2012 - Belum Rainforest & Cameron Highlands

Belum Rainforest & Caneron Highlands

11 - 16 June 2012



We bought the Groupon Voucher, 3D2N Island Nature Retreat for 2 at Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding, Perak for RM699. The voucher was valued at RM2000.

Our voucher includes: Welcome drinks for 2, Daily set / buffet breakfast for 2, 1set / buffet dinner for 2 , 1 guided night trekking for 2, 1 Rafflesia spotting and island cruise tour for 2.

We planned to stay at the resort for two nights and another three nights on the way back at Equatorial Resort, Cameron Highlands using our Berjaya Vacation Club 2010 entitlement which expires in July 2012.

BELUM RAINFOREST RESORT

The Belum Rainforest Resort is one of Malaysia's premier ecotourism holiday destinations. Set in the midst of a tropical paradise, Pulau Banding, the Belum Rainforest Resort, is everything nature-lovers and holiday-goers expect in a getaway destination: complete relaxation and serenity, stunning views and surroundings, adventure, and the chance to get close to nature.

With the Belum-Temengor Rainforest literally at their doorstep, guests at the resort will have a rare opportunity to experience the soothing beauty and mystery of the vast jungle, which has remained untouched for centuries. Nature lovers will revel at the chance to observe the beauty of plants and scenery that can be found only rarely elsewhere. Meanwhile, thrilling outdoor activities await adventure seekers who crave for adrenaline-pumping experiences.

PULAU BANDING

Pulau Banding is a man-made island located within the majestic Temenggor Lake. Sitting amidst the million-years old Belum Rainforest, visitors to the island can look forward to indulging in nature based activities such as fishing, bird watching, camping and visiting orang asli settlements.

Day 1 - 11 Jun 2012

We started our journey from KL at about 7:30am. We arrived at Ipoh at around 11am for our breakfast and bought some biscuits for our trip. We departed Ipoh at 12 noon and arrived at the Belum Rainforest Resort at 3pm. It was a scenic ride from Kuala Kangsar and passing through the East West Highway. It was our first time travelling along the East West Highway and the trafiic was light. We hardly see any cars along the road other than some lorries and buses on the opposite side. It can be quite scary to travel along the road at night. 

After checking in at the resort we venture out to explore the resort on our own. Our voucher entitled us to a guided night trekking. We decided to have our night trekking tonight since there is another couple joining the trekking tonight.



Part of the Temenggor Lake as seen from the resort's only restaurant

Enjoying the cool and calm atmosphere at the lakeside restaurant

Tha Rainforest Bar that was closed during our trip due to the low season.

The bridge that connects Pulau Banding to the mainland.

The entrance to our room is lined with wooden structures. Almost everything here is constructed from wood and bamboo.

Our room comes with a king size bed and a day bed and can comfortably accomodate three persons. 

View of the lake from our room.

The path that leads to the jetty where we board the boat for our ride around the lake

We spotted some giant yam plants along the way to the jetty.

Elevated bridge that connects the resort to the jetty.

Notice the size of the yam leaves.

The bridge winds gently to the lakeside.

The jetty with the house boat at the background.

One of the few boats owned by the resort.

Taking a rest before we climb up the bridge back to the resort again.

Another view of the calm lake.

One of many unique plants at the resort.

The reception area where guests are checked in

Corridor ceiling of the restaurant are decorated with empty bottles embedded into the concrete

Lamp shade in the form of a bird nest at the restaurant.

 View of the lake after sunset. While waiting for our dinner to be served.

 Our complementary set dinner, chicken chop and nasi goreng kampong.

Waiting for our night trekking to start

This is the bamboo flower pointed to us by our guide. This is our first time seeing bamboo flower

Taking a breather after the long and tiring walk. Our trek involves going down 45 degree slope and climbing up 30 degree slope at certain areas.

Continuing our trail after the short rest

A type of long legged centipede spotted by us.

After the trekking my shirt was wet with sweat.

Day 2 - 12 Jun 2012

Having our morning complementary breakfast. There is quite a good spread of food for breakfast considering the low season.

There are a few hornbills hanging from the restaurant ceiling. From far they look like real. Will try to recreate one on my own in future!
 

The house boat that can be rented by companies for their functions. It can accommodate at least 20 persons. The rate is about RM200+ per pax per night.

On the upper deck of the boat house.

Our boat ride around the lake and on the look out for rafflesia on some islands. Was told there were some full blown rafflesia flowers few weeks ago. They would have withered by now.  

 The lake is calm and peaceful throughout our journey.

The water was so calm you can see the reflection clearly

Hiking up to see the rafflesia.

Rafflesia about to bloom. It will be full bloom in a week or two. There are so many smaller buds that we could have accidentally stepped on them if we are not careful.

A withered rafflesia

Another rafflesia about to bloom.

 One more rafflesia about to bloom

Still one more rafflesia about to bloom

 Close up of a withered raflessia.

 Plucking of the raflessia is prohibited

Another withered raflessia.

 Hiking down hill can be dangerous without the guide rope.

The other bridge that link Pulau Banding to the mainland.

 Orang asli hut built by the resort for display

This is their community meeting hall

 Inside their community meeting hall

This hut can accommodate a small family

 Trail to the orang asli "settlement".

  Wonder how the trees are merged together.

 Bamboo rafts beside the lake

 Bamboo lined balconies of the rooms

 Corridor to our room

Day 3 - 13 June 2012

After breakfast we checked out and make our way to Cameron Highlands. On the way we stopped by at Ipoh for lunch.

On the way we turned into Grik town to see what it has to offer. To our surprise we saw a restaurant named after me without my permission!

We took a leisure drive to Ipoh and broke journey for lunch at the famous Nam Heong coffee shop that we frequently patronized and tried the Char Kuay Teow and Ipoh white coffee. Somehow the coffee in Ipoh tasted so good. We arrived in Equatorial Resort, Brinchang in the afternoon. The weather along the way was good and the air fresh. We had dinner with our friends in EQ at the usual restaurant at Trinkap.

Day 4 - 14 Jun 2012

This morning after breakfast we took a drive to Tanah Rata town and along the way stopped at a new mushroom and cactus farm.

 Mushrooms growing in plastic bottles.

Beautiful and fresh mushroom

Wonder how this pink mushroom taste like

This look delicious

 Lingzhi mushrooms

 

We are always fascinated by the colorful blooms in Cameron Highlands

Tomatoes everywhere but not allowed to pluck!

Day 5 - 15 Jun 2012

Grapes can be grown in the highlands too. But wonder how is the taste

It is exhilarating just looking at the tea plantation and feel the cool breeze

Sunset at Equatorial Resort

View of Equatorial Resort from Kea Farm

Lili was fascinated by the colorful plastic insects at the Brinchang pasar malam

Insects everywhere!