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Writer's pictureChris Wan

Ulu Muda Forest Reserve & Pedu Lake, Kedah

Be amazed by the wonders of Malaysia’s middle of a vast, wild rainforest. Take in the feeling of being in the rainforest far away from human civilization, with its fresh air and soothing natural forest orchestra of insects, birds and other wildlife. Explore jungle trails, rivers, limestone hills, caves and saltlicks while you enjoy boat rides and observe wildlife in Ulu Muda & Pedu lake , a lush tropical rainforest located in the northern Peninsular Malaysia state of Kedah, Malaysia.



Pedu Lake Introduction

A prime eco-tourist destination, Pedu Lake boasts of wide array of flora and fauna. The 12km-long lake is situated in the middle of virgin rainforest, approximately 5km from the Malaysian-Thai border. An ideal holiday spot for the whole family, there is so much to do and to see here.

The lake is settled in the midst of the dense rainforest of Gunung Fakir Terbang and surrounded by an undulating terrain. This magnificent lake offers a serenity, which is unmatched. It has a landscape, which is beautiful beyond words, and it has a refreshingly cool environment. With its peaceful and tranquil environment, Pedu Lake is an ideal location for unwinding even under the midday sun.

Just by reading your favourite novel under swaying coconut palm trees in the cool breezy mountain air can bring such simple pleasure. It is one of the biggest lakes in Kedah.



Ulu Muda Introduction The Ulu Muda Nature Reserve is located in the state of Kedah in northern Peninsular Malaysia. Ulu Muda was established as a forest reserve in 1932. This Reserve is quite remote and a visit to Ulu Muda entails meticulous planning as there are permits to be applied from the Kedah State Forestry Department and transportation and authorized guides to be arranged. Visitors must ensure that they are mentally and physically fit, as the Forest Reserve is still quite untouched hence making it impermeable at times. Pedu Lake are 30 km north from Ulu muda forest reserve, which is a great place for relaxing and water activities.

THE FOREST RESERVE AT A GLANCE

Size: 122. 798 hectares of 150 – 170million year old virgin rainforest forests.


Flora Fauna: The flora in the Ulu Muda Nature Reserve is quite exclusive because of its geographical position. It is this position which affects the climate which is cooler in the North (Thailand) and hotter in the South allowing exotic and unique plants to thrive in the Reserve.

Encompasses two major catchments areas this unique geographical position is an attraction to the wildlife which moves along the jungles of Thailand and Malaysia. Boast with 109 species of mammals which are about 50% of the total count in Peninsular Malaysia. This including endangered species like tiger, Malayan Sun Bear, Sumatran rhinoceroses, tapirs, flying lemurs and gaur.

There are 110 species of birds in the Reserve including endangered Malay peacock pheasant and great argus pheasant. Ulu muda forest reserve also a home to numerous other species of insects, birds, monkeys and reptiles; as well as 47 endemic tree species. Ulu Muda also act as heaven for Agile gibbon, there are normally stay at the canopy as high as 20m from ground, a tiny black furry creature with incredible long arms.

There are about 10 hot springs in Ulu Muda forest reserve. Sira Hangat hot spring are regularly visit by tourist. Visitors will be able to feast their eyes on different species of animals from the mighty elephant to the shy and elusive tapirs. Some of the largest salt licks in Malaysia can be found in Ulu Muda Nature Forest Reserve. Large mammals come from afar to these salt licks therefore making them very strategic places for animal-spotting.

Another major activity not to be missed is bird-watching. During a scientific survey which ran for 5 days, 132 species of birds were found in the Reserve. Among the birds found were the Hornbills, Straw-headed Bulbul and Hooded Pita.

Pedu Lake is accessible by road whereas the Ulu Muda Lake, the other dam built deeper in the jungle, is still only accessible by river. This wild, expanse of rainforest jungle saddling the two catchment areas creates a corridor for wild animals to cross into the Thailand jungles. Covering more than 105,000 hectares, the area is one of the last remaining sanctuaries for animals such as elephants, tapirs, sumatran rhinoceros, sun bears, seladang, deer, gibbons, otters and numerous species of birds, reptiles, insects and monkeys. This reserve is unique in flora as it sits on the boundary of the northern and southern climatic zones.

This is an adventure to be experienced only by intrepid adventurers. When you’re out there in the wilderness, you’re really miles away from anyone. Just you and your guides. Arm yourself with enough food, some camping equipment and any other jungle survival kit, which you think you may need. A hammock may be a good idea to keep you dry, above the damp soil and out of reach of the many kinds of crawling, stinging insects and venomous reptiles. Also, the rainforest can be very humid and stifling and can get very wet. Clothes may not dry for days, spectacles and camera lenses fog up often. The thick primary forest canopy, several hundred feet above, cuts off most light from reaching the forest floor. Vines and roots twine across the floor, rattans whip themselves round tree trunks and criss-cross the undergrowth. If not careful, the thorns can tear flesh away, exposing wounds that are slow to heal in such damp conditions. This is only the start of it all.

For days on end there are no trails except for well-trodden treks made by elephants and rhinoceros visiting favorite salt licks or bathing pools. A number of salt licks and hot mineral springs scattered around are important sources of mineral and vitamin supplements and are frequented by a variety of wildlife. Sira Hangat, possibly the largest mineral spring in Malaysia is a great place to set camp, but if your intention is to see some action, then seat yourself in a comfortable spot high on the treetop where the foliage will hide you and where the cooler breeze will take your scent away. In order to spot wildlife in our jungles, one must be prepared to wait, avoid slapping on any scented creams or sprays that may deter mosquitoes and other pests. Be as quiet as possible.


Note: Limited facilities for tourists. Several large resorts have established around Pedu lake. If you want to explore Muda, your best bet is to try for accommodation at the MADA rest house cum resort at Gubir. It is both cheap and convenient. Advance bookings are necessary; they can be quite busy. Several local restaurant are located at Gubir and closer to Pedu lake. Boats and guides can be organized from your accommodation or alternatively, try the village coop jetty (on Muda lake) where you can hire small boats, guides, life-jackets, etc. Mutiara Pedu Lake Golf and Lake Resort is no longer in operation since January 2007.


Activities

  • Forest trekking

  • Animals observations.

  • Bird watching

  • Relaxation

  • Fishing

  • Boating

  • Enjoy the lake view

Ulu Muda Forest Reserve & Pedu Lake

Ulu Muda Address

Sik, Kedah, Kedah Malaysia.

Pedu Lake Address

Location: Padang Terap District, Kedah, Malaysia.

By Car Via North-South Highway, towards Thailand. Take the exit at Gurun and go along the trunk road to Gulau (TRK10). Keep going north to Gulau and then head towards Pengkalan Kampung Gubir at the Muda lake jetty. It’s approximately 2 hours drive from Alor Star, Kedah. From jetty, there was three hours boat ride to the Labuh campsite at the Forest reserve.

Alternative, lots of people make a day trip to Ulu Muda or you can arrange to stay at the Pedu lake resort after the camping trip in Ulu Muda forest reserve. For Pedu Lake, continue north for another 30 km.

By air Take flight to Alor Star (Kepala Batas). From airport you can hire taxis take you to Pedu Lake. Check flight schedule on Malaysia Airlines on www.malaysiaairlines.com

By train Take the KL Sentral – Ipoh – Butterworth – Hat Yai line to Sg.Petani operated by KTM.

By bus There are numbers of bus company have transfer from Kuala Lumpur to Sg Petani.

Ulu Muda Forest Exploration nature tour guide



Earth Lodge Ulu Muda

Your journey will begin at the Muda Lake Jetty some 150km from Georgetown, Penang. From there you will be taken on a 1.5 hour ride on a traditional long-tailed wooden boat across the lake and up the Muda River to Earth Lodge at Kuala Labua. 

Some of the activities you can experience include visits to salt licks, wildlife watching, swimming and frolicking in cold forest streams, tubing down river, visiting a limestone hill and its mysterious caves, watching birds and other wildlife. You can also just laze around the lodge grounds listening to nature's music and being awakened by the haunting call of the White-handed Gibbons.

There are eight twin rooms and three 6-bed dorms available for guests. All with a balcony and bathroom attached. To ensure guests have a better experience with us, we prefer small groups of less than 12.

Address

98-3-28B, Prima Tanjung, Jalan Fettes,11200 Tanjung Tokong, Penang, Malaysia.

Contact

Phone/whatsapp +6019-442 8926 Email: Earthlodgemalaysia@gmail.com

Note: Package depart from Penang


STANDARD PACKAGE RATES

Earth Lodge strives to have a low environmental footprint and practices ecotourism principles.

* All rates are on a Per Person Basis

3 day 2 night Short Get Away Rooms - RM1,330per person

Dorms - RM1,070 per person

Rooms - RM1,580 per person

Dorms - RM1,270 per person

5 dsys 4 night- One with nature Rooms - RM1,830 per person

Dorms - RM1,470 per person

Notes

Rooms - Traditional Malay room accomodation with 2 single kapok matresses on a raised platform (all bedding provided) with an attached bathroom.

Dorms - Dormitory accomodation with attached bathroom. Camp bed, sleeping bag and air pillow provided.

Prices are on a per person basis and are inclusive of boat transfers, accommodation, all meals, activities, guides and government entry permits.

Minimum of 2 pax per booking.

Single occupancy rooms will incur a 20% surcharge. Exceptions will be booking of odd number of pax of 3 or more in one group where one room is needed for that last odd guest.

MyKad holders please contact for special rates.

Open all year round except for a few days around the muslim festive seasons of Eid Fitri and Eid Adha.



Natural History Tours SDN BHD Junglewalla Tours Visitors must ensure that they are mentally and physically fit, as the Forest Reserve is still quite untouched hence making it impermeable at times. Boast with 109 species of mammals (more than 50% of Peninsular Malaysia’s total count) including endangered species like tigers, Sumatran rhinoceros, tapirs, flying lemurs and gaur; 110 bird species including the endangered Malay peacock pheasant and great argus pheasant; as well as 47 endemic tree species.

Address

NO. 163 Jalan Tanjung Rhu 07000 Langkawi Malaysia.

Contact

Phone/whatsapp +6019 590 2300 and +6012 4870 600 Email: hello@junglewalla.com

Note: Package depart from Langkawi



Ronn’s adventures

No.4,Lorong Mengkudu 2, Taman Bumita 01000 Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia Contact

Phone 604-977-7578 (+6)019-445-6578 Email: ronsadventures@hotmail.com

Note: Package depart from Alor Setar

STANDARD PACKAGE RATES

Camping trip to Ulu Muda

* Note – essential thing to bring is sun hat, sun lotion/block, insect repellent, personal first aid kit, sandal, torchlight & batteries + spare bulb, 1 pair of outdoor clothe/trekking boat, long sleeve t’shirt, camera, binoculars, plastic bag, water bottle and day pack. During the trips we are living in the real forest, and for the optional bring your favourite meals or snack.

Fees for the trip is RM780.00 (165 Euro) per pax include transfer and return, boating, guiding/potter, meals, camping, and activities. The earlier confirmation(1week)


Kedah State Department of Forestry

8th Floor, Bangunan Sultan Abdul Halim,

Jalan Sultan Badlishah, Alor Setar – Kedah

(04) 733 3844, Fax: (04) 731 0601 – Peninsula Malaysia

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