Terengganu which lies on the east coast is reknowned for its beautiful beaches. The idyllic islands famous for the white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters such as Pulau Redang, Pulau Kapas, Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Bidong and Pulau Tenggol, are found off the shores of the state. Their waters boast of magnificent coral reefs which is a paradise to divers. With a population of about 771,000, Terengganu interior comprises lush tropical forests, believed to be the world's oldest. The forests also serve as part of Terengganu's National Park. This is where a scenic dendritic Lake Kenyir is located, named after a river when the dam was constructed.
Lake Kenyir which is 2,590 square kilometres wide stretches into the Kelantan borders in the west and into Pahang in the south. Hulu Terengganu which lies at a longitude of 102 degrees 40 minutes and 4 degrees and 40 minutes in latitude is the world's oldest tropical forest. The Stete Government has also drawn up several conservation programmes to preserve Kenyir's luxuriant flora and fauna. The lake is a unique tourist destination. Apart from its beutiful tropical forest, it is also widely known for its valuable wood species, plants, animals, birds and insects. The cimatic conditions here are similar to other parts of Terengganu. It has a temperature of 31'Celcius between May and June every year. However the presence of lush tropical forests and teh numerous rivers and lakes within the lake area has helped to bring the temperature down. Areas sheltered by gigantic trees (80 metres in height) coupled with thick undergrowth humidifies the air while the heavy monsoon season between December and February, further cool the area.
With the construction of the Saddle Dam at Gawi in the north and the Jenagor Dam in the south-east and several smaller dams in 1982, the water flow from more than 13,320 rivers and tributaries were blocked, hence forming the biggest dendritic man-made lake in the world. The water is used to generate elecrtricity through the Sultan Mahmood Hydro Electric Power plant which generates 400mW of electricity. The formation of the lake in 1986 which holds 23.6 million cubic metre of water has enabled an easier water flow to the south, that is into the Terengganu's National Park. The construction of the RM700 million daam also resulted in the creatin of the world's biggest artificial lake which takes after the name of Kenyir River nearby.
DESTINATION-THE PLACE THEY CALLED ANGLERS'HAVEN
