Perak is such a big and diverse state in Malaysia, and includes the capital of Ipoh with its magnificent old buildings and exquisite limestone mountains and caves, the Royal town of Kuala Kangsar, rich in history and royal heritage, the leaning clock tower of Teluk Intan, the last remaining giant tin dredge, Kellies Castle, patterned rice fields and quaint villages, that we forget the waterways. Tasik (lake) Temenggor 75km long in the highlands to the Islands of the Sembilan's, Pangkor and many more dotted along the coast. Although this is visit Perak Year, It doesn't need that excuse to explore the beauty and diversity of this lovely state.
Having sailed along the Perak coast and waterways over many years, it was not till a group of us started to discover the beautiful Tasik Temenggor that we realised that we needed to slow down and spend time at a leisurely pace to really appreciate the waterways. What better way than to spend time “living” on the water in a houseboat. From this Belum Houseboat Sdn Bhd was born.
To achieve this a group of talent was assembled. The experience with houseboats of the Khong family from Belum Eco Resort,(www.belumecoresort.com.my) Robin Tan inventor extraordinaire and designer of many craft for water, air and hover. His experience led to being the chief designer and builder. Starting with fiberglass hulls for the catamaran style houseboat and looking after every detail during construction. Plus
add dubious advice from old sailors, Col. T Tay, Capt. Y. F. Wong, Phill Tinkler.
Mr.Saw Eng Thai of Sim Lee Sawmill on the banks of the Dinding River provided the excellent site and expertise in building a superb timber deck, cabin and amenities into the hulls. His no compromise approach has ensured only the best timbers have been used for the job and built in such a way as to enhance the beauty of Malaysia’s superb timbers.
Behind the whole project with venture capital and the drive to make it all happen is James Wong, who’s love of the area and belief in others having the same dream of being with one with nature on Perak waters, has made it all possible.
Almost ready and due to be launched on the high tide Saturday 7th April, “Clubmad” will hit the water to be moored at the new man made island called Marina Island, KM 1Teluk Muruh,32200 Lumut, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia.(contact James Khoo) www.pangkormarina.com and from there interested people can charter the houseboat to really explore the Dinding and Perak Rivers and estuaries for themselves.
Final fitting out will be ready for the launch and includes Aircon, bathroom with eco friendly grey water inboard processing, generator, 230AC and 12V DC electrical power, microwave, freezer, equipped galley, sound system and TV, freshwater tanks, separate bedroom as well as main cabin seats that convert for additional sleeping, twin Mercury outboard motors, inboard helm station and navigation table, life-jackets, most important rooftop party deck and fish finder for dad and the kids..while mum relaxes with a book!
Negotiations are underway to cater for charter sunset cruises and overnight stays. The aim is to provided food and beverage packages or special requests so guests can truly enjoy the experience of being on the water in a luxury houseboat. The luxurious Marina Island Yacht marina will be the home for “Clubmad” and place to embark on a new type of experience.
Once experienced, there are many people who would like a houseboat of their own or to share with friends. Belum Houseboats Sdn Bhd can quote, supervise building and deliver a houseboat of your choice. Currently there is the BB30 model 30ft long version and plans are ready for a BB40 or 40ft version with twin cabins. Interior layout can be modified to fit in with personal wishes. The next BB40 is planned to be taken to Tasik Temenggor with able assistance by Belum Eco Resort on Discover Island on this superb 75km long lake high in the spectacular mountains of Perak. http://www.belumecoresort.com.my/Inquiries to charter “Clubmad” can be made at:
belumbred@gmail.com
BELUM HOUSEBOAT SDN. BHD. (969367-K)No. 38, Jalan PJU 1A/1E, Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
SHORT WRITE-UP ON VISIT PERAK YEAR 2012
The Visit Perak Year 2012, initiated by the Hon’able Dato’ Hamidah Osman, the Perak State Exco for Tourism, aims to draw at least 5 million visitors to Perak this year. Since its inauguration on the first day of January with the staff of Tourism Perak stationed at the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport and the Railway Station in Ipoh welcoming visitors to the State with goodies bags, to date, after three months, the State government has embarked into numerous programmes and projects to promote and attract tourists, both local and foreign, to visit the State. The Belum Drum Festival, which was held at several localities throughout the State, was well-witnessed by a few thousands of youths with a couple of hundreds coming from countries in Europe, Japan and Australia. The launch of a MATTA Fair that specially promoted tourist destinations in the State was also well-received by members of the public with Tourism Perak distributing brochures and heritage maps for Ipoh and Batu Gajah. Forth-coming events such as the AAM Malaysian Rally Championship to be held in Manjung and the Batu Gajah Mountain Bike Jamboree will interest youths who are adventurous and sport-loving. For nature-lovers, bird watching programmes are being organized at Kuala Gula, Kinta Nature Park and Bukit Larut separately at different months. Among other programmes to be implemented later this year are food fairs, carnivals, photography competitions and performances of local singers and artistes. Thus, public response to the Visit Perak Year and its programmes has been very encouraging as activities are being carried from time to time creating a festive mood all through the year.
Prepared by:
Adib Vincent Tung bin Abdullah,
Kinta Heritage Group Sdn. Berhad.
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