If you are a nature lover Taman Negara is a must stop for you in Malaysia. It is
often reputed to be the oldest rainforest on earth, dating back about 130
million years, and enormous covering 4343 square kilometers. It actually spans
three states in Peninsula Malaysia
– Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang. In the local language (Bahasa Malaysia) Taman
Negara simply means national park. It was declared a protected reserve in 1939.
You can reach Taman Negara by booking with a tour operator or by using
public transport from Kuala Lumpur
to Jerantut in Pahang. From Jerantut to the Kuala Tahan (small town across Taman
Negara ) is just 60 km away It’s also the starting point for access to the
national park which is undertaken by boat.
There is only one 5 stars accommodation available inside the park but there are more options across the Tembeling River (Kuala Tahan ) that range right from budget through to luxury. If you choose to stay in this area you will need to take water taxis to get you inside the park. Lots of eating places can be found on this side of the river including small floating restaurants and night markets.
The jungle is host to many species. Expect to see plenty of wild boar,
sambar deer, stick insects, snakes and scorpions. The big game includes
Indochinese tigers, Asian elephant, gaurs and rhinoceros. If you have been to a
national park before you will know about the patience required for big game
sightings. Animals don’t operate on a schedule to please tourists and you will
need persistence and some luck so factor in a few days and a variety of
experiences for best results. Taman Negara is also a bird watcher’s paradise.
Hornbills, woodpeckers and babblers are commonly found here among many other
rare species.
There are numerous activities available inside the park to suit every kind
of adventure level. The boat rides that take you into the park are interesting
in themselves, but you can also take a ride to Lata Berkoh Cascades along the Tahan River.
If you take a camera remember that they don’t mix well with water so make sure
your camera gear is well protected. The boat ride is very scenic and you can
even take a dip in the pools. Here the undercurrent can be quite strong in
places so exercise caution at all times and heed your guide/boatman’s advice.
If you love to walk, Taman Negara is the place for you. The canopy walks are
a unique way to experience the rainforest from suspended bridges built 40m
above the ground. The walks are popular and there is a limit to the number of
people allowed on the bridge at one time so you may have to wait your turn. The
Nature guides also ask you maintain a reasonable distance from the next person
– for this reason photography is not easy.
Night walks in the jungle is also possible and starts from the main entrance
so if you are staying across the river you need to take a water taxi. The walk
is ideal for observing nocturnal creatures and their behavior at night. It is
also quite thrilling to walk in the jungle at night.
Another really good trek is the one up to Bukit Teresek (334m) or Teresek
Hill where you can get fantastic panoramic views of the park. The trail is about
1.7Km and about 30 minutes to 45 minutes
to reach its peak. The 334M height hill is offering you a magnificent panoramic
view of Gunung Tahan.. If you have trekked in the Alps or the Himalayas
the trek might not feel that high, but it can still prove to be a little
tougher than imagined because of the high temperatures and humidity inside the
forest. The scenery along the way will help you keep your mind away from the
leeches too – you might see wild pigs and numerous birds along the way. Among
other popular trail are Lubok Simpon (20-30 minutes), Gua Telinga (2hr 30min to
3hr), Bumbun Kumbang Hide(4hr) and Lata Berkoh (5hr) .
Those that like to get their pulses racing should try the caving
opportunities inside Taman Negara. To do this take a river ride along the Tembeling River
and take the jungle path to the caves at Gua Telinga (Ear Cave).
This cave is carved out of a limestone outcrop in the shape of an ear. Inside
are ancient drawings, round leaf bats and plenty of damp, dark corners.
Those that don’t mind overnighting in the jungle can also inquire about
staying in one of the jungle hides where you can spend the night in safety and
hopefully glimpse some wild animals. One of the most popular is at Bumbun
Tabing.
Finally a trip to Taman Negara should also include a visit to the Orang Asli
settlement, where the native peoples of Malay live. You do need a guide to
enter the settlements but it’s fascinating to see how these nomadic groups
sustain themselves and live off the jungle.
