Malaysia Tourism » Malaysian Forest Experience

Taman Negara offers a variety of activities in a tropical rainforest setting. For many visitors, the sheer overwhelming thrill of the towering forest alone justifies a visit.

Approximately one third of all the world’s flowering plants are found in Malaysia. The richness and diversity of species is partly due to the climatic conditions, coming high moisture and temperature. The largest plant community in Taman Negara 7s lowland rainforest — where trees are the dominant life form, coexisting with rubs, epiphytes, parasites, climbers, stranglers and saprophytes as well as small non vascular plants such as lichens, bryophytes and fungi.

The rainforests of Malaysia start at sea level and are found up to altitudes of 1,200 metres (4,000 feet), where the lower montane forests take over to altitudes of 1,800 metres (6,000 feet).

To the first time visitor, Taman Negara may appear somewhat threatening, with its supposedly dangerous animals, impenetrable ‘jungle’, oppressive climate and isolation. There are many myths about the rainforest perpetuated through fiction down the ages. Many visitors to Taman Negara are pleasantly surprised by just how accessible and friendly the park feels once they are there.

The facilities at Kuala Tahan (site of the Park HQ) are very good and any idea that, visitors will be really roughing it is quickly dispelled once they arrive. However, for the adventurous travelers.

LOCATION:
Spread over areas of Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu; 59 km (37 miles) upriver from Kuala Tembeling, which is 54 km (34 miles) north of Temerloh on the Kuala Lumpur-to-Kuantan road.

CLIMATE:
25°-37°C (77°-99°F). Typically hot and humid, but cool and sunny in the mountains and cold on peaks at night. More rain expected October—February.

WHEN TO GO:
The best time to visit Taman Negara is from March to September, when the climate is drier and generally more favourable for walking and watching wildlife. Visitors to the park at other times should expect heaver rainfall and the wettest period is between November and mid January, which can restrict movements in some parts of the park.

ACCESS:
Jerantut is the main entry point to Taman Negara and is a three hour drive away from Kuala Lumpur. Alternatively take a taxi or train to Kuala Tembeling on the Singapore-toKota Bharu line. You can also take a boat trip from the Taman Negara jetty at Kuala Tembeling, up the Sungai Tembeling, to the Park HQ at Kuala Tahan. There are alternative access points in Kelantan and Terengganu.

PERMITS:
Bookings for park boats and accommodation are made with agents such as Taman Negara Resort office in Kuala Lumpur, but shop around for other operators or ask at Kuala Tahan. Entry, camera and fishing fees are payable at the Park HQ at Kuala Tahan.

EQUIPMENT:
Hiking, camping and fishing equipment is available for hire in the park. Remember to take a reliable torch for night walks. Light trousers, leech socks and training shoes should be worn in the forest, with warmer clothing if you are intending to climb. Walking boots and sleeping bags, insect repellent and a plastic water bottle are essential for serious hiking.

FACILITIES:
The Pahang entrance to the park has a reception and information centre, chalets, camping area, restaurants the Tahan Restaurant and the Teresek Cafeteria, both serving Malaysian and international cuisine, a cocktail lounge and a shop, offering both souvenirs and provisions. There are also three visitors’ lodges, two fishing lodges and six observation hides.

WATCHING WILDLIFE:
There is excellent birdwatching throughout the park, with over 275 species recorded, and a wealth of reptiles, insects and plant life. Bats and snakes are found in the caves. Mammals such as wild pigs, deer, and tapir may be observed from the hides, while monkeys can be seen in the forest and otters along the rivers. Elusive mammals such as elephants, seladang (wild oxen), tigers, leopards and sun bears are seldom seen, although the visitor may find tracks and other signs of their presence. A variety of nocturnal creatures may be encountered on night excursions.

VISITOR ACTIVITIES:
Walking and trekking, river trips, shooting the rapids, cave exploration, swimming, fishing, mountain climbing and watching birds and other wildlife.