THE HISTORY

HISTORY

Okay guys. I know history is boring. But try la. I mean try to read these. You'll get a lot of information. Then you can brag about it to your friends that never came here. Alaaa who would know that you've never been here right? hahah jokes! Just take it as a new information okay. You can also make this place as part of your bucket list. Cheers!

Enjoy reading the history of Royal Belum. *try not to yawn

HERE YOU GO~

Belum-Temengor Forest Complex is undoubtedly northern Peninsular Malaysia’s natural jewels, the only remaining contiguous block to tropical rainforests linking southern Thailand and parts of the Titiwangsa Range. 

This large forest complex consists of several different blocks that are administered by two main State governments namely Perak State Parks Corporation and Forestry Department the Royal Belum State Park and Gerik, Temengor, Banding and Amanjaya Forest Reserves.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery and the fiery sunset over Temenggor Lake and the ancient limestone hills believe to be 220 million years old.  Some of the limestone islands at the southern reaches of the lake were once majestic rock cliffs dating back to 400 million years ago before the Jurassic era. 

These are said to be among the oldest outcrops in Malaysia. (Can you guys believe it?) *dropjaws

Royal Belum Valley is a new destination for eco-tourism in Perak. This forest has an area of 1400 hectares. Being on the level of 250 meters to 2000 meters above sea level, the habitats of flora and fauna in Royal Belum is the oldest natural resources that the country have and it is preserved by the state park.  

Belum’s Valley is the largest man-made lake with 70 kilometers long and 18,000 acres of width. Tasik Temenggor consists of four dams which are Temenggor Dam, Bersia Dam, Kenering Dam and Chenderoh Dam.  

Royal Belum Forest has cover 3000 species of flora as well as 64 species of terns, 62 species of plants and 23 species of river fish. Tasik Temenggor's relatively untouched forest is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna including 14 of world's most threatened mammals including the Malaysian  tiger, Asiatic elephant, white handed gibbon, Malaysian sun bear and tapir. 

Other animals that also roam freely include seladang, wild boars, and numerous species of deer, pythons and cobras. It is estimated that there are at least 60 salt licks scattered around the Belum area. The salt licks are important for the animals’ well being and there is a potential for the operators to develop certain areas for eco-tourism.

Belum Temenggor is ideal for bird watcher with over 300 avian species including the hornbill. It is the only existing forest where can spot all 10 species of hornbill that inhabit Malaysia. In the forest can also find 3,000 species of flowering plants, including 3 species of Rafflesia, the world's largest flower 

It also has an attraction of river such as Sungai Kejar, Sungai Papan, Sungai Ruok, Sungai Tiang and Sungai Kooi. These are the nature heritage that makes Royal Belum Forest well known as the most preserved forest and rich with biodiversity.

Based on the scientific evidence and history, most of the rainforest in Malaysia has an older than the age of the Amazon Forest in Brazil. Royal Belum Forest itself is 130 million years.

Entry Permit and Authority.

Basically when you are entering a preserved place, you may need a permit. Bear it in mind guys! 

Royal Belum is maintained and look after by Perak State Park Authority (PTNP) which is also responsible in regulating and monitoring all activities. PTNP office is located in Gerik town, Perak. 

An entry permit for every visitor into Royal Belum is a must and is only issued by PTNP within advanced time limits. Locals would need 24 hours for permit approval and foreigners would require 4-5 days in advance (with passport copy) for permit application.

Here I'll give you the information regarding the cost okay. Start making the calculation and saving guys. You'll thank yourself later. (save some for me too please)

Basic permit COST in Royal Belum State Park:

1.  Permit – RM10/person

2. Fishing Rod – RM5/rod

3. Camera – RM5/camera

4. Sungai Kejar Zone A – Rm180/day

5. Sungai Kejar Zone B – RM160/day

6. Sungai Tiang Base Camp – RM150/day

7. Sungai Papan Camp – RM80/day

8. Sungai Kenarong Base Camp – RM230/day (inclusive of generator)

9.Generator – RM80/day

Since you guys have put some time to read my blog, okay la I'll leak the info on what is the "Best Time to Visit Royale Belum State Forest".

Month	Events
January	·         Water level in the lake is low
February	·         Water level in the lake is low
March	·         Water level stabilizes to normal level
April	·         Butterfly season in Royal Belum ·         New emerging dark red leaves of Perah (Elateriospermum tapos) &  Kayu manis (Cinnamomum sp.) gives an Autumn look. Lasts only for one-two weeks after which the leaves turn green. ·         Bungor (Lagerstroemia floribunda) starts flowering with their purple flowers
May	·         Butterfly season in Royal Belum ·         New emerging dark red leaves of Perah (Elateriospermum tapos) &  Kayu manis (Cinnamomum sp.) gives an Autumn look. Lasts only for one-two weeks after which the leaves turn green ·         Bungor (Lagerstroemia floribunda) starts flowering with their purple flowers
June	·         Emergence of a creeper called Tapak kuda (Bauhinia bidentata) then envelops the crown of the trees and produces an orange flower that adds colour to the canopy. ·         Emergence of new leaves (yellow to light green colour) in the tall Merbau (Intsiapalembanica) and the Tualang (Koompassia excelsa)  trees ·         Figs (Ficus sp) flowering and fruiting season
July	·         Emergence of a creeper called Tapak kuda (Bauhinia bidentata) then envelops the crown of the trees and produces an orange flower that adds colour to the canopy. ·         Figs (Ficus sp) ripening season
August	·         Ripe figs (Ficus sp) found all over the forest ·         Hornbill watching season particularly the swarm flight of the Plain Pouch Hornbills
September	·         Ripe figs (Ficus sp) found all over the forest ·         Hornbill watching season particularly the swarm flight of the Plain Pouch Hornbills ·         Migratory birds resting on the small islands in the lake
October	·         Period of Terrestrial Orchid Bloom both in the high areas (2000’ asl) of Belum Temengor ·         Migratory birds resting on the small islands in the lake
November	·         Period of Terrestrial Orchid Bloom both in the high areas (2000’ asl) of Belum Temengor ·         Butterfly season in Temengor ·         Migratory birds resting on the small islands in the lake
December	·         Water level in the lake is low ·         Period of Terrestrial Orchid Bloom both in the high areas (2000’ asl) of Belum Temengor ·         Butterfly season in Temengor ·         Migratory birds resting on the small islands in the lake
All the year around sights	·         Batu Puteh Island (Limestone Outcrop) in Temengor – ancient cycads a very small falcon bird living on the limestone island which is said to be the fastest bird in the world. ·         Rafflesia grows in the different part of the forest in Belum Temengor Forest Complex. This species is a seasonal parasite. With a good monitoring system it will be possible to see a flower in bloom almost every day ·         Eagles perching on rotting stumps on the lake waiting to catch fish for its meals ·         If lucky elephants either swimming in the lake or standing on the shores of the lake ·         Frogs, lizards, gecko and lantern bugs are observable during forest hikes ·         Visiting Orang Asli camps to see their way of life ·         Visit to the dry salt lick where elephant dungs are often seen and if dung is closely observed the dung beetle will be seen. If one is lucky an elephant or two can be spotted at the site. ·         Swimming at the water falls can be done throughout the year but heavy rainy days to be avoided for fear of torrential rush of water from the hill tops which can be very forceful and dangerous. ·         Visit to the wet salt lick in Sg. Papan where foot print of deer, tapirs and other herbivorous animals can be observed when they come to lick salt in the area. If lucky, a deer or so may be spotted at the site. ·         Observe a valuable mature gaharu tree that is laden with gaharu within the Sg. Papan forest ·         Swimming with the fishes, fish feeding and fish spa at Sg. Rouk in Royal Belum ·         Different types of Mushrooms blooming ·         Different types of gingers blooming (prominent period is from July-August)