Temenggor Dam - Belum Rainforest

In the 1970s, construction began on a highway across the region and at the same time the Temenggor Dam was built for hydroelectric power generation, creating a man-made lake spanning 70 kilometres up the Perak River and 30 kilometres up its tributaries. The flooding of the area created many islands out of what were once hilltops. Pulau Banding, the location of Belum Rainforest Resort happens to be one of the islands as a result of the flooding.

The Belum Rainforest is a pristine forest, being the largest untouched forest reserve in Peninsular Malaysia. Although not as famous as Taman Negara or Endau Rompin in Pahang and Johor, it houses over 3,000 species of flowering plants, including three species of the largest flower in the world – the Rafflesia. It is also the natural habitat of 64 species of ferns, 62 species of mosses, and has a lake that is home to 23 species of freshwater fish and 5 species of turtles. And the entire forest is 4 times the size of Singapore!

The bridge that we whizzed past...

Actually I'm quite embarrassed to admit that despite residing in Perak for 17 years, I did not realise that there were such a wonderful virgin forest to be explored. I knew the existence of the dam, but damnit I didn't know there was a resort! *blushes*



I was quite fortunate to be able to explore the northen side of Perak during the BMW Eco-Blogger Diesel Drive where we drove from KLCC - Mutiara Damansara - Tanjung Malim - Tapah - Ipoh - Gerik - Pulau Banding (Belum Resort) and then the same route back to KLCC the next day.

We were treated to glasses of Cava bubblies as we arrived!

At the Belum Rainforest Resort, I was awed by the tranquil and lush green scenery. The thick green canopy that span across the dam was so picturesque that I had to reluctantly depart from nature the very next day.

My Bedroom facing the lush green forest was awesome!

Dinner was arranged at Sidai. It was a BBQ buffet style with ample of booze. There was even a golf buggy car to take you from the lobby to the restaurant in case you're lazy to walk, like me.. ahem.. ahem....

Every sitting was individually name-tagged with a pot of wheatgrass.
Mine died a dryful death last week.

A fun-filled dinner amidst the forest!
WHo would have guess that we can booze with the greens?

My fair share of wine!

The next morning awaits, with some fun-filled activities which I have never done before...

Nature Excursion - Bamboo Rafting
What a great surprise!

Everyone getting ready to dip in!
The water was cool!

Mr Sixthseal is my partner on bamboo raft.
Equally my driving partner too.

Paddling, paddling and more paddling.
Actually I'm doing most of the paddling and he was busy taking videos.

Hmmm...
Can always stop and pose for the camera.

Some decided to paddle with hands..
Kononnya lebih cepat, tapi rasanya seperti biasa saja.

Huai Bin takes a dip while I paddle back alone.
Always doing his Sixthseal stunts. Read here.

Seriously, the whole journey/event was so well-organised that we all felt disheartened to leave especially to part with our BMW's. Someone came up with the brilliant idea of hijacking the cars right before we turn into KLCC. I would if it's not illegal but then again, I wouldn't want to be wanted for running away with just a RM300k car. If I have to, I would have ran away with a Bugatti Veyron - at least it's value is worth the chase.

The bloggers ec0-drive gang and the organisers...
(Btw, we were posing with the RM20k BMW bicycle in the background)

Bicycle : RM2k, BMW: RM18k, Owning it: Priceless

HAHAHA....