Malaysia Tourism » Getting To Malaysia

By Plane
Most overseas visitors will arrive in Malaysia by plane, though there are various other methods (see below).

Kuala Lumpur International Airport
The new RM 9 billion Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at Sepang is an ultra-modern and welcoming sight after a long flight.The arrivals procedure is straightforward and signs (in Bahasa Malaysia and English) are self-explanatory.There are several modes of transport from KLIA to the city centre, 60 kilometres (37 miles) away. Prepaid coupons for budget and luxury taxis to the city are sold. Normal city taxis can take passengers to KLIA and can now pick up from the airport using the meter. On these taxis, airport surcharges and tolls are paid by the passenger. The journey normally takes about one hour, depending upon the time of day and traffic conditions.

Domestic Flights
Domestic flights operate from KLIA or from terminal 3 of the the former Subang International Airport (the latter will close once KLIA is accessible by high-speed rail). Getting to Taman Negara is similar from both airports.

While it is possible to fly to certain domestic airports to reach the various parts of Taman Negara, most visitors travel overland from KLIA or the city. The domestic airports that can be used are Kuantan and Kuala Terengganu, with several daily services from KLIA and Subang on MAS to both these destinations.

There are departure taxes of RM5 and RM40 for domestic and international flights respectively. In most cases this has been incorporated into the ticket price but travellers should check their tickets and have money available to save any embarrassment at the airport.

By Sea
These days, few visitors to Malaysia arrive by ship although it is possible through ports like Port Kiang (the port for Kuala Lumpur), Penang and Langkawi. There are adequate 14) transport links from these points to Taman Negara.

GETTING TO TAMAN NEGARA
Taman Negara can be reached via three main park entrances. Of these, the most mportant - and the standard route for most travellers - is via Kuala Tahan. The journey to Kuala Tahan is an exciting one requiring a road or rail as well as a river journey. Access to the other main parts of the park are adequate but public transport is not that well developed.

KUALA TAHAN, PAHANG
By Air
Flying is not really an option to the main part of the park as KLIA is the most access airport.While Kuantan Airport may be the closest it is not advisable to use this as the overland connections from KLIA to the park are better.

By Road and River
Most visitors to Taman Negara will commence their journey from Kuala Lumpur for them the main park access is via the Sungai Tembeling in Pahang. The departure point is from Kuala Tembeling near Jerantut, 230 kilometres (140 miles) or about three to four hours drive from Kuala Lumpur and 220 kilometres (135 miles) or two and a half from Kuantan.

From here it is a two to three hour journey by sampan, depending on water level travel the 69 kilometres (43 miles) to the Park HQ at Kuala Tahan. km-alternatively, there is a 75 kilometre (46 mile) two hours road journey from Jerantut to Park HQ.

The Taman Negara Resort has recently acquired two New Zealand built jetboats that can reach the Park HQ in just 45 minutes as opposed to the two to three hours by slower boats. These 12-seater jetboats offer a thrilling, but more expensive ride and visitors may want to go one way on the jetboat and the other via the slower boat to experience both. Pregnant women and children under 10 years old use the jetboat at their own risk.

By River
The wharf at Kuala Tembeling for departures to Taman Negara is situated on the Jelai River near the junction with the Sungai Tembeling. Just below this junction, the river becomes the Sungai River. At 300 kilometres (190 miles), the Sungai Pahang is the longest in Peninsular Malaysia.

At the 35 kilometres (22 mile) mark of the journey signposts near Kuala Atok announce the beginning of Taman Negara.The undisturbed national park riverbank is in marked contrast to the other bank which has been partially cleared for agriculture and village settlements.

Most visitors arriving by riverboat tend to sleep their way to the park, probably as a result of their long journey from Kuala Lumpur. This is not to suggest there are not things to see along the way.
Wildlife tends to be rather sparse, due mainly to the continuous flow of somewhat noisy boats passing by. The speed at which the boats travel does not aid serious wildlife spotting. Moving branches may indicate monkey activity, so have a closer look. Some waterbirds are evident, especially the bright azure coloured kingfishers that dart close to the water’s edge and occasionally stop to rest on an overhanging branch.

Between April and July look for the large colonial nest sites of Blue-throated Bee-eaters in the cliff faces adjoining the river, and their low-level swooping flight as they hunt for insects over the river. Birds of prey such as fish eagles may also be seen perched on branches overlooking the river searching for prey. Hornbills may be spotted gliding over the river in search of fruiting trees.

By Road
There is an overland route from Jerantut to Park HQ. The road is mostly unsealed wild a little rough and therefore appeals more to 4 x 4 enthusiasts.