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| Tasik
Bera |
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Located in southwest Pahang, Tasik
Bera is the largest natural freshwater lake in Peninsula Malaysia. It is situated in the
saddle of the main and eastern mountain ranges of the Peninsula and is approximately 35km
long and 20km wide. Tasik Bera has remained a unique and remote wetland wilderness, which
is surrounded by a patchwork of dry lowland forests.
Like Tasik Chini, the second
largest natural lake in the Peninsula, an aboriginal tribe also inhabits Bera. The Semelai
aborigines reside in the areas surrounding Tasik Bera and they continue to acquire food in
traditional ways. Rich in wildlife and vegetation, Bera is therefore an ecosystem, which
not only supports a diversity of animal and plant life but also sustains the livelihood of
the Semelai people.
Tasik Bera plays an important role
in flood control, water flow regulation and purification and it also provides many natural
resources for the local community. Hence, it is protected under an international treaty,
RAMSAR CONVENTION, which was declared in November 1994. The Pahang State Government has
also undertaken plans to formulate a nature based tourism development plan, which includes
the establishment of a visitor or field study center, the training of site personnel, and
the integration of the local community into the overall development.
Bera Lake is a sanctuary for 328
species of flora, 200 bird species, 50 mammals, and more than 95 species of fishes.
Although very difficult to discover, the extended wetland area and its surrounding forests
still support tigers, tapirs, elephants, and other endangered species. The clouded
leopard, wild boars, monkeys, flying squirrels, and flying lemurs are other wildlife known
to exist in Bera. The lake also contains a large number of the country's freshwater fish
species, including both popular aquarium and sport fishes.
For nature enthusiasts, Bera is an
ideal place for many recreational and adventurous activities. Visitors can choose to
jungle trek, participate in river safaris, or go fishing, especially after heavy rains.
The relatively isolated and tranquil surroundings of the open water are also perfect for
boating or kayaking. Visitors can cruise river channels and inlets in search of vegetation
and wildlife.
There are distinct wet and dry
seasons in Tasik Bera. The wet months are from April to May and September to January. On
the other hand, dry periods are from February to April and June to August.
To ensure safety, visitors are
encouraged to hire a guide for all activities on the lake and surrounding forests. The
Semelai's knowledge of both the forest and lake's habitats make them a popular choice as
guides.
There is only one resort in Tasik
Bera but visitors are permitted to camp on the north end of the lake at Sudin's Jetty, as
well as the grounds near the resort. Bera is accessible by road. Alternatively, visitors
can also take the train from both Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, which stops at Triang and
Mentakab respectively. From there, taxis are available to the Bera jetty. There are no
local car rental facilities; they must therefore be hired in Kuala Lumpur or Kuantan.
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