Tasik Chini
Malaysia’s second-largest natural freshwater lake, made up of a dozen or so lakes. It is designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve and is home to Indigenous villages.
Tasik Chini lies about 65 km southwest of Kuantan. It consists of 12 interconnected lakes surrounded by lowland rainforest, and its shores are home to the Jakun Indigenous people. In summer, the lake surface blooms with lotus flowers. Visitors can take a small boat across the lake, visit Indigenous villages and go on rainforest hikes. Local legend holds that a “dragon” lives in the lake. In recent years, nearby mining and dam construction have significantly changed the lake’s ecology and lotus growth, so it is worth checking current conditions with local resorts before setting out. The drive takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Opening hours
All day; for boat trips, contact the local resort
Nearby sights
- Sungai Pandan Waterfall
- Pekan Royal Town and Sultan Abu Bakar Museum
- Rainbow Waterfall
- Bukit Panorama
- Sungai Lembing
- Gua Charas
- Kuantan 188 Tower
- Sultan Ahmad Shah State Mosque