Summary
Taman Negara, Malaysia’s oldest and most popular national park, sprawls across 1,677 miles of lush jungle, winding rivers, and towering mountains. Shielded by a dense, green canopy, Taman Negara is home to indigenous people, along with an impressive array of flora and fauna that keep biologists engaged. Remarkably, this national park is one of the oldest rainforests on earth, boasting an estimated age of at least 130 million years.
Technically, Taman Negara translates to “national park” in the Malay language; thus, the phrase “Taman Negara National Park” is somewhat redundant. Notably, an excellent infrastructure and relatively easy access are fortunate for the many travelers and ecotourists who flock here each year. It is no wonder that Taman Negara remains a top destination in Malaysia.
How to Get to Taman Negara
Taman Negara is situated approximately 3.5 hours by van northeast of Kuala Lumpur in Peninsular (West) Malaysia. To reach the park, start by heading to the town of Jerantut, which lies just outside the national park borders in the Malaysian state of Pahang. Buses and tourist vans operate from various locations in Malaysia to Jerantut.
Upon arriving in Jerantut, you have two options (bus or boat) for traveling to Kuala Tahan, the base village inside the national park. The two or three daily vans/buses are inexpensive and take about 90 minutes to reach Kuala Tahan. Taking the boat, while scenic, is more expensive, with travel times of 2-3 hours depending on river conditions.
Boats can accommodate around 15 passengers and depart from Kuala Tembeling Jetty whenever there is sufficient demand.
If planning your own route seems overwhelming, many travel agencies in Kuala Lumpur offer van-boat combo tickets for Taman Negara. Although day trips from Kuala Lumpur are feasible, they often require an unreasonably early start and rushed sightseeing. Opting for 2-day-1-night tours is a superior choice if you have limited time.
Entrance Fees and Costs
The entrance fees for Taman Negara are surprisingly affordable, and permits can be obtained at the park headquarters upon arrival.
- Entrance Cost: RM 1 (approximately US 25 cents)
- Camera Permit: RM 5 (approximately US $1.25)
- Fishing Permit: RM 10 (approximately US $2.50 per rod)
- Canopy Walk Entrance: RM 5 (approximately US $1.25)
Crossing the river by boat to the park entrance costs RM 1 each way.
Arriving with sufficient Malaysian ringgit is advisable to avoid any issues with ATMs or unfavorable exchange rates.
The Best Time to Visit Taman Negara
Taman Negara experiences heavy rainfall year-round, typical of a rainforest environment. The driest time spans from March to September. Visiting during March and April is ideal as rainfall decreases, and peak tourist season hasn’t begun. This time also coincides with many bird species’ mating season, making them more visible.
The popularity of Taman Negara becomes evident between May and August. Winter in the Southern Hemisphere drives visitors to warmer destinations, resulting in busier trails. Many backpacking students take advantage of summer break and explore the area, making Taman Negara a part of the notable “Banana Pancake Trail” across Asia.
Monsoon season lasts from October to January. While the national park remains open, substantial rainfall often forces the closure of the canopy walk, one of the key attractions. Flooding can also obstruct access and lead to road closures.
Activities and Things to Do in Taman Negara
The primary attractions for travelers to Taman Negara revolve around jungle hiking and bird watching, with the park being home to an estimated 350 bird species.
- Visit Park Headquarters: Enhance your visit to Taman Negara by exploring the park headquarters compound. Informative videos are shown in the Interpretative Room at 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m.
- Canopy Walk: The most popular activity in Taman Negara involves traversing the Canopy Walk. This 1,738-foot-long bridge, suspended 130 feet above ground, allows for potential sightings of birds and monkeys native to the park.
- Smell the Trees: One tree species in the park emits a sap that smells and tastes like cola. Inquire with a ranger about identifying it.
- Meet the Orang Asli: Throughout the national park, small Orang Asli settlements can be found, some accessible only by boat. A visit may involve trying a blowpipe gun and sampling various fruit juices.
- Visit the Kelah Sanctuary: Boats stop at this fish sanctuary while returning from Lata Berkoh rapids, where you can stand barefoot in the water as friendly large fish swirl around.
- Other Activities: Options like caving and rapid-speedboat excursions, alongside both day and night 4WD safaris, are available. Guided and self-guided fishing trips can also be arranged.
Hiking in Taman Negara
Whenever the weather permits, you will want to be outside savoring the rainforest. Fortunately, many hiking trails originate near the park headquarters. Simply grab one of the provided maps and set off!
Shorter hikes are available for independent exploration, but longer treks and night excursions definitely necessitate a guide. A quick inquiry at park headquarters will help you identify friendly guides and join their groups.
Before embarking on your journey, always register at park headquarters so someone knows your planned route. Additionally, it is important to understand how to handle a monkey encounter. Here are some popular trail options:
- Bukit Teresek: More of a scramble than a hike, this 1,100-foot-tall hill presents a relatively easy challenge with rewarding views of the national park.
- Night Safaris: Arranged through the park rangers, venturing into the jungle at night delivers an unforgettable experience. A man-made hide is provided for observing nocturnal creatures seeking the salt lick, and you might even spot glowing fungi!
- Lata Berkoh: Fit trekkers can journey 5.5 miles to this popular stretch of river rapids. However, this scenic finale may come with crowds, as those less inclined to hike often charter boats to reach the same destination.
What to Pack
- Prepare for Wet Conditions: Given the nature of Taman Negara, expect to get wet. Bring a poncho or rain gear and consider a dry bag to protect your passport and electronics.
- Sturdy Footwear: While flip-flops are common in Southeast Asia, they are not suited for the national park’s challenges. Choose shoes that can cope with slippery trails and potential flooding.
- High Socks: Leeches can pose a real problem on certain trails. Wearing socks that extend above the knees, treated with mosquito repellent, is advisable.
- Compact Backpack: Although drinking water is provided by tour operators, you will need a convenient way to carry several liters.
- Other Essentials: Items purchased in Kuala Tahan will likely be pricier than in Kuala Lumpur, so stock up on hygiene items (toothpaste, deodorant, etc.), sunscreen, and mosquito repellent beforehand. A flashlight is crucial, especially for night excursions.
Food in the National Park
Following the remarkable food scene in Kuala Lumpur, Taman Negara might not seem like a culinary hotspot, but options are available. Alongside local dishes, vegetarian, Indian, and Western food choices can be found at reasonable prices, with fresh fish being a staple.
Most travelers gravitate toward the many floating restaurants lining the river. Alcohol is not commonly available in Taman Negara, so it is best to enjoy some of the fresh fruit juices available on every menu. Unless specified, these juices are typically sweetened with sugar syrup.
Climbing Gunung Tahan
The most notable adventure in Taman Negara is hiking to and ultimately climbing Gunung Tahan, the tallest peak in Peninsular Malaysia.
While the summit at 7,175 feet (2,187 meters) may not seem considerably elevated next to snowy Himalayan peaks or Gunung Kinabalu in Malaysian Borneo, tackling Gunung Tahan is quite a challenging endeavor.
Several trails exist, but the most common route from Kuala Tahan necessitates around seven strenuous days of trekking, summiting, and returning. This trail weaves through dense jungle and requires some river crossings.
If climbing Gunung Tahan is your primary goal in Taman Negara, consider entering the park from the west (in Merapoh) and utilizing the Sungai Relau trail to reduce your trek by a day or two. Regardless of your chosen route, securing a permit, hiring a guide, and preparing for cooler temperatures atop the mountain is vital.
Where to Go After Visiting Taman Negara
If Taman Negara has ignited your passion for the jungle, think about returning to Kuala Lumpur for one of the affordable flights to Borneo. Malaysia’s portion of the island, including Sarawak (the southern state) and Sabah (the northern state), offers a wide range of national parks and outdoor adventures. Additionally, Borneo is among the few places left on earth to experience wild orangutans!
If you feel you have already had enough encounters with mosquitoes and leeches for one trip, consider taking a bus northeast to Kuala Besut. From there, you can board a speedboat to one of Malaysia’s stunning Perhentian Islands, allowing for some well-deserved rest on the white sandy beaches.
