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!