Belum Rainforest Resort

 This is the last stop of my East Coast tour with the elders. It has been a priceless trip that will never happen if not for late-brother. I promised brother that I will bring him to drift drive the windy roads of Gerik highway in his Porsche when he recovers, so we are doing this trip in his honor but in a family wagon Alphard.

Belum is located in Pulau Banding, smacked right in the middle of virgin forest Temengor. The place is dead quiet even at day and even more so at night. One can hear bird chirping at daybreak and insect cricking at night. It's a perfect getaway for all nature lovers. Some say for hidden lovers too, hmm...

The one and only restaurant at Belum forest is nicely decorated with bird nest lamp. These days eco-friendly tourism is in and hence most furnitures and deco pieces are made with natural product such as wood, mud, glass and un-galvanised metal. The place easily sits 80 pax and double up as a pub late at night. Over looking at Lake Bunding, the scenery is not breath-taking but simply relaxing.

We ordered everything in the menu as dishes are very limited given the location of this secluded resort. First up is the chicken salad - everything is good except the slices of cheddar cheese. No idea why the chef needs to add the otherwise perfect salad.

Curry chicken served with white rice. Not too bad but could have been better.

Grilled nonya fish served with white rice. Not quite fresh as the fish is frozen. The sambal is nicely prepared and authentic Malay style. The next dish is Nasi Goreng Kampung. This dish was ordered as a back up to fill the tummy. By then everyone was quite full so each was forced to take a spoon in order not to waste. Max obviously wanted the fried chicken wing but was too shy to admit so Uncle Vichiang relate a funny story happened in China. There was once a mother went to the next village to visit her daughter. The in-laws prepared a sumptuous meal to welcome her and was serving white rice instead of porridge. Back in the olden days, rice is only served in special occasion as it was an expensive commodity.

After finishing the first bowl of rice, the in-laws being generous to play host, quickly served the mother another bowl of rice. The mother was shy to accept and quickly replied, "Oh dear, you are too generous! I will have to eat till next year to finish this bowl of rice!" After finishing the 2nd bowl, the mother asked for 3rd bowl and then the 4th bowl. Sensing the greediness, the in-laws jokingly told the mother, "Oh, how quickly each year has passed!"


Belum Rainforest Resort
Pulau Banding
33200 Gerik, Perak
Tel: 05-791 6800
Opens daily: 6.00am - 12.00pm