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National park in Malaysia
Photo: Ldc, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Taman Negara is Malay for "national park" and is the largest national park in Peninsular Malaysia. It is famous for its tropical rainforest, birds, and insects.
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A famous spot for swimming in clear and cool water. Beware of strong currents and not stray too far from the bank. You can reach Lata Berkoh by boat ride for RM160. The boat ride itself is a unique experience. You can ask the boatman to turn off the engine (on your way back only) and enjoy the sound and sights of the jungle. It is like being in a Rambo movie. Half way to Lata Berkoh you can stop by the Kelah Sanctuary.
The Kelah fish is a culinary delight of the locals. They are known for their sweet flesh and is absolutely delightful when steamed fresh. You can feed these friendly fishes here with food that is bought from the Rangers. Stand bare footed in the river and watch as they come to nibble at your feet.
Shown at the Interpretive Room at 8:45PM daily.
You may see some wildlife at the salt lick. It is best to stay overnight.
Jungle treks of various duration, some up to nine days, are possible. Trekking requires considerable preparations, a lot of water and a guide must be taken on all long trekking journeys. Although challenging, the jungle treks prove to be an equally rewarding authentic jungle adventure.
334-m-high hill. The trail is relatively easy until the foot of the hill. Then it turns to a moderate climb among ropes and tree roots. Get lucky and spot various wildlife including wild hog, rare birds, scorpians and others. Smell and drink the native Seranti tree, which is similar to a cola. When you finally reach the view point, you will be able to see almost the entire national park.
Walk across the longest Malaysian suspension bridge in the world, at 530 m. Walk across the canopy 25-40 m high, and view the rich and diverse flora and fauna at the summit of the forest. There's no need for a guide to get there. In March 2013 an important part of the walk was closed for renovation.
"Orang Asli" means "original people" in Malay. The Orang Asli live a nomadic lifestyle in Taman Negara. Their settlements are found along the trails. Some settlements are accessible by boat. Let them teach you how to make a blow gun and shoot it. Some background: the local travel agencies negotiated with the very shy Orang Asli group to abandon the nomadic lifestyle and settle down next to the river (in face of the canopy walk) so that they are easily accessible. Everyday about 10-15 tourists come to the settlement, and the travel agencies pay them RM5 for each visitor.
View nocturnal plants and animals in an easy hour guided trek from the Ranger's headquarters. See flowers that only bloom at night, water dragons, snakes, glow in the dark fungis, stick insects other weird and wonderful creatures.
A guided drive through a palm plantation to view owls, wild cats, snakes and birds. You could see kingfishers, hornbills, otters, monitor lizards and more. One or more guides will shine spotlights on any wildlife they can find. The tour does not take place in the park, but on the developed side of the river 15 minutes out of Kuala Tahan. This means there isn't a rainforest backdrop but at best palm trees and at worst the remains of cut down palm trees. It is not offered by the park but by private companies such as Han Travel.
It is estimated there are as many as 300 species of fish in the rivers. You may only fish the waters of Sungai Tahan below Lata Berkoh and Sungai Keniam below Kuala Keniam Kecil. Fishing tends to be best in the drier months of February to April and June to August. Permit costing RM10 per rod is necessary.
Gua Telinga (Ear Cave) has rock formation in the shape of an ear. Gua Kepayang and Gua Daun Menari (Dancing Leaves Cave) are some of the few limestone outcrops that you can explore along with animals and insects that live in the caves.
Travelling upstream on Sungai Tembeling from Kuala Tahan is an exhilarating experience. One must be prepared to get drenched as the boat has to negotiate 7 sets of rapids.
There are over 350 species of birds in the park.
You will need to carry your own food and tent on this 4-7 day journey to the top of the highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia at 2,187 m. There is a slim chance of seeing elephants in the wild. Guides are necessary. Months of physical fitness training is needed before most trekkers would attempt the climb.
You can swim at Lubuk Simpon, the most accessible swimming hole in the park. It is a nice place to cool down after a day jungle trekking, and you can spot some fishes.
Book at the park headquarters.
10 chalets.
Basic hostel with 4 bed dorms. The place is clean and has great view over the river from the café next-door. Probably one of the cheapest to stay in Taman Negara.
Upmarket resort. Wild hogs are a regular sighting and can be seen scavenging for food in the evening. Also features a restaurant.
No coffee or tea-making facilities, although can request an electric jug. Comfortable rooms, standard hotel-like facilities.
dorms-only place with a friendly cat and lizards, mosquito nets, nice sitting for a chat, travel books to read and a guitar teacher if you will, next door is an internet access point.
Homestay style accommodation but with new, clean rooms at affordable rates. Owner may be rude.
formerly Woodland Resort
Standard (fan) and air-con (deluxe) rooms with TV. Has karaoke. Questionable service, pool and room cleanliness standards.
Upriver in beautiful and quiet surroundings.Few waterfalls and hill trekkings only accessible from there. They have an office at the Jerantut Bus Station to book in advance.
By car
If you have your own transport, you can drive to Kuala Tahan; although you would miss the river boat trip, which is an important part of the experience. Parking is available at the hotels.
The Tembeling River separates the park from Kuala Tahan on the opposite side. Crossing takes only a minute and costs RM1 per person; boats operate from about 7AM to 10:30PM.
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Kuala Terengganu · Regional · TGG
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