taman negara.gif (12852 bytes)

anibf.gif (9013 bytes)

 

INTRODUCTION

Taman Negara, Malaysia's premier park and the largest in the country extends over some 434,300 hectares of primary forests, more than 130 million years old. Even as early 1939, conservation was of primary concern. The park was established for the soul purpose of protecting and preserving the flora and fauna indigeneous to the area. Located within the Park is Peninsular Malaysia's highest mountain, Gunung Tahan, 2, 187 metres above sea level. A range of comfortable accomodation is provide by Taman Negara resort at Park Headquarters at Kuala Tahan. The restaurant outlets there also ensure that you do not go hungry amidst natures wilderness. With so much to see and do, a trip to Taman Negara is a must on your itinerary.

PLANNING AN ITINERARY

Depending on your interest and inclinations, a stay at the Park may take anything from 2 to 4 days for some ; and may be even more for others. There is so much to see and do to fill your days.

Jungle Walks Amidst Sheer Tranquility
Opt for leisurely walks through the lowlands forest along scenic jungle paths beautifully landscaped by Mother Nature. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the jungle as you cross clear bubling streams beneath the shades of centuries old trees.

A short walk of 1.5km (from the resort) brings you to the Canopy Walksway, a suspension bridge of strong ropes, cable, net and wood hanging 40 metres above the ground! The walksway offers visitors a scenic walk among the tree tops to observe nature at close range.

 

Jungle Trekking For The More Energetic
For more active might prefer the tougher challenge of jungle trekking along the numerous trails in the path. Trekking along these trails may take as long as 9 days and require a certain level of fitness but for some, it is a more rewarding experience of an authentic jungle adventure.

Scaling The Highest Peak
Gunung Tahan offers the adventurous, the heady excitement and challenge of mountain climbing. The journey up and down the mountain takes an average of 9 days. Previous jungle trekking experience would of course be an added advantage though not necessarily a prerequisite.

Thrills And Spills Of Trips Up River
A leisurely 8km trip up Sungai Tahan to the Lata Berkoh Cascades offers visitors the invigorating experience of swimming in the cool waters of a deep pool below the falls. Then retreat to the rocky area overlooking the rapids for your picnic lunch.

The more adventurous would perhaps prefer shooting the seven powerful rapids of Sungai Tembeling. The 9.1km ride takes 45 minutes. Hang on tight to your seat and be prepared to get drenched.

 

Landing Your Catch
Sungai Kenyam is the most popular spot for fishing while the more placid waters of the pools at the
lower reaches of Sungai Tahan are also known to be teaming with fish. The best times for fishing are February, March, July and August. The Kelah, known for its speed and weighing as much as 20lbs offers irresistable challenge to even the experienced angler.

Exploring The Mysteries Of Nature's Caves
Two notable caves within the Park area are Gua Daun Menari at Kuala Kenyam and Gua Telinga, less than an hour walk from Kuala Tahan. The former attracts visitors with its interesting rock formation and unique wildlife. Gua Telinga is a limestone cave carved by a stream, another fine example of natures ingenuity.

Observing Wild Life As Darkness Descends
This is a nocturnal activity worth the effort. There a six hides scattered around the Park. Within the relative safety of these hides, overlooking the salt licks and clearings, visitors get a chance to observe the animals as they come to lick up the water and soil for essential salts for their body.

 

Orang Asli Settlement
Visit Kampung Yong, home to the Batek tribe. Gain some insights into the life of Orang Asli and see how they hunt and survive in the wilds.

 

Bird Watching
Another popular activity within the Park. To keen bird watchers will surely not leave the Park without spotting at least a few of the 250 species reputedly to be found here.

 

ACCOMODATION FACILITIES

The Park offers a number of facilities and basic amenities to make your stay sufficiently comfortable. Being as one with nature does not mean that you have to sacrifice all your creature comforts.

Accomodation facilities at the Park are managed by the Taman Negara Resort which provides a variety of accomodation facilities to suit individual needs and preferences. There are 117 chalets with a variety of room consisting of superior, deluxe and 2-bedroom suite.

The Malay style wooden chalets are comfortably furnished to pamper you with the luxuries to take for granted, even within the wilderness. All chalets come with attached bathrooms and modern sanitation facilities.

The hostel can accomodate 64 visitors at any one time.

For reservation please contact :

Taman Negara Resort,
Kuala Lumpur Sales Office,
2nd Floor, Istana Hotel,
Jalan Raja Chulan,
50250 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel : 03 - 2455585
Fax : 03 - 2610615

Kuala Tahan Office,
Taman Negara Resort,
Kuala Tahan,
27000 Jerantut,
Pahang.
Tel : 09 - 2635000
Fax : 09 - 2615000

Visitors Lodges At Kuala Terenggan and Kuala Kenyam
These are charming chalets reflecting a truly rustic ambient set within the tranquil setting of the Park's deep interior - a perfect retreat for those seeking solace from the stress and strain of everyday life.

The following are provided :

  • Beds and bedding
  • Eating utensils
  • Kerosene stove
  • Lanterns
  • Water supply

Fishing Lodges At Lata Berkoh And Kuala Perkai
Calling all fishing enthusiasts! Fish to your heart's content in the wilds and retreat to these lodges when night descends. Beds and mattresses are provided but bedding and cooking equipment need to be carried from Kuala Tahan.

Campsites
There are a number of beautiful campsites around the Park for those who wish to live out their fantasy of sleeping under the stars in the wilds. These are located at Kuala Tahan and Kuala Kenyam. Tents and camping equipment are available for hire at the resort.

 

 

FACILITIES

Catering
The resort has two food outlets, namely the Tahan Restaurant and the Teresek Cafeteria which serves a variety of Malaysian and Continental fare. The Tembeling Lounge is a favourite haunt for sipping cocktails in the cool quite evenings.

There is a restaurant catering to visitors at Kuala Kenyam but visitors seeking the quite solitude of Kuala Terenggan have to make do with their own cooking.

Mini Market
If you are planning a trip into interior, take heart! You don't really have to live of the land! The resort has also a mini-market offering canned food, rice, noodles, fresh local fruits, vegetables and other basic necessities needed for such trips.

Conference Facilities
The Bayan Nuri Hall with its up-to-date facilities is capable of accomodating 300 people for various functions and is ideal for those wishing to organise conferences, workshops and seminars with
a difference.

 

GETTING THERE

The staging point for visit to the Park is Kuala Tembeling from which a 3-hour boat ride upriver takes you to Kuala Tahan.



Getting To Kuala Tembeling

By Road
From Kuala Lumpur, a 3 hour drive takes you to Jerantut. Then, proceeds 16km North to Kuala Tembeling. Jerantut bound taxis may be found at the Pudu Raya Bus Terminal in Kuala Lumpur. Alternatively, take a bus from Jalan Tun Razak Bus Station in Kuala Lumpur for Jerantut and from there, take a local bus or taxi to Kuala Tembeling.

By Rail
Kuala Tembeling is also accessible from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Kota Bharu (via Tumpat) by rail. Trains from these stations stop at Tembeling Halt, about half an hour walk to jetty.

maptn.jpg (12942 bytes)