KUANTAN, MALAYSIA: Visitors to Tasik Chini will experience better facilities when the upgrading work is completed by the end of next year.

Pahang Tourism Action Council general manager Idros Yahya said an allocation of RM3.5mil(S$1.46 mil) had been approved by the Tourism Ministry to refurbish the lake under the 9th Malaysia Plan.

He said that among others, there would be a new restaurant, meeting rooms, toilets and proper parking facilities for visitors.

"We will also build 10 new chalets to complement the existing 10 in Kampung Tanjung Kelantan," he said in an interview.

Idros said that five of the existing chalets which were damaged during the floods early this year would also be repaired and refurbished.

He said the tender had been awarded to the contractor and work would start soon. He said another project costing about RM1mil would be up for tender next week.

"This project involves the construction of a new jetty at the area to facilitate docking of boats ferrying visitors on a lake cruise.

"The ferry jetty was damaged and had been demolished in August," he said, adding that the boat operators were at present using a temporary makeshift jetty.

Idros said other activities which were still popular among visitors were fishing, lake cruising, canoeing, trekking up Mount Chini and camping.

He acceded that the number of visitors, which included foreigners, had dwindled compared to many years ago.

"However, the lake still has many regular visitors and nature lovers who make return trips.

"There are also half-day packages organised by several hotels to explore the lake, which are quite popular," he said.

He said the lotus blooming season (between May and September) attracted the most number of visitors.

"The orang asli village in Kampung Gumum also draws the crowds," he said.

Idros said that due to the sensitive eco-system in the area, large numbers of visitors were not encouraged.