People used to camp under the bridge at night time
We arrived at Lake Kenyir through Gua Musang via the ‘bridge to no where’. This tall and magnificent bridge I come to know a number of years ago. That time, the bridge and the some parts of the roads beyond it was still under construction. It was closed to public then and still is (as of February 2009). But heck me and John made it through anyway. The entire road is ready actually. Perhaps the authorities are waiting for a ‘reason’ to open the road, like a big celebration or sort. Maybe…I don’t know.
By the time we got to the bridge, it was already pitched dark. No street lights and we had our eyes strained on the road to make sure we don’t drive into any of the many cows enjoying the heat emitted from the tarred road at night.
Now…just at the side of the road immediately after this infamous bridge, there is a left turn, into a gravel road that leads to a Kenyir floating chalet called Angler’s Rakit. We dropped by that night, had a good meal (on the house by the way) and promised to return the next day to take some pictures of their place. I have stayed at this chalet a couple of times and oh…its beautiful. The peacefulness of the place is unmatched. I wondered whether the monkey they had tied to a leash was still there.
Anyway, me and John camped at Pengkalan Gawi’s campground. It was already around 10pm after we have enjoyed Angler’s Rakit hospitality. We were so hungry I am sure the caretakers had more of sympathy than hospitality on us that evening. I any case, the fried rice and BBQ fish was really good.
The following day, we made sure we headed back to Anglers Rakit to find out more about their ‘upgrades’ Oh…it turns out that the property’s ownership has changed hands. The place has been spruced up, looking spanking nice now.
The place has been upgraded, walkway made safer with barriers
With a new owner, the place has also been undergone name change. Its now known as Kelah Rakit Resort. While the main floating chalet blocks are the same, the place has been refurbished with new furniture, a new floating platform with projector screen and even tents! Oh and I found out that the monkey they used to have is gone now. Seems that the Mr Stripe came down from the jungle and had the poor monkey for lunch when there was no one at the resort. Now that’s a scary thought!
Their trademark aquarium fishes are still there
The resort with a new name
This part of the floating chalet is the staff's quarters
The Kelah Rakit Resort is located about 30 minutes drive from Pengkalan Gawi. There are no shops, petrol stations, even street lights except a wooden shack selling some snacks and food (be prepared to PAY) between the resort and the main jetty. The resort offers mostly packages that include food and board which is probably the way to go. Other services available are of course boat rides and fishing trips. Some of the great attractions nearby is the Tembat Waterfall and the occasional visits from jumbos. Don’t believe me? Go to the resort yourself and see the pictures in the album!
Hi Keong,
This Angler’s Rakit place you mentioned here, I believe I know it as I have been into this place many times
. The bridge has been completed sometime back and one can access to Angler’s Rakit (Kelah Rakit Resort now) from the other side of the bridge.
Obviously, you have come from the direction of Kenyir Golf Resort no? If you travel further forward of this bridge, you will come out via Gua Musang (a few hours drive away). I have taken this direction many times in the past to Angler’s Rakit and it will cut short your travel from KL to here – only 5 hours!
There is also another fishing lodge about 20 mins by boat from Angler’s Rakit called Lake Land Resort where I stayed on many occasions when I am visiting Kenyir Lake. We embarked the speedboat from the water’s edge near Angler’s Rakit’s dirt road further in. A speedboat to this resort will have to be made in advance though with the resort owners.
Yo,
Nice place Kenyir. Been there only once a couple of years ago. Good blog mate
Hi Kenny…I must have somehow confused many people on my blog about the firection I was coming from (a few others wrote and asked me about it).
In fact, I was driving to Angler’s from KL through Gua Musang. Yeah, I agree…the drive is much shorter. I was at the bridge a couple of years ago and back then no public vehicle was allowed to pass (that time I was trying to access it from Golf Resort side. There was actually a physical ‘guard’ house with a blockade blocking people from passing through. The ‘Jalan belum dibuka’ sign was there back then and somehow is still there during my last trip
The only change was the ‘guard’ house is no longer there!
Hi Teoh…thanks for dropping by.
Hey…when are we up for a trip together?