If you are a family of nature lovers, Tasik Kenyir, or Lake Kenyir, in Terengganu is a tranquil retreat from the city.
At 260,000ha, it is the largest man- made lake in South-east Asia with about 340 islands.
Lake Kenyir is surrounded by lush rainforests harbouring a wide variety of flora and fauna from rare exotic ferns and orchids to beautiful birds such as the hornbill.
The area is a popular spot for angling, boating, canoeing and jungle-trekking. Most of the activities can be arranged through the resorts.
Mr Sulaiman Shehdek, 45, a senior manager at Smailing Tours, which provides packages to Lake Kenyir, says: 'We recommend Kenyir because of the environment. There are no high-rise buildings.
'Everything is by the lake and in the morning, the air is fresh. It is just beautiful for nature lovers and children.'
Accommodation varies from three- star resorts to chalets to houseboats. Availability of the houseboats varies and it is best to check with tour operators.
Although Terengganu is on Malaysia's east coast, you need not fret over the monsoon in December because Lake Kenyir is relatively inland, so rain is not such a bane even at that time of the year compared to the seaside resorts.
Getting there: Take a one-hour flight to Kuala Lumpur (S$125), followed by a 45- minute domestic flight to Kuala Terengganu (S$55). From there, take a taxi to Gawi Jetty, the launching point to Lake Kenyir, for about S$25.
Stay at: Petang Island Resort (from S$38), Lake Kenyir Resort And Spa (from S$106)
Cost: About S$1,110 for a family of four, for three days and two nights.
