Eerie is the first word that comes to mind when you set your eyes on this place. The waters of Lake Kenyir are emerald green and still, a mirror reflecting the surrounding jungle. Here and there, branches of dead timber break through the surface, thrusting skywards, a reminder of the forest, which now lies submerged, like the ruined city of Pompeii. It's hard not to feel awed and a little intimidated by the enormity of this inland body of water, and the intangible fear of the unknown that might be lurking underneath. 

But once you overcome these first impressions, the sheer beauty of Lake Kenyir is evident - the bright green grasses covering flat islet banks, the diverse species of interwoven plants. Shrubs and flowers, each unique, possessing its own wild and fragile beauty, the cool clear water of the rivers and waterfalls, and most of all, the meditative silence that surrounds you and sets your innermost thoughts free with a sudden clarity. Lake Kenyir is a place of solace.

... the sheer beauty of Lake Kenyir is evident - the bright green grasses covering flat islet banks, the diverse species of interwoven plants. Created nearly 20 years ago, with the completion of the Sultan Mahmud Hydro-Electric Power Plant, Lake Kenyir is now one of Terengganu's most precious eco-tourism destinations. Designated as the new gateway to the National park, Lake Kenyir is fed by more than 15 rivers and rapids, and cradles some 340 permanent islands. At more than 2,600 square kilometres, this man-made lake and its surrounding reserve forest is larger than the Republic of Singapore.

Pengkalan Gawi is the main gateway into Lake Kenyir, and the best place to arrange for boat transport and lodging. More than 10 different accommodation facilities are available in Lake Kenyir, not including campsites located near waterfalls and rivers. Lodgings such as Petang Island Resort, Musang Kenyir Resort and Kenyir Sanctuary Resort offer comfortable lodging, good food and plenty of privacy, perfect for honeymooners and families, while mobile boathouses such as the Bahtera Petang and camping sites, which offers more basic and less conventional lodging, are preferred by many of the anglers and groups of young holiday-makers here.