Malaysia Tourism » Trails of Kuala Trenggan

TRAILS TO KUALA TRENGGAN
Two trails link Park HQ with Kuala Trenggan to the north. Either makes an excellent one day walk, returning by river. Alternatively the two form a good two day round trip, staying at the lodge at Kuala Trenggan or at Bumbun Kumbang overnight.

KUALA TRENGGAN VIA GUNUNG INDAH
TRAIL PLANNER

TRAILS TO KUALA TRENGGAN: 3a— 3b
Start : Park HQ at Kuala Tahan.
Finish : Kuala Trenggan.
Distance : 9Km (5Y2miles) or 12Km (N2miles).
Duration : One day
Best time : February or March
Conditions: Lower altitudes: rainforest and rivers.
Higher altitudes: mountain ridges and gullies
Fitness : Best for moderate to experienced trekkers
Equipment: Light clothing, trekking boots and raincape. Leech to socks and insect repellent. Binoculars and camera.
Regulations: Guides are recommended.

Keen walkers can walk 9 kilometres (5 A miles) to the lodge and then take a thrilling sampan ride back through the Tembeling Gorge and seven rapids (Nusa, Dua,Abai, Teras, Dedari, Panjang and Trenggan) along Sungai Tembeling or vice versa. The boat journey takes about 45 minutes and covers about 10 kilometres (6 miles). Otters may be seen in these rapids swimming rapidly and catching fish. Hornbills and fish eagles often pass overhead.

Most visitors take the boat to Kuala Trenggan and back through the rapids. Be prepared to get a little wet, so protect any valuables such as cameras. Lodge accommodation is available at Kuala Trenggan but bookings should be made at the TNR before setting off. The lodge is a lot smaller and quieter than the TNR and there are limited facilities. It sits high above the river and is an ideal location for those who want to escape crowds.

This first part of the trail to Kuala Trenggan follows the course of the Sungai Tembeling and the Canopy Walk Trail (trail I a). From here, it involves many steep ascents and descents and is only recommended for those who are physically fit and with good walking shoes. The trip usually takes four to six hours from Kuala Tahan. It can take longer if side-trips are taken to the look-outs on Gunung Indah (Beautiful Hill) with its interesting vegetation and spectacular views, or to one of several waterfalls along the way. The return trip to Gunung Indah from Kuala Tahan can be done in about four hours, but like all trails in the park, there is a lot to see along the way so plan a little extra time.

The trail beyond the Canopy Walk skirts rock walls and boulders in very steep country, and then climbs sharply up to a T-intersection along a narrow ridge. The righthand path leads down to the Sungai Tembeling and a deep pool called Lubuk Udang (Prawn Pool). From here a branch trail goes on to Kuala Trenggan.

Back on the ridge, the left hand path is a steep trail leading up the Gunung Indah ridge to the base of a narrow outcrop of glass-like, quartzite rock. Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that is extremely hard and weathers more slowly than the surrounding rock and , as a result, stands out. Walkers should exercise caution on the steep climb to the look out. There are several options for vsiting Gunung Indah. Visitor can walk part of the way and travel by boat for the rest. For example, boats traveling up the Sungai Tembeling can drop off or pick up passengers at Lubuk Udang. This means visitors can walk to the mountain and then catch a boat out or vice versa.

Beyond Gunung Indah the trail enters more rugged country, and some sections may be difficult after rain.While the trail is well above the river in many places, there are lower sections from which it is possible to side-track down to the water’s edge.

At the second permanent stream crossed after the Gunung Indah ridge there is a large rock overhang beside a narrow, deep pool. From the trail and up the stream bed there is a small waterfall some 15 minutes wade upstream.

One kilometre ( ½ mile) further along the trail reaches Sungai Trenggan. This is crossed by means of a raft on a fixed rope. It is safest for only one person to cross at a time. Just 150 metres (170 yards) more along the trail and there is a junction with Kuala Trenggan five minutes walk to the right and Bumbun Kumbang about 40 minutes walk to the left.

Kuala Trenggan is in a beautiful location high above Sungai Tembeling. There are 10 wooden chalets, each sleeping a few people. There is also a simple restaurant and the facilities are quite comfortable for those looking for a peaceful rainforest retreat. An adjoining campsite offers a cheaper alternative for backpackers.

KUALA TRENGGAN VIA BUMBUN KUMBANG AND RENTIS TAHAN
This is the inland western route to Kuala Trenggan and it is advisable to allow six hours leisurely walk to the hide at Bumbun Kumbang and a little under seven hours to Kuala Trenggan.An alternative route for those who just want to reach the hide at Kumbang is to catch a boat to Kuala Trenggan and walk the remaining 45 minutes.

From Kuala Tahan the trail runs parallel with Sungai Tahan, past Bumbun Tabing to the turn-off to Lubuk Lesong.This is about one third of the journey to Bumbun Kumbang.Trail notes on the sections between Kuala Tahan and Lata Berkoh are described under walks and Between Lubok Lesong and Sungai Trenggan excellent stands of lowland dipterocarp forest are traversed. The trail is fairly straight, with several small stream crossings and two side trails to the left to Lata Berkoh and Gunung Tahan.

The trail beyond the Gunung Tahan junction climbs a gentle rise over the divide between Sungai Tahan and Sungai Trenggan. Then there is a descent and several more small stream crossings until the trail reaches Sungai Trenggan. Normally SungaiTrenggan is Water Monitor Lizard no more than knee-deep To Gunung Tahan but it could be impassable after rainstorms especially Bumbun Kumbang in months when the rainfall is higher. The river makes a pleasant spot for hot and tired walkers to stop and rest. There are excellent swimming holes to take a relaxing swim or Kuala just to soak aching feet.

Elephant tracks can be spotted along the way. Their size should give them away and the large, soccer-ball size droppings shouldn’t be too hard for Bumbun Tabing most people to identify.

The walk to Bumbun Kumbang is about another 20 minutes from the crossing and from there, a little under an hour’s gentle walk to the lodge at Kuala Trenggan. The hide at Kumbang is more open park and Seladang (wild Kuala cattle) have been seen Tahan here. Seladang were once hunted by colonialists at the beginning of the century but they are now a protected species. Taman Negara offers a large and safe habitat, with only tigers being a threat to their young. During the day Seladang seek the cool of the forest venturing out into the open grassed areas and to the salt licks at dusk. Herds of half a dozen or so animals may be seen but more often than not the only sign will be hoof marks in the soft muddy areas. More common are Tapir, Sambar and Barking Deer.The hide has six bunks, a toilet and rainwater is collected from the roof.

Another option for this adventure is a full day loop, travelling up by boat and walking back, or vice versa. If time is not an obstacle, spend two days trekking via Rentis Tahan to either an overnight stay in the lodge at Kuala Trenggan or in the hide at Kumbang, and on day two return to Kuala Tahan via Gunung Indah and theTembeling Gorge (this is walk 3a in reverse).