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November 04, 2008 15:24 PM
Beguiling Tasik Bera - Malaysia's First Ramsar Site
By Mohd Azhar Ibrahim
TEMERLOH, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- Tasik Bera consists of seven flooded river valleys that collectively form a riverine lake system measuring 35 km by 20 km and covering an area of 6,150 hectares. It is the largest natural freshwater body in Malaysia.
Tasik Bera is of great importance not only because of the rich biodiversity but also from a scientific, recreational, educational and economic point of view. This alluvial peat swamp supports a biological community that is unique to Malaysia.
Almost 100 species of freshwater fish, 200 species of birds and 68 species of mammals thrive here. Endangered and vulnerable species include the Asian elephant, tiger, clouded leopard, tapir, Asian Arowana and the Malayan false gharial crocodile. The Purple Water Trumpet or keladi paya survives only in Tasik Bera.
There are two distinct wet and dry seasons here with the wet months from April to May and September to January. The water level rises and falls with the seasons, fluctuating from a depth of 1-metre during the dry season, from February to April and June to August, to 7-metre during the monsoon periods.
In 1994, Tasik Bera gained international recognition when it was declared Malaysia's first Ramsar site. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an inter-governmental treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and their resources.
Since then, many regulations have been established to protect Tasik Bera's delicate ecosystem. The lake's core, comprising some 32 hectares, was classified as a Wildlife Reserve and nature-based tourism is encouraged here with the participation of the local Semelai community.
For the record, Malaysia currently has six Ramsar sites. The other five are Pulau Kukup, Tanjung Piai and Sungai Pulai in Johor, all established in 2003; the Kuching Wetlands in Sarawak (2005) and the Lower Kinabatangan-Segama Wetlands in Sabah, which was designated recently on October 29.
ATTRACTIONS
For over 600 years, the Semelai - an Orang Asli (aboriginal tribe) group - has lived around Tasik Bera and relied on its natural resources. Today, some 4,000 Semelai people live in 14 villages scattered around the lake. Most of them work in the nearby oil palm and rubber plantations.
With the assistance of some non-governmental organisation (NGOs), the Semelai have established a community-based organisation called the Semelai Association for Boating and Tourism (SABOT), which arranges homestay as well as eco-adventure and cultural programmes for guests.
Activities offered include:
Jungle Trekking
Learn how the natural resources of the forest are used. See the different animal paw-prints that can be found around the lake including those of the endangered tiger, wild boar, leopard, sun bear and mouse deer.
Guides will demonstrate how damar (resin) is extracted from the Keruing tree (a dipterocarp); they do this by cutting the bark of the tree and lighting a controlled fire in the hole made in the trunk, thereby keeping the resin flowing from the hole. High in essential oils, the resin was once used by the Arab and Indian traders to make perfume, candles, used for caulking boats and as fuel for torches.
Canoeing
Thick stands of Pandanus (screw pines) dominate the lake, creating a labyrinth of narrow waterways and secluded bays. Moving silently through this maze in a traditional dugout canoe give visitors the best chance of spotting the elusive wildlife and secretive bird species that make the lake their home.
Fishing
Although fishing is allowed, there is a limit to what and how many one may catch. Guides closely monitor all landed catch, to prevent rare species from being depleted. They will also demonstrate the more than 50 different fishing techniques used by the Semelai.
Cultural show and traditional handicraft
Semelai handicraft is regarded as one of the more refined amongst the Orang Asli groups in Malaysia. Skilled elderly craftsmen show how they make traditional musical instruments, animal traps, farming utensils and miniature canoes and model Semelai houses.
The Semelai women weave Pandanus leaves into beautiful baskets, intricate mats, hats and even purses.
Visitors can join the villagers in a traditional dance called sewang.
ACCOMMODATION
Persona Lake Resort offers a choice of chalets, deluxe rooms and dormitory. Besides basic facilities and a coffee house, kayak rides and guided jungle trekking activities are available at no extra charge for guests. The Tasik Bera Ramsar Site Management maintains a site-office near the resort and conducts free briefing on the going-on at the lake.
For the Indiana Jones wannabes who plan to rough it out in the outdoors, SABOT maintains several jungle camps at various locations along the lake for visitors to spend the night. If you're lucky you can catch a glimpse of the rare waterfowl, mousedeer, porcupine and more.
The jungle camps available are the Kampung Chenderung Jungle Camp, Kampung Sembilan Campsite, Kampung Dato Campsite and Kampung Mikok Campsite.
Guests can also opt to stay at a traditional Semelai house. Built the traditional Semelai way, the house, which is called Balai, can accommodate up to 10 people. It provides spartan amenities in the form of a well, an out house and bathroom located outdoor. Kerosene lamps are used at night.
Another good way to experience local hospitality is to participate in a homestay programme. The homestay programme gives you the chance to stay in a traditional Semelai house and experience the everyday life of a Semelai family.
If you prefer to be a bit closer to nature and you have your own tent, you may set up camp near to the traditional house or any of the jungle camps. Camping is allowed on the resort grounds.
GETTING THERE
From Johor:
Take the North-South Expressway. Exit at Yong Peng and head towards Segamat. At Segamat turn right on Route 12. After about 60 km, turn left at Kampong Landak, there are signposts leading to Persona Lake Resort at Tasik Bera.
From Kuala Lumpur:
Follow Route 2 (Kuantan road). Turn south at Temerloh and take Route 10. Turn right at Kerayong and follow signs leading to Tasik Bera.
By train:
Disembark at Triang station. Arrange with Persona Lake Resort (Tel: 609-5135566, Fax: 609-5130510) or SABOT (6013-2865367) for pick-up service.
By bus:
Express bus service from Kuala Lumpur to Temerloh is available at the Pekeliling bus depot in Jalan Tun Razak (adjacent to the Titiwangsa LRT/monorail stations). At Temerloh, arrange with Persona Lake Resort or SABOT for pick-up service.
Admittedly Tasik Bera is very much a place off the beaten track and may not be everyone's cup of tea.
But for the intrepid eco-traveler who seeks the unique opportunity to see and experience natural environments and local customs, Tasik Bera is indeed an interesting destination.
The image of the beguiling Tasik Bera will remain etched in the mind of any visitor, that no postcard can ever reproduce. So, if you are into ecotourism, Tasik Bera is definitely for you.
-- BERNAMA
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