Overview
Pulau Banding is unique island because it surrounds by Temengor Lake, a man-made lake that being built in 1960. Located in Perak, this Island is unique because the rainforest that it around the lake has been 130 million years old.
Best time to visit
All year-round
Directions
By Air
The closest airport is Penang International Airport that connected to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong and other cities with daily operation of domestic and international flight by Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia, Malindo Air and others. Once arrive at the airport, you have to take public transport or rent a car to Gerik
By car
From Kuala Lumpur
From the capital, you need to head North, taking the highway “Lebuhraya Jalan Duta – Sungai Buloh”. Proceed towards Ipoh, then following the Lebuhraya Utara E1 exit at Kuala Kangsar. Continue North turning into Jalan Baling. The time of travel from Kuala Lumpur can be estimated in between 5 and 6 hours, including some break while on the highway.
From Ipoh
From the city of Ipoh take the highway – Lebuhraya Utara E1 – North direction. At Kuala Kangsar turn into Jalan Baling and continue North. From Ipoh it will take about 3 hours to arrive in Gerik, on average.
From Cameron Highlands
Assuming you are in Brinchang or Tanah Rata, the shortest and most convenient route is to proceed North and then turn West at the intersection 3 km North of Kampung Raja. From here reach Ipoh first, then follow the directions from there to Gerik town.
From George Town
If you come from Penang island, get on the mainland first and reach Butterworth. From there continue on the highway Lebuhraya Butterworth – Kulim, and from there onto Route 67 – which will get right into Jalan Baling – Gerik. The average time of travel from George Town / Pulau Penang to Gerik is estimated in around 3 hours.
From Kota Bharu
From Jalan Bukit Kecik continue to Jalan Bendang Nyior for 6km, then turn into Jalan Grik – Pasir Puteh for the next 150 km. Coming from East, you will reach Pulau Bangind before Gerik, which is the destination to enter Belum Temenggor. However, if you wish to reach Gerik, you need to continue from there, take the exit onto Jalan Baling – direction Kuala Kangsar.
From Gerik to Pulau Banding
Once you arrive in Gerik Town, Pulau Banding is 40km away to North-Northeast direction. Take the East-West Expressway (Federal Route 4) to Pulau Banding. Please be aware that there is no road light at night and it is advisable to drive in daytime.
By bus
From Kuala Lumpur
Daily buses operation departs from Bandar Selatan Terminal or Jalan Duta to Gerik station.
From Georgetown to Gerik
If you are in Penang, you can depart with the bus from Sungai Nibong Tebal to Kota Bharu Terminal. Most buses do not stop normally in Gerik and you need to ask the driver in advance to drop you once in Gerik. You can also ask the driver to stop you in Pulau Bandung directly, which is 40km after Gerik.
From Kota Bharu to Gerik
Daily operation buses depart from Kota Bharu to Gerik is using the en route through Pulau Bandung and Gerik. However, you need to inform the driver to drop you by at Pulau Bandung as buses do not usually stop there.