely Malaysian Holiday Afloat With Mother Nature

Living On The Amazing "Rakit" at Tasik Kenyir, Malaysia's Haven for Fishing and Largest Man-made lake in South East Asia.

Or... A Piece Of Relaxing Heaven For City Dwellers

Come and Just Appreciate Life ...

18 Feb 2014 - Just back to Kuala Lumpur for two days and already i miss the cool night air, a million stars, the zero existence of traffic and pure fresh air and scenic boat rides and waterfall dunking and sumptuous meals of fish,veggies and chicken by doting operators and the list of magical experience is quite endless and differs from one to the other....so i thought i present a pictorial essay here so you can may have a glimpse of this "Heaven on Earth". 

By the way, anglers will have a tale or two to share, too...
The fishing here is quite rewarding. There's the elusive "Ghost Fish" aka Marbled Goby aka Soon Hock which lucky anglers do catch from under the rakit. The fierce, powerful Snakehead "Toman" who couldn't resist the bait of the baby catfish (such is their feuding history through the years) and other gems of a catch like the Belida (fishing season July to August), Temoleh, Siakap, Kelah, Lampan Jawa, Beras. More photos on fishing victories will be coming up soon taken from a triumphant friend's album so do drop by again once in a while...;-).Me, i'm just the holidaymaker!

(Watch this space for Fishing Achievements and that Huge Frog...a favourite and prized delicacy in Asian cuisines.)

For the full effect and to appreciate tranquility with all her intimate embrace, you just have to make that trip.

How to Get To Surya Rakit,Tasik Kenyir

Surya Rakit does not have an address. Well, perhaps you can say it is along the banks of  Tasik Besar.

The best way to make your way here is to call either one for the operators and they will give you directions.

(See contact numbers at base of this blog)

For an idea where this place is, (it can be quite tricky for the first-timer) head towards Tasik Kenyir, Terengganu. From Kuala Lumpur, take the East Coast Expressway up to Jabor. Pass the endmost toll and head for the road that says Bukit Besi. You will be on the Jerangau trunk road.This is a 115km stretch where you'll end up on the expressway to Kuala Berang. You'll be passing the town of Kuala Berang (there is an expressway under construction from here and down south to meet the East Coast Expressway at Jabor but methinks this will only be ready in 2 years time). After the town, you'll pass small Kampungs like Kuala Telemung, Kuala Peng. From Kuala Peng, it is another 5 kms before you come to a major intersection. At this major intersection where the future expressway link lies unconstructed still, turn left and head for Tasik Kenyir, Pengkalan Gawi. You can get your icepacks and snacks from Kuala Peng. 

After driving on for 26 kms,you can turn into this main Tasik Kenyir Gawi jetty for a quick look-around of the dam area. Come back out to the main road, turn left after this junction (this is the fringe area for phone signals so make all those calls here) and head on further along the main trunk road for about 24 kms. 

The road will be winding yet pleasant and after 24 kms, you will see a bridge over the lake in the distance.Before coming to this bridge, you'll see swathes of Tasik Kenyir on your left which means you are getting nearer. In the distance, you can see this bridge looming. DO NOT CROSS THIS BRIDGE or you would have missed the turning to your right to a gravel road. You can see some signboards at the roadside. Latest news is that there is a huge steel gate erected here in readiness of Tasik Kenyir being gazetted as a duty-free zone like Pulau Tioman or Langkawi.

Trundle on the road for about 500 metres and you come to a clearing for cars to park.. Well, this is still not Surya Rakit although you will find one here. Head on straight to a road further into the bushes for about 200 metres and you come to a riverbank. (Ref: Surya Rakit as seen from the distance is featured in one of the photos here)

Here, you can horn or flash your headlights (at night) so the boatman can hear you. I did something crazy a couple of times. I screamed the boatman's name DIIIIIIIIIN! ... well, it worked. Sleeping monkeys won't be too pleased, i know. Sorry!

Always let the operator know the estimated time of your arrival so he'll watch out for you. Park your car here and unload at the banks. Don't worry, your car is quite safe here... fingers crossed, no jaga kereta fellas to harass you...

So i hope this helps you to find Surya Rakit.... Do read my earlier blogs for an idea of life without wi-fi, phone calls and at times, current electrical shutdown for a couple of hours.... no, you won't collapse in fits, scream in fear, undergo withdrawal symptoms and holler for Mama.... we fussy rat packs from Kuala Lumpur went, survived and without fail.always look forward to our next trip. There's a mini waterfall nearby. Ask about this place and at the right time of the year (the water levels shifts about 30 feet due to its dam levels), why... you may have your very own jacuzzi ala Naturalle! Seems there is a second dam being built up the expressway and if you need to make phone calls here... Maxis and U-mobile signals are superb here and there is a convenience store for all your necessities, even beer. (Only 8kms as you turn right from the steel gate.) Civilization is slowly catching up to this place... sigh, is that a good thing for those who want to get away from it all sometimes? Sometime in 2015, there will be internet access for sure and thus, respite from urban life would have lost its lustre slightly... at least for diehard escapaders.

Okay, okay.. for now, there's Astro cable TV here so you won't think you're so remotely distanced and living out a personal episode of Man vs Wild. I caught movie reruns of Avengers and Transformers all over again on HBO...caught up with world news on CNN,BBC, followed some series and am definitely not a frog under a coconut shell in the comfort of this little paradise enclave!

Think of the chilly nights, springwater as you bathe, rain that pours so majestically, scrumptious food with a nice, tasty fish at hand and all the tea, coffee and Milo you wanna have... good sit-down toilets, a lounge and a wooden pontoon where you can laze in a bamboo chair and gaze at stars with a cold beer in hand (of course, get your booze in yourself,please and also, no pork allowed). Clear your head without cleaning out your wallet, see the rakit's Wall of Fame for happy visitors' exploits and big fish catches and know that the bigger ones are always "those that got away...".

Rakit Operators :

Ang  012 9644 555

Khairi 017 9078 674

Note: if you can't contact one, try the other. If you can't get both, that means they are at the rakit where there is no phone signal for now. No fear, leave a message or SMS and they will call you once they receive it. Real friendly, nice and easygoing folks, these...

Cuti-cuti Malaysia (Go holiday in Malaysia) So affordable for a net-ful of memories!
                                          Surya Rakit (Inclusive of meals)
                      3 days / 2 nites: RM380 nett per pax  (Ringgit Malaysia)
                  4 days / 3 nites: RM480 nett per pax  (Ringgit Malaysia)

I wish you a most relaxing journey,escapade and commune with Nature as your charming all-time host. Enjoy!

Visit Malaysia Year 2014...
make a date with Tasik Kenyir here!

Just A Quote:

" When you can be still enough to admire, 
      when you are reasonably alert to notice the details, 
         when you choose to treasure what most will take for granted, 
            then you would have cherished a generous piece of a beautiful life."  T. Leng

How to Get To Surya Rakit,Tasik Kenyir

Surya Rakit does not have an address. Well, perhaps you can say it is along the banks of  Tasik Besar.

The best way to make your way here is to call either one for the operators and they will  give you directions.
(See contact numbers at base of this blog)

For an idea where this place is,(it can be quite tricky for the first-timer) Head towards Tasik kenyir,Terengganu. Take the Jerangua trnk road or come from Kuala Dungun. You'll be passing the town of Kuala Berang (there is an expressway under constructions but yet to be opened), pass small Kampungs like Kuala Telemung, Kuala Peng. From Kuala Peng, it is another 5 kms before you come to a major inetrsection, At this major intersection where the future expressway link is, turn left and head for Pengkalan Gawi.

You can turn into this jetty for a quick lookaround of the dam area. Come back out to the main road , turn left after this junction and head on further along the main trunk road for about 24 kms.

The road will be winding and after 24 kms, you will see a bridge over the lake in the distance.Before coming to this bridge, you'll see swathes of Tasik kenyir on your left. means you are getting nearer. In the distance, you can see this bridge looming. DO NOT CROSS THIS BRIDGE or you would have missed the turning to your right to a gravel road. You can see some signboards at the roadside.
Trundle on the road for about 500 metres and you come to a clearing with cars to park. WEll, this is still not it although you will find a rakit here. Head on a road further into the bushes for about 200 metres and you come to a riverbank.

Here, you can horn or flash your headlights (at night)so the boatman can hear you. I did something crazy a couple of times. I screamed the boatman's name DIIIIIIIIIN! ... well, it worked. Sleeping monkeys won't be too pleased, i know. Sorry!

Always let the operator know the estimated time of your arrival so he'll watch out for you. Park your car here and unload at the banks. Don't worry it is quite safe here... fingers crossed, no jaga kereta fellas to harass you...

So i hope this helps you to find this Surya rakit.... Do read earlier blogs for an idea of life without wi-fi, handphone signals and at times, current shutdown for a couple of hours.... no, you won't collapse in fits, scream in fear, undergo withdrawal symptoms and holler for Mama.... we rat packs from Kuala Lumpur went, survived and look forward to coming back everytime. There's a mini waterfall nearby. Ask about this place and at the right time of the year(the water levels shifts about 30 feet due to its dam flows), why... you have your very own jacuzzi ala Naturale! Seems there is a second dam being built up the road and if you need to make phone calls here... Maxis and U-mobile signals are superb here and there is a convenience store for all your necessities, even beer.

Sometime in 2015, there will be internet access for sure and thus, escapade from urban life would have lost its lustre slightly... oh, dear."Clients will be calling you when you struggling with a fish at the end of your rod.... oh, the thought, the thought of that...."

Okay, okay.. for now,. there's Astro so you won't think you're acting out a personal episode of Man vs Wild. I caught reruns of Avengers and Transformers all over again...

Think of the chilly nights,springwater as you bathe, rain that pours so majestically, scrumptious food with a fish dish always awaiting when the bell sounds and all the tea, coffee and Milo you wanna have... good sitdown toilets, a lounge and a wooden pontoon where you can laze and gaze at stars with a cold beer in hand ( get your booze in yourself,please). Clear your head without cleaning out your wallet, see the walls for visitor's catches and know that the bigger ones are those that got away...

Rakit Operators :
Ang  012 9644 555
Khairi 017 9078 674

Rates : 3 days 2 nites RM350 nett per pax
           4 days 3 nites RM450 nett per pax

I wish you a most relaxing journey with Nature as your butler. Enjoy!

Rakit Experience at Tasik Kenyir, Malaysia ... Fishing and Nature Living simply rejuvenating!

I just had to go back again and that, I did. It was in the month of October 2011 and before the start of the monsoon season and you would have thought giants have drank half the dam away. The water level was that low but that mean great fishing....

Surya Rakit is one of the best places to experience boathouse living. Enjoy the stillness of the night, the lovely morning mist that wafts amidst the myriad hues of green, the comfortable accomodation and no worries, good decent toilets.

The food is an added plus with a fish dish assured for lunch and dinner. It must be the cool weather that sturs up the voracious appetite. Beverages like tea and coffee are availble 24 hours, just help yourself.

Read my earlier blog for more details on how to get here. This time around, more pictures casue it says a thousand words each and for the full works, go there and live up Nature.... it's great to recharge urban dwellers like me and clear them lungs of exhaust smoke and pollutants...

Waters will be coming up by March when the monsoon is over. And i hope i will be there again to

touch base with much needed tranquility all over again with my fishing and drinking buddies. I went there with no targets on how many fish to catch and instead i got bucketloads of rest and relaxation that money cannot buy... the fishes were just a bonus!

Rakit Operators :
Ang  012 9644 555
Khairi 017 9078 674

Rates : 3 days 2 nites RM350 nett per pax
           4 days 3 nites RM450 nett per pax

What a bargain! Cuti cuti Malaysia which means Go Holi-holiday Malaysia! is the way to go! A real bargain, a true inspiration and a fabulous escapade!

The Floating House Escapade - Where Heaven Gives Urban Dwellers A Great Break from Civilization

Coming to Surya Rakit, i felt two things happening within me. Being at peace with nature was the first, and the other, at peace with oneself. Never have I felt so still, relaxed and contented and it was a great feeling. Being at the Rakit, especially this one, was like a much-welcomed "pit stop" to change parts mentally, spiritually and intellectually and who doesn't need that?

Reading on will give you an idea of how it's like to have a unique holiday with your closest friends or family, whether they are anglers or not. Afterwards, try to make the journey here for your personal slice of heaven.

Where exactly on Tasik Kenyir is Surya Rakit

This is the largest man-made lake in South east Asia. Located in Malaysia, bordering the states of Kelantan terengganu and Pahang, the Kenyir am is built to generate power through hydro. Fishing is good here, although the seasoned ones would wish for the "good old days" in the 70's and 80's when it was easier to catch them by the bucketloads! Yet, there's more to this place. The refreshing air, the peaceful surroundings at times shattered by the call of the noisy "Siamang" gibbon or the tiger's roar ( yes, i heard it with my very own ears!!!), the good meals that i so cherished at this particularly cosy, friendly and well-located rakit...

Surya Rakit is located at the northern end of this huge lake, in a cosy enclave known as T. Besar. "Rakit" means a boathouse in Bahasa Malaysia and Surya means sunshine. For sure, your visit will shine memorably whether you get fish or not.
The journey here may take 7-8 hours from Kuala Lumpur with the regular stops for toilet and meals but do not fret, it sure is worth it!

On the Rakit

The rakit doesn't roll like a boat. It is quite solid, built on iron pontoons and huge logs. What concerns the urban dweller like me firstly? Living accommodations?It is better than i imagined. Here, they are 8 rooms with single and queen size beds with a wall fan in each.There are wash basins to brush your teeth and reasonable toilet facilities. Pour on yourself some of the cleanest spring water during bathtime and you'll feel refreshed.

The generator is placed 20 metres away and i never heard the sounds of it. Of course, in the daytime, it may be switched off for several hours so we can all embrace the natural climate, sweat, humidity and all.

Moment of inspiration: Sit and watch the lake and as the rain drops come by, you'll see a most amazing transformation of the lake from quiet serenity to pitter-patter activity.  It's just beautiful and i caught this while having a personal beer or two waiting for my angler friends to return from yonder, whom i know are quite soaked to the skin...

You can walk around the rakit and at certain spots, like the kitchen and the front platform, you can see Ikan Lampan upclose to the surface. Throw some fish pellets at them and see these grateful ones munch.
Or do nothing. Grab a chair, sit and just gaze at the natural surroundings. Not a single car,traffic is non-existent, quiet and peaceful, maybe the monkeys are also holding their breath lest they disturb you!!!?

On cool nights, after a delicious meal, gaze into the sky and be mesmerised by the million stars! Do bring some thick clothings if you can't stand the cold because some nights are just chilly to the hillbilly.

There is Astro for those wanting to catch up on news or catch a movie. Play mahjong and ginrummy with your friends and complimentary Milo, Nescafe, teabags are ready for you 24/7. Do bring your own towels, soap,beer,sake, wine and whisky though because nature dictates there is no 7-11, just Seventh Heaven! Please NO pork  products are allowed onboard.

I know... i know what's the question lingering in your mind. "What are we going to eat?" "What's the meal like? " " Is it instant noodles all the time?" "Will it be tasty?" For one with a hearty appetite like me, this place scores big time in this department.

Khairi and Ang , the two most friendly rakit operators i have the privilege of meeting, always make sure we are well-fed. Destiny would have it, Khairi's wife, Maznah, is the humble, cahrming cook that just churns out the most delicious dishes for hungry mouths.There will be always be a fish dish for lunch and dinner besides others delectables and for breakfast, a simple one either Catfish porridge, yummy Meehoon, amongst them.

Away from the rakit - The Angler's Adventure

There are small boats where anglers can drive out to choice spots for fishing. Do let them know if you don't know how to operate the boat and perhaps the boatman may follow you. The catch can be plentiful for example, for the months of July to August, try for the Belida. Belida is Ikan Parang which is Knife Fish which is great as fishballs!!!

Others like the Sebarau lurks at the waterfalls, Toman in quiet creeks where you have to watch for pockets of baby toman activity on the surface ( means Mama and Papa Toman is around), Baung or Catfish, even the prized Marbled Goby (Soon Hock) are up for grabs. Don't set a target, take each day as it comes, every catch is a blessed thing and you will most certainly enjoy the trip moreso.
In short, be in a Vacation mode, not in Competitive mode. Set this as your mindset and it works wonders for body, mind and soul.

For those not into fishing, there are quick tours to nearby places of interest like the Tembat waterfalls, a river cruise along Sungai Betuan. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, deer  and monkeys swinging in the trees. Savour the graceful lone eagle circling overhead. Jungle tracking can also be arranged.

Or ... you can just laze the whole day, sleeping, chatting, taking it easy just waiting for the next meal... it's unwinding at its very best.

How to get there

1. Kuala Berang –  head for the road to  Gua Musang – as you pass Pengkalan  Gawi Jetty entrance, go for the next 24 km and you come to a bridge over Kenyir waters.. there will be a sign on the right to lead you in. There is a muddy  road for 600 metres… and you'll come to a carpark area. But do go on to the river bank (follow the sign) and you can see Surya rakit across the waters. Sound the horn and beam the lights…it is advisable to reach by 8am in the morning… or in the daytime.
2. You can also come from Simpang Pulai using the Lojing Highway to reach Gua Musang. Take the road to Kuala Krai and somewhere halfway, there is a sign to Tasik Kenyir, take this Felda Aring road and drive until you come to a check point (drive on) and to a lorry depot and a highways greets you again(Along the narrow felda road, there is a turnoff for Taman Negara..- at Kuala Woh. This is NOT IT) Drive on the highway and you will pass an Elephant sanctuary and you are quite close to the turnoff. Cross a long bridge over emerald waters and take an immediate left.

Please call Ang or Khairi and let them know of the changes at least one week ahead. So they can be prepared to look out for you at the scheduled time of arrival. (Cuz there is no signal line for any telco, my dear friends! truly a getaway, yes?)  Do drive back to the car park area and the boat man will come over from the rakit to the pick-up jetty area to take you and your belongings over.

Contact :      Ang 012 9644 555    
                            012 9564 755

   Khairi 017 -9078 674        
                    013 9453 918

Rates

3 days 2 nights RM350 nett

4 Days 3 nights RM 450 nett

Inclusive of all meals and accommodation. Minimum 6 pax per group.

I wish you a pleasant journey, happy fishing and a relaxing, most tranquil escapade!

Cheers from all of us at Surya Rakit.

The above blog is written by a very grateful and happy visitor to Surya Rakit for a truly wonderful stay. Grateful cuz a nature lover at heart has found Utopia. The experiences may differ from person to person but the charm, allure and embrace of Nature at this Rakit holiday will appeal to our senses nonetheless, in various meaningful ways. Cuti-cuti Malaysia... truly Nombor Satu!