Belum Valley

Belum Valley, located in the northeastern district of Hulu Perak, is a huge nature haven of raw wilderness. It encompasses Tasik Temenggor, Perak’s largest man-made lake. In the midst of the lake is an island – Pulau Banding. A bridge connects the island to the land. The island is served by a resthouse and other tourist amenities.The lake is a rich source of freshwater fish like kelah, tenggalan and baung, which are extinct in other places. This attracts ardent anglers from near and far. The surrounding jungle is home to the Orang Asli (aborigines). Visits or overnight stays can be arranged for students of sociology. Northwest of Tasik Temenggor lies a vast area of virgin jungle known as Belum Forest Reserve which is of great interest to ecologists and conservationalists. Looming above the dense jungle at 4014 metres is Gunung Kenderong, known as the – Twin Peaks of Hulu Perak and Puncak Baring, another peak visible enroute the highway from Banding Island to Kelantan. Lata Kekabu and Tanjung Kala, two nature getaways, and Gua Gendang, a cave is among other attractions to this area.