A very popular way of enjoying the huge lakes of Belum-Temenggor and Kenyir are living aboard houseboats for a couple of days.
You get to experience the wilderness of a rainforest lake yet have some modern amenities and conveniences albeit basic.
(This post was originally written in December 2011, and updated in February 2022)
What is a Houseboat?
A houseboat is what it says, a house-like dwelling built onto a boat-like structure that floats!
A boathouse on the other hand is a structure where you house (keep) boats.
Houseboats are popular throughout the world where deep jungle river exploration are called for. If you’ve watch that movie where a group of people ended up as food for overgrown snakes then you’re pretty close to picturing what a houseboat is. Or the more recent movie starring Dwayne the Rock Johnson titled after a Disneyworld ride, Jungle Cruise.
I remember there were only a few houseboats when I first went in one, perhaps five houseboats. Now there are many, 40 units if not mistaken, the maximum numbers allowed (which I personally is still too many).
While they come in different shapes and sizes they basically have the same amenities and built pretty much the same way.
What to Expect?
The houseboats at Temenggor are berthed at the docks of Pulau Banding (Banding island) where they wait for their customers and also to load supplies. Pulau Banding is an island dividing the vast Temenggor Lake with the northern section of the lake making-up the ranger and army protected state park.
Prior application for entry permits are required to enter the Royal Belum State Park.
This is not a five star accommodation but you will be sleeping under a million stars when the sky is clear.
Evening temperatures can be around 20ºC although the afternoons can be sweltering hot.
Basic, functional accommodation apt for that adventure trip
The houseboats are basic but comfortable, when compared to roughing it out in the open.
Walkthrough example of a single level houseboat…
The houseboat is made out of three sections with two baths right in the center. Yes, two baths. No, that is still inadequate, when you need to go, with possibly up to 12 people sharing during ‘peak-hours’!
Sandwiching the baths are two sleeping rooms on each sides. The four rooms are just big enough for two double decker beds that sleeps four persons, max.
I’d suggest keeping it at two per room if you prefer comfort.
A six-person trip (up to perhaps a maximum of eight anglers) is good. Add the boatmen/guides and cook, etc and you can find between thirteen to sixteen people on board.
The metal frames on some of the bed squeaks. Light sleepers may want to bring ear plugs, plus there could be the sounds from the generator running nearby. That will spoil the sounds from the forest. And you should enjoy the rainforest orchestra.
So with the baths and sleeping quarters making-up the middle section of the houseboat that leaves us with the front and rear or for you boat-loving people reading this, the bow and stern sections.
The front consist of an open area for you to enjoy the views and is also known as the hang-out place. Most tales of the ones that got away takes place here.
This area also doubles as the dining area during meal time. In between fishing, eating and sleeping (life is good like this) – you may also watch movies or catch satellite TV on the AV system.
For our recent trip from 28 November to 1 December, 2011 we watched a lot of animal porn on the natgeo channel and also on one evening Rise of the Planet of the Apes. How apt for the environment we were at, hope the primates watching with us from the trees did not get any funny ideas from the movie. You will also not miss your live football matches while in the jungle (ball or fish, you get to decide).
The rear end of the houseboat is where all the cooking action takes place and also where the crew sleeps.
Expect other houseboat to be a little different both in size and design. Some are even double storey models.
What to Bring?
Besides not forgetting any of your fishing gear (you know this is no joke) you will need your own toiletries.
The WCs are sit down types with flush so you don’t have to stare down at the lake water while doing your business like how it used to be (complete with fish staring up your ass and feeding off your poop).
No hot shower and the clean freshwater from the tank will be refreshingly cold in the mornings and evenings.
Temperature all round is noticeably lower once in the heart of Temenggor, especially at night – there are times when long pants and a sweater may even come in handy often during the rainy season.
We spent one evening parked in front of a waterfall. How cool is that?
If you can’t stand creepy crawlies, too bad. You are in the middle of one of the oldest rainforest on the planet. What do you expect, only pretty butterflies?
Some nights (depending on the weather), bugs of all shapes, sizes and smell are attracted to lights. It is not as bad as camping in the jungle itself so don’t worry too much about this. Mosquito is normally not an issue.
Food and Water
The food served at this houseboat is decent though some dishes can sometime be too sweet or too salty, depending on the cook present I guess. I did not find the spread boring over the couple of days on board.
There is usually fish on the menu. We also brought back some freshly caught Sebarau to be cooked in various styles. There was also wild catfish (ikan baung) for two meals which would be considerably costly if the same quality fish is to be ordered back in the city restaurant.
Syrup, boiled water and instant coffee/tea can be had during meals. Cartons of bottled energy drinks such as 100 Plus are also available but we also brought our own varieties plus snacks.
Fishing from the Houseboat
While the serious fishing is done from the smaller fiberglass sampans, you may also fish from the houseboat for various species of fish.
Bait fishing or live-bait fishing is typically done during the evening or night. You will need to order the baits in advance, however.
The houseboat may be parked at one or more locations over the trip duration. Did I mention we spent one parked facing a waterfall? Talk about blissful. On another evening an elephant also came visit us near where we were parked. Thankfully it did not come aboard.
I hope you find the above information useful if you plan to visit Royal Belum, Temenggor. You know what? You should! It is such a beautiful place.
How Much Does It Cost
The houseboat that you see here typically fits up to 12 persons, max. Whereby 6 to 8 people will be the comfortable number I feel.
A 3 days and 2 nights charter will generally be priced from between RM10,000 MYR to RM15,000 MYR depending on requirements.
To enquire or book the houseboat, write to us by using this form.
good to know in our country there is such a beauty.
what was the “damage” for 3 days and 2 nights. is booking done easily or its a long waiting list? CNY holiday ……will be nice there
Rates vary and ranges a few grand over four days in total. Prior arrangements and early bookings is necessary.
do you have the contact of this houseboat?
I’ve sent it to you. Sorry about the late reply. You know… gone fishin’
pls sent me the phone no of this boathouse asap.T Q
Hi I am interested to visit this place in June. Would it be good for a short family vacation? I have 3 children (17,15,10). Anything else to do other than what was mentioned in your article? Would I need a guide? Hope you can help. Thanks.
Hey Eugene,
Thanks for leaving a comment. The boathouse is mainly fishing, relaxing and some waterfall visit, swimming, that sort of thing.
If you are looking for more family oriented holidays perhaps you want to consider staying at Belum Rainforest Resort or Banding Island Resort?
Let me know if you require more information.
Hi JW,
Thanks for your most prompt reply. My family and friends have stayed on a houseboat on Tasik Kenyir and enjoyed ourselves. The only this is the fishing was not good. That is why I was thinking of trying Temenggor. Is fishing better? Would June be a good time for fishing?
Eugene,
Could not reply you earlier as I just got back from a 7-day fishing trip.
Temenggor and Belum have seen better days. I can’t tell you if the fishing will be better. Perhaps you can give it a try and find out :)
We normally fish in the year end for Sebaraus.
Hi JW,
I am interested on the fishing Boathouse activity. What is your contact no.
-Azrul
Hey Azrul,
I wrote to your gmail address but it bounced back. You can write to me using the Contact form http://sportfishin.asia/contact/ and I will reply with the information you need.
Hi, I’m planning a fishing trip coming September! Can I have the houseboat owner contact number?please reply in my email address.
Thank you
Hi Eddy, I’ve edited your comment so as not to reveal your contact details. I’ve emailed you.
Thank you very much!! Are you the owner of houseboat in temenggor?
I need more details about this houseboat
Please check your email.
Can i have conctact no. for this boathouse.i,m interested to stay with family.I need urgently..
thanks
May i know the contacts? thanks for sharing the interesting spot !
Can you pls provide me the contact number for this boathouse? I would like to plan a family getaway there. Thank you
Hi Fareeza, please check your email. Thanks.
Hi, Please let me have the contact for the houseboat.
Thanks
14 March 2014
Hi Timmy,
Thank you for writing. You may use the Contact Form and let us know how many days/nights you’re interested to book (state dates if possible so we can check availability), how many pax will be going, how many fibreglass boat for fishing (boats are 18ft in length) and we will get back to you with a package price. Thank you.
JW
Hi guys I would like to recommend you also this website: http://belum.com.my/nature/.
Cheers,
Hi There,
Could you e-mail me the details? such as the contact,how many headcounts etc
Thanks.
Would appreciate if if you forward me the contact details, phone and website. We are looking at end of July. Would that be a good time of year to go? We are a family of 4 and looking at a 2night stay – what would that cost? Do we have to share the houseboat with others or should we come with another family and book the boat to ourselves?