Malaysia Tourism » Taman Negara

Taman Nerara, or National Park, is one of the finest and oldest accessible rainforests in the world. Centrally located in a remote region of Peninsular Malaysia, it offers adventurous travelers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the rich natural wonders of unspoilt rainforest.

Much of the park remains as it has been for the past 130 million years or so. Orinally set aside as a wildlife reserve in 1925 to protect game species, the park was established in 1939. Today at 4343 sq. km it is the largest park on Penissular Malaysia.

Situated in the Tahan Range it also includes the Peninsula’s highest peak, Gunung Tahan at 2187. As the park covers parts of three states, there are several main access routes. The most visited part is at Kuala Tahan in Pahang State.

Within the park there is a range of accommodation experiences available, ranging from true wilderness to comfortable resort-style facilities adjacent to the Park HQ at Kuala Tahan. Most visitors stay in the park for two to four days, though there are sufficient activities to keep adventurous visitors occupied for several weeks.

The riverboat journey to Kuala Tahan is, for some, as exciting as the rainforest itself. The introduction of a jetboat service now offers a thrilling alternative journey into and out from the park. Boats are an essential transportation element as there are no roads within the park.

Taman Negara has a variety of attractions to see and experience. The park is home to the original inhabitants of the area, the Orang Ash people, some of whom still follow a traditional semi-nomadic lifestyle of farming, fishing and hunting. They are the only people allowed to hunt and forage for food in the park.

The flora and fauna species list for Peninsular Malaysia is impressive, with an estimated 10,000 plants, 150,000 insects, 25,000 invertebrates, 675 birds, 270 reptiles, 250 freshwater fish and 200 mammals. Even today new species are being discovered. Undoubtedly there are more astonishing and important secrets locked up in this precious ecosystem just waiting to be revealed.

Many of Malaysia’s species can be found in Taman Negara but visitors need to recognise that the park is large and the wildlife is often shy and well camouflaged. Visitors should appreciate that one of the main functions of national parks is to provide an undisturbed habitat for plants and animals. Should they be lucky enough to see any native creatures, this should be regarded as a privilege and a bonus. Go with the expectation that animals are difficult to see and that your chances of such sightings are remote. Improve your chances by taking binoculars, and if you have the luxury of an extended visit, spend some time in an isolated hide and let the animals come to you.

A trip to Taman Negara can be as relaxed or as energetic as you like. The facilities in the park provide for the varied needs of visitors, from those craving solitude to those chasing adventure.

There are limestone caves to explore, relaxing riverside fishing, shooting whitewater rapids, floating down peaceful rivers on tyre tubes, adventurous night-time safaris, birdwatching, vestigating the forest canopy via a suspended walkway high above the rainforest floor, and guided walks to isolated arts of the park where few people have ever ventured.

Enjoy Taman Negara, as there are few rainforest experiences in the world quite like it, and leave the park as you found it s; that future generations of travellers will —any natural wonders.