1. Timah Tasoh Lake, Perlis (in the North)
Tasoh Lake is a man-made reservoir in Perlis, Malaysia. It got its name from two rivers, Sungai Timah and Sungai Tasoh, which provide the main catchment to it. Construction began in 1987. Completed in 1992 at a cost of RM67 million.The lake is 1300 hectares in area, and can hold 35.3 million litres of water. It was created when a dam was built on Sungai Korok, about 2.5km below the confluence of Sungai Timah and Sungai Tasoh.
A bird sanctuary is set up at Timah Tasoh to protect the habitat of migratory birds that flock here during winter in the northern hemisphere.
2. Tasik Chini, Pahang
Tasik Chini (Lake Chini) is located some 100 kilometres from Kuantan. Tasik Chini is the second largest freshwater lake in the country and endowed with a rich bio diversified lush tropical wilderness. It is home to numerous species of flora and fauna. Between August and September, it transforms into a floating garden with thousands of white and pink lotus flowers covering its surface.Tasik Chini is also believed to be the site of a sunken Kmer city and many archaeologists have mounted expeditions to locate it. Fishing , camping, jungle trekking, boating and visiting Orang Asli villages are the main activities here.
3. Tasik Bera, Pahang
Tasik Bera (Bera Lake) is a natural freshwater lake system located in the saddle of the main and eastern mountain ranges of Peninsular Malaysia. It is a unique and remote wetland that supports a diversity of animal and plant life besides sustaining the livelihood of the Orang Asli who inhabit this place. Protected since November 1994 under the Ramsar Convention, which allows traditional use of the area to continue, the lake is otherwise quite untouched.
To some, the highlight would be a visit to the Semelai settlement at Kampung Jelawat to see how the Semelai harvest oil from the kruing minyak. A fire is lit in a large hole hacked in the trunk to draw the oil. The tribe cultivate padi huma (hill padi) as well. The Semelai call themselves “the lake people”. They lived around the lake for 600 years. They plant hill padi, banana, tapioca, sweet potato, sugarcane as well as hunt for small animals and fish.
4. Temenggor Lake, Perak
Temenggor is named after a small river which once flowed into the Upper Perak River. Sometime in 1980, a huge dam was built at the confluence. An extensive and deep lake (down to 450 feet) was created. The second largest man-made lake in Peninsular Malaysia after Kenyir, Temenggor Lake was created to generate electricity. There is a man-made island, Banding Island and Lake Temenggor Bridge on the East-West Highway which crosses the lake.
Some parts of the lake provide excellent fishing. For example in the southern part of the lake you can catch the Kelah fish (Malaysian Jungle Perch). But do not forget it is a protected fish in the state of Perak so for this one it is obligatorily catch and release.
The best access to Temenggor Lake is Banding Island, created after the dam project. The East-West Highway (Jeli in Kelantan State to Gerik in Perak State) runs through this island. The Banding Island Resort provides decent accommodation, with nearby amenities.
5. Kenyir Lake, Terengganu
Kenyir Lake is an artificial lake created in 1985 by the damming of Kenyir River. It is the largest man-made lake in Southeast Asia and serves as an alternative gateway to Taman Negara or the National Park. Covering an area of 260sqkm, it contains 340 small islands, which were once hilltops and highlands; more than 14 waterfalls, numerous rapids and rivers. Fishing is popular, as are jungle treks, waterfalls and caves.
The most important gateway to Tasik Kenyir is Pengkalan Gawi. It offers the services of a Tourist Information Centre, a parking area, a jetty and various water sports facilities for rental. Its strategic location also makes it the nearest gateway to Malaysia’s well known National Park Taman Negara in the neighbouring state of Pahang.
6. Pedu Lake, Kedah
Lake Pedu is located just five kilometres from the Thai border and covers an area of 75sqkm. It is home to one of the oldest tropical forests in the world. A beautiful and peaceful place to visit, it has a 20m bridge linking the north and south islands. Tasik Pedu is also a wildlife sanctuary. The lake serves as a Dam for irrigation of padi field. Pedu Dam is connected to Muda Dam through a underground tunnel.
It’s a beautiful lake in a virgin tropical rainforest. Gigantic trees in the jungle is a magnificient sight. From month June – October, wild honey bee will build their nest on the top of Tualang tree (a type of forest tree with white trunk). Honey collectors will climb the 50m tall tree to collect honey.
Jungle trekking is a must do activity. Some climbing down rocky wall using rope is needed in the hard and medium trail. There is a waterfall towards the end of all the three trails. Trek trails the fringe of Gunung Fakir Terbang.
7. Putrajaya Lake, Putrajaya
Putrajaya Lake, located at the heart of our public administration centre, was designed to act as a natural cooling system for the new Federal Territory, and has become more than that with dining available on ferries that ply the length and breadth of the 650ha man-made lake. It is also the venue for water sports competitions such as the F1 Powerboat Championship and the Asian Canoeing Championship.
8. Chenderoh Lake, Perak
Chenderoh Lake is a natural lake located near the royal town of Kuala Kangsar and archaeological site of Lenggong. It has a waterfall that is surrounded by a forest reserve abundant with a range of tropical trees. About 3km from the banks of the lake, there are recreational facilities such as campsites. Do take a jungle walk to enjoy the lush tropical rainforest.
For the anglers, motorized boats and canoes are available for hire.
9. Ayer Keroh Lake, Malacca
A beautifully landscaped lake that is more than just a body of water. Boating and canoeing are some of the sports that can be enjoyed on this lake located within the Ayer Keroh Resort. Facilities such as jogging paths, children’s playground and food kiosks add to the attraction of the place, making it perfect for a weekend or Sunday family outing. Don’t forget to bring along your fishing rods.
The lake is set amidst a splendid green environment about 11km from Melaka town, one can view rich, untouched tropical forest with more species than you can ever imagine. There you can indulge in refreshing activities like trekking, camping, picnicking, staying in houses on tree-tops and also take advantage of the available barbeque facilities and children’s playground. Huts and cabins are available for rentals-truly a must for all nature lovers.
10. Batang Ai Lake / Logan Bunut Lake, Sarawak
This is Sarawak’s only man-made lake and is home to many protected wildlife species besides being a water catchment area. Stretching up to the Engkari and Ai valleys, one can journey upriver from the lake to see beautiful lowland mixed dipterocarp forests, with drooping trees overhanging the rivers.
The Batang Ai hydro lake is about 275km (or 5 hours drive) from Kuching. Most visitors arrive as part of an organised tour group where all transport is included. Contact the Visitor’s Information Centre in Kuching for a list of approved tour operators.
Independent travel to Batang Ai is difficult but not impossible; there are regular express buses from Kuching to Sri Aman (3 hours 30 mins), from Sri Aman there is a local bus service to Lubok Antu (2 hrs), some 5km from the hydro lake, and from Lubok Antu it is usually possible to get a free ride to the lake from one of the friendly locals. However there is no public longboat service; you may have to stay in Lubok Antu for a day or two until somebody is heading to Batang Ai. The alternative – chartering a longboat yourself – can be prohibitively expensive.
11. Taiping Lake Gardens, Perak
The Taiping Lake Garden was established in 1880, making it one of the oldest in Malaysia. It was formerly a huge tin mine but was transformed into a nature sanctuary. From the lake, one can stroll to the Taiping Zoo. The Taiping Lake Gardens is also the gateway to Maxwell Hill or Bukit Larut as it is known today.
The Lake Gardens of Taiping were originally a mining ground, before it was established as a public garden in 1880. The abandoned tin mine ground was donated by Chung Thye Phin as a recreation park for public use. In 1884 the gardens were planted with grasses, flowers and trees; a part of the gardens was fenced, to keep bulls out.
The Lake Gardens has been well-maintained since its opening. There are ten scenic lakes and ponds, which highlight the gardens.