No holiday or vacation in the tropics is complete without visiting a tropical rainforest. And there’s no grandeur than to visit the TAMAN NEGARA, reputed to be The Oldest Jungle , The Best Kept Tropical Rainforest & The Great Natural Wonders of the world. By that it means that Taman Negara’s flora & fauna has evolved naturally over hundreds of millions of years without any disruption or major calamities.
History
Taman Negara was declared for conservation in 1938 and has become Malaysia’s premier national park and the largest in the country covering over 4343 square kilometres (434,300 hectares) of primary forest, spans across three states Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang – and is situated in the centre of the Peninsula Malaysia. Taman Negara is the most extensive protected area of pristine, lowland, evergreen rainforest in the country. Taman Negara originated from a Pahang State Legislation in 1925 and in the district of Jerantut. Over 1300 square kilometres of tropical jungle in its natural state was designated “THE GUNUNG TAHAN GAME RESERVE”. This became the National Park in 1938 when the Sultan of Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan set aside the present area, and named it the “KING GEORGE V NATIONAL PARK”. After Independence, the name was changed to TAMAN NEGARA. The stated purpose of Taman Negara is “to utilise the land within the park in perpetuity, for the propagation, protection and preservation of indigeneous flora and fauna”. With so much to see and do, a trip to Taman Negara is a must on your itinerary.
Taman Negara is a popular vacation spot in Pahang and is the largest forest reserve in Peninsular Malaysia. It’s promises challenging activities with the natural attractions of flora and fauna that are over 150 million years old that will surely leave tourists mesmerized by their beauty.
Visitors can visit Pahang National Park either by road or experience a boat ride down the Kuala Tembeling River. Traveling by boat is certainly a more interesting experience for this National Park in Pahang and usually takes up to 3 hours.
Hotels and Resort at Taman Negara
Interesting Activities
There are many activities that can be done here. It is certain that every activity available will challenge you physically and mentally. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn something in the National Park that is definitely not available anywhere else.
Canopy Walk
This 530m long bridge was built for research purposes but eventually became the main attraction for tourists coming to Pahang National Park. Enjoy the beauty of flora and fauna from a height of 40m from the ground.
Through the Forest
Terasek Hill, Lubok Simpon, Gua Telinga, Bumbun Kumbang, Lata Berkoh, Tenor and Mount Tahan are the trails used in cross-forest activities. Crossing forest can takes as little as 20 minutes up to 7 days.
The Terasek Hill Trail is the most famous trail and takes 30 to 45 minutes to complete. The trail to Mount Tahan is definitely the one that takes the longest which is 7 days while the Tenor trail is said to be the most challenging trail.
Visiting Indigenous Villages
Visitors have the opportunity to visit the native village here. There are 2 type of Orang Asli ethnic groups in the National Park, namely Batek and Semokberi. They will share how to use bamboo to hunt and make fire.
Rapid Shooting
This is one of the most interesting activities in the National Park while going down to the Tembeling River by riding a wooden boat. It starts from Kuala Tahan to Kuala Terengganu and back to Kuala Tahan.
Visitors are advised not to bring electronic devices or put them in waterproof bags. This is because you will definitely be drenched after the activity.
Boat to Lata Berkoh
Taking a boat to Lata Berkoh is safer than rapid shooting. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of flora and fauna in Lata Berkoh.
Feeding Kelah Fish
Visitors can feed the kelah fish while the boat to Lata Berkoh stops at the kelah sanctuary.
Watching Animals
Visitors have the opportunity to observe various animals found here including wild animals. However, visitors need to look in a safe place that has been provided by the National Park.
Fishing
For anglers, definitely excited to fish in Sungai Keniam and Sungai Tembeling. Kelah, patin, baung, lampam and tapah are among the fish that can be found here. February to September is the best time to fish here.
Cave Exploration
Explore the caves. Visitors need to be careful with the presence of poisonous animals such as snakes and bats that live in the cave. You will have to walk, crawl and climb during the exploration of this cave.
Climbing Mount Tahan
Climb the highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia which is Mount Tahan with a height of 2187m. The trail is very challenging and the route is long. Have to cross rivers and mountains and have to spend the night in the forest.
Waterfall Exploration
An activity worth exploring is the exploration of the waterfall called Four Step Waterfall. Suitable for those who want a relaxing and relaxing activity.
Bird Watching
There are as many as 380 bird species in this National Park that can be observed.
Conclusion
There are so many activities you can try at Pahang National Park. It’s a worthwhile vacation especially for those who love the forest.
Getting there
The nearest town to Taman Negara Pahang is Jerantut. It will take 16 km to get to Taman Negara, Kuala Tembeling Jetty from Jerantut. You can take Taxi or Bus from Jerantut to Taman Negara.
Taman Negara Map
