Saturday, March 10, 2007

Travel Malaysia: Kelantan Nature Activities


NATURE
Waterfalls in Kelantan are major attractions for picnics and swimming. Jeram Pasu is just off the Kota Bharu-Pasir Putih road while Jeram Lenang is off the Pasir Putih-Machang Road. Lata Beringin, with its 120 metre drop, cool waters and lush vegetation is certainly one of the most spectacular. It is found off the Kuala Krai-Gua Musang Highway.

Gunung Stong
One of Kelantan's highest mountains, at 1,442 metres, is reputed to hold hidden treasure in Gua Ikan (Fish Cave), named after a solitary fish-shaped rock. The treasure is said to have been hidden during the Japanese Occupation.

Other Nature Activities
With something to suit all tastes, Kelantan's many offerings range from simple river cruises, rafting and bird watching to jungle trekking.

River Cruise
Beginning at Kuala Krai, the River Cruise winds its way upriver to the town of Dabong. Passing through ancient tropical forests and a number riverine communities, you may catch a glimpse of shy jungle wildlife. Kingfishers, eagles and hornbills are readily seen, along with various species of monkeys.

Jelawang Waterfalls
From Dabong, you can return to Kota Bharu by train, or head to Jelawang for jungle trekking. Chalets are available and jungle trekking of varying levels of difficulty can be organised by several operators easily found in the immediate area.

Chalets are available and various jungle trails have been laid. A 1.5 hour trek will take you to the spectacular Jelawang Waterfalls.

Gua Musang is another alternative which can also be reached by train. Well-known for its limestone caves, cave temple and the Lata Bringin Waterfalls, Gua Musang is only a 2-hour drive from Taman Negara (The National Park). The Kedasar Inn, located in Gua Musang's old town can arrange visits to a goldmine, a deer park, an ethno-botanical garden and aboriginal settlements as well as organise river rafting and cave explorations.

A summer camp near town, complete with various obstacle and fitness courses, provides leadership and youth training programs.

Kuala Koh Entry Point to Taman Negara
Kuala Koh, two-hour's drive from Gua Musang is the northern entrance to Taman Negara and serves as the Park Headquarters in Kelantan. Chalets are available at Kuala Koh, if required.

For bird watching enthusiasts, it is possible to see quite a variety of birds in a couple of days, and for anglers, the pristine rivers offer some excellent sport-fishing. The whole area offers superb opportunities for photographers. The diverse flora and fauna in the surrounding emerald rainforest provides perfect settings, colours and contrasts.

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