Discover Royal Belum

According to World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Royal Belum State Park "is composed mainly of pristine tropical rainforest, with many river systems, and small grassland areas, some abandoned agricultural plots, and Tasik Temengor, a large man-made lake. Forests found here include lowland dipterocarp, hill dipterocarp and lower montane types with a distinctive northern element as the area borders Thailand. The Royal Belum is part of the larger Belum-Temengor forest landscape, one of the largest blocks of forest in Peninsular Malaysia.

Wildlife surveys show that Royal Belum is an important habitat for large mammals like the seladang (Bos gaurus), Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) and Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni). The area is also home to the endangered Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis), one of very few left in Peninsular Malaysia. Belum-Temengor is the only forest in Malaysia with all 10 species of Malaysian hornbills including large flocks of the plain-pouched hornbill (Rhyticeros subruficollis)."

Belum-Temenggor's natural attractions and rich flora and fauna make up a very unique ecosystem which provides a great draw for intrepid travellers wanting to explore less trodden jungles, and to get away from modern conveniences. Mobile network reception is poor is this part of the world so if need to have time off from the concrete jungle then Belum-Temenggor is a must visit.

Would you like to experience the very BEST Whitewater Rafting in Malaysia? Singor River in Temenggor has the most exciting rapids and pristine jungle conditions to added in your quest for a very MEMORABLE ADVENTURE!

Belum Eco Resort (BER)

BER is a privately owned resort built on one of the small islands located on Temenggor Lake. The family friendly resort is designed and built around the island to preserve island's natural eco-system. Some herbs and vegetables are grown on the island. When you walk around, you will notice a few varieties of ferns including staghorns, and orchids.  The cost of maintaining eco lodgings is high especially on an island where all food and maintenance materials have to be boated in, and all unrecyclable waste and laundry is brought out.The natural jungle conditions speed up decay and the job of upkeeping neverends for the owners.

For accommodation, it has 12 'A' type chalets, two dormitories and two boat houses. The boat houses are used for fishing programs.  All lodgings have mattress/tatami, pillows, blanket, bed sheets, ceiling fans, toilets and warm water showers. All accommodations have a balcony which faces the majestic lake. Electricity is generated by diesel engine, and only available between in the evening until late morning.

For recreation, there are non-motorised sports equipment such as kayaks, sail boats and windsurfing for guests to use for free. There are also board games and a large selection of movies available at the large function hall above the restaurant. The function hall which has a fantastic view of the lake is also furnished with chairs, tables, projector and sound system for meetings and gatherings.

The food cooked fresh from the BER kitchen and served at the restaurant with a view of the lake is certainly one of the tastiest found in Belum Temenggor. We can personally vouch for this through our visits here, and extra weight gained. The selection of cuisine changes for each meal and there is always plenty to eat so you will not feel you need to control your eating portions. However, take only the amount you can consume. If you have high metabolism and do get hungry, well, you can still order food and drinks from the kitchen. No pork is used in the cooking and all sauces have halal certification. You may bring your own alcoholic beverages.

Two cute and friendly dogs plus a cat live on the island with the resort staff. The well behaved dogs are the first to welcome guests on arrival to the resort jetty, and will keep guests good company till the end of their visit. During our stay, they would walk us to our chalet in the evenings, and run over to greet us in the morning for breakfast. They also provide a natural security for island.

What do I get to do?

You can swim, fish, trek, sail, kayak, maybe see a rafflesia in bloom, spot birds and maybe wildlife on the trails, observe/participate the culture of the locals/indigenous tribes, study nature, or just do nothing

Adventure Rating and Remarks

5 - A must see/do if you are a nature lover or avid birder. A great natural environment to take the family. No internet, poor mobile network, picturesque lake scenery, and plenty of jungle noise.

Rate per person

Valid until 31 March 2015

Minimum 5 Adults

Children between the age of 3 to 11 will be charged half price for tour only. Permit fee as per normal rate.

Accommodation provided are on twin or triple sharing basis.

Note :
Arrival and departure time : please kindly adhere to the arrival and departure timing we set, if participants miss the boat, there is charge for the unscheduled departure at RM35 per person for a minimum of 4 person per boat, or RM140 per boat for single direction.
Vegetarian requirements must be informed when making reservations.

Itinerary

4 Day 3 Night Program (3 Day 2 Night program excludes Day 2)

Day 1: Nature Resort
1230 pick up at Pulau Banding public jetty
1300 lunch at Rafflesia restaurant on Belum Eco Resort (BER)
1400 briefing and check in
1500 Birdwatching
1700 Return to BER for afternoon tea break, swim and other non motorised water sports
2000 Dinner
2115 Screening of documentary “Temenggor Biodiversity in danger" at function hall. The use of the hall for board games, karaoke and movies available up till midnight.

Day 2: Royal Belum
0800 Breakfast ( combination of oriental and western )
0900 Visit to Royal Belum State Park - Sungai Kejah park camp site, Jenut Papan animal salt lick and Sungai Ruok to visit Rafflesia and Kelah fish sanctuary)
1430 Return to BER for lunch
1300 Lunch
1400 Free and easy
1600 Tea break
2000 Dinner
2115 View slideshow on 10 hornbill species which is unique only to Belum/Temenggor forest

Day 3: Temenggor (Excluded from 3D2N Program)
0800 Breakfast ( combination of oriental and western )
0900 Visit  waterfall for a swim, orang asli/indigenous tribe village ( option to contribute rice, children books & games if guests bring supplies) & visit Rafflesia flower site.
1400 Return to BER for lunch
1500 Free and Easy
1600 Tea break
2000 Dinner
2115 View documentary on Rafflesia then continue on with movies or karaoke (until midnight)

Day 4
0800 Breakfast ( combination of oriental and western )
0900 Free and easy
1100 Depart for Banding Island Jetty (20 minutes)

What does it include?

Boat transfers, nature guide, accommodation, meals as listed, non-motorised sports equipment usage and activities listed

What does it exclude?

Personal medication, transport to Banding Island Jetty, snacks, insurance

What to wear/bring?

Waterproof jacket, good hiking shoes, warm socks, hat, highly breathable/quick dry clothes, slippers, torchlight/flashlight, inflatable pillow, binoculars, cap/hat,  spare batteries, leech socks (very important if you fear this little blood suckers), salt to remove leeches, insect repellent.

For donations to indigenous tribes, you may bring books, clothes and food items. You can also purchase handicraft when visiting the villages.

For those interested to do fishing around the resort, please bring your own fishing rod, gears and baits. Fishing programs can be arranged for a fee for those interested in the sport.

Please bring along your own favorite karaoke music.

Best time to visit

Year round. It gets wetter during the Malaysian monsoon period which starts November to March.

Getting here

From Penang
Follow the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE) towards Kulim or Kota Baru. You will passby Kulim, Baling and Gerik exits. Eventually, you will reach a bridge that crosses Temenggor Lake to Banding Island. Cross the first bridge. After passing by a Petronas petrol station, before the next bridge, there is a small road on the left. Take this turn to Banding Island public jetty (Jeti Awam Pulau Banding) and park your vehicle.

From Kuala Lumpur
Belum is situated approximately 300km from Kuala Lumpur with an estimated 5 hour drive. Head north on the North South Expressway (PLUS). Exit Kuala Kangsar and head towards Gerik. You will drive through Gerik town heading towards Jeli or Kota Baru on the East-West Highway (TR 4). From Grik town, it is another 30 minutes drive to Banding Island Jetty where Temenggor lake is located.