Macrobrachium rosenbergii (Udang Galah)

A wonderful creature of the river, good to eat and pricey. It can also be a nightmare for those who seek for it but a `out of this world' feeling once you hook it. I just came back from the river and below are the pictures of the wonderful creatures. (Note: You can see `juniors' in the pics as well ... nothing that I can do because the prawns have a habit of eating the bait deep. C &R will not be a good idea.)
Pic No. 1

Pic No. 2

Twin Engined Fiat 131S?

This is for real. Is it really a twin engined Fiat 131S? Well look again at the picture. Emm ... sorry for the misleading title. Yes it is an engine but an outboard engine (Yamaha 3Hp outboard engine) to help me travel upstream and down with ease. It is portable and light enough to carry to and from the Fiat. I just cannot leave it on the boat just in case someone wants to make a few bucks out of it! Other equipment on the Fiat ... tools for her, rod and reels (heaps of it), fuel tanks (for the Yamaha), tackle box and of course a cooler box.
Requirements of a fishing mate ... an avid angler, friendly, not fussy and heaps of common sense.

Into the heart of Kenyir

I've never been to Lake Kenyir and that's the reason why I gladly participated in the trip recently. Lake Kenyir is the largest man-made lake in South East Asia. The Kenyir Dam supplies the much needed electricity for the nation.

The journey was not for the faint hearted. The lake is vast, huge and the houseboat was our only refuge.

The house boat was equipped with bare minimum essentials so to speak. There 's the kitchen, toilet, sleeping area and of course ample fishing area around the boat. And of course ASTRO to keep the inhabitants in contact with the outside world. Forget handphones because who needs handphones out here!

The wall in the background used to be the unscalable face of a mountain. Well, imagine the deepest area of the lake. Our guide told us that he once calculated the deepest to be over 700 metres!

Sanctuary in the middle of the lake.

Scenery like none other.

The place is filled with cove, marsh and other hidden spots known only to boatman, local and avid anglers. Casting is the name of the game.

The peace and tranquillity of Lake Kenyir. Never to be found elsewhere.

The tree trunks jotting out of the water can be a hazard for boats or boat house. We need not worry because these boatmen knew the lake like the palm of their hands. The lake is huge no doubt but they can see the route which others cannot. I had watched in awe how they manoeuvred and parked the huge houseboat in between the tree trunks.

Try the skill of casting and you will not forget the experience forever. I had the chance to watch and emulate these maestros in action. They can land the lure on perfectly timed and picked locations. My salute to you Mr Ujang, Mr Sahir and the `name thou shall not mention' house boat captain.

Serene surroundings a good remedy for those seeking answers to all the questions in life!

The Bewah Cave. It used to be on Mount Bewah but now accessible by boat!

The cave is an archaeological site. Some said that the findings dated back 2000 years.

Docking area for our houseboat.

Back to the jetty but I've made a promise to come again. Quoting Master Yoda ... come back to Kenyir, I must.