TAMAN NEGARA NATIONAL PARK
Journey Through Time: An Adventurer's Guide to Taman Negara, Malaysia's Ancient Rainforest
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Taman Negara National Park in Malaysia is typically during the dry season, which runs from February to September. This period offers optimal weather for outdoor activities like hiking, bird watching, and wildlife spotting.
However, it's worth noting that as a tropical rainforest, Taman Negara can experience rainfall at any time of the year, and the humidity is generally high year-round. If you plan to visit during the dry season, it's also advisable to book your accommodations and activities in advance, as this period is popular among tourists.
How to Get There
To get to Taman Negara National Park, you can start from Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia.
By Bus or Car to Kuala Tembeling Jetty: There are regular buses from Kuala Lumpur to the Kuala Tembeling Jetty, which takes about 3 to 4 hours. If you're driving, the journey may be quicker, depending on traffic.
By Boat from Kuala Tembeling Jetty to Taman Negara: From the jetty, you will need to take a boat up the Tembeling River to the park. The boat ride can take about 2 to 3 hours and offers a scenic introduction to the park. Boat services usually operate twice a day. Note that boat times can be subject to change and can be affected by river water levels.
Alternatively, you can drive directly from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Tahan, a village located opposite the Taman Negara headquarters. The drive takes about 3 to 4 hours. From Kuala Tahan, you can take a short boat ride across the river to the park headquarters.
Top 10 Attractions & Activities
Taman Negara National Park offers several attractions for nature and adventure lovers.
Here are some of the top highlights:
Canopy Walk: One of the park's most popular attractions is the Canopy Walk, a suspension bridge 40 meters above ground level that offers breathtaking views of the rainforest canopy.
Jungle Treks: With numerous well-marked trails, you can explore the park's diverse ecosystem, spot wildlife, and witness unique flora. The trek to Bukit Teresek offers panoramic views of the park and, on clear days, the Tahan Mountain Range.
Night Jungle Walk: This unique experience lets you witness the park's nocturnal wildlife in action.
Boat trips on the Tahan River: Boat rides provide an opportunity to see the park's dense foliage and wildlife from a different perspective. You can also visit the Lata Berkoh waterfall via a boat trip.
Visit an Orang Asli Settlement: Engage with the indigenous communities and learn about their traditions, way of life, and their connection with the rainforest.
Cave Exploration: There are several caves in Taman Negara worth exploring, including Gua Telinga and Gua Daun Menari, which are home to a variety of insects and bats.
Rapid Shooting at Kuala Tahan: A thrilling river activity where you'll navigate through seven rapids. It's an exciting and adventurous water activity which should be undertaken with trained guides.
Mount Tahan Trek: This challenging trek to the highest peak in Peninsular Malaysia, Mount Tahan, offers a true adventure for experienced hikers. It requires several days, typically 5-9 depending on the chosen route, and should only be attempted with proper preparation.
Fishing: The Tahan River is home to various species of freshwater fish. With a permit from the park authorities, you can engage in catch-and-release fishing.
Wildlife Observation at Kumbang Hide: A hide is a place for observing wildlife in its natural habitat. You can stay overnight at Kumbang Hide, a simple hut located about 10 km from the park headquarters, for a chance to observe animals such as elephants and tapirs coming to the nearby salt licks.
Accommodations
Luxury
Mutiara Taman Negara Resort: This resort is located in Kuala Tahan, the gateway to Taman Negara National Park. It offers a variety of luxury accommodations, including villas, suites, and chalets. The resort also has a number of amenities, including a spa, a swimming pool, and a variety of restaurants.
The Karambunai Resort: This resort is located on the banks of the Tembeling River, just outside of Taman Negara National Park. It offers a variety of luxury accommodations, including villas, suites, and chalets. The resort also has a number of amenities, including a spa, a swimming pool, and a variety of restaurants.
The Royal Belum Rainforest Resort: This resort is located in the Royal Belum State Park, which is adjacent to Taman Negara National Park. It offers a variety of luxury accommodations, including villas, suites, and chalets. The resort also has a number of amenities, including a spa, a swimming pool, and a variety of restaurants.
Mid-range
Perhentian Island Resort: This resort is located on Perhentian Besar, one of the islands that make up Taman Negara National Park. It offers a variety of mid-range accommodations, including villas, suites, and chalets. The resort also has a number of amenities, including a swimming pool, a sun terrace, and a variety of restaurants.
The Barat Perhentian Beach Resort: This resort is also located on Perhentian Besar. It offers a variety of mid-range accommodations, including villas, suites, and chalets. The resort also has a number of amenities, including a swimming pool, a sun terrace, and a variety of restaurants.
Shari-La Island Resort: This resort is located on Perhentian Kecil, the other island that makes up Taman Negara National Park. It offers a variety of mid-range accommodations, including villas, suites, and chalets. The resort also has a number of amenities, including a swimming pool, a sun terrace, and a variety of restaurants.
Budget
Abdul's Chalet: This chalet is located on Long Beach, Perhentian Kecil. It offers a variety of budget accommodations, including private bathrooms, fans, and mosquito nets.
Perhentian Bay Chalet: This chalet is also located on Long Beach, Perhentian Kecil. It offers a variety of budget accommodations, including private bathrooms, fans, and mosquito nets.
Suhaila Palace: This chalet is located on Long Beach, Perhentian Kecil. It offers a variety of budget accommodations, including private bathrooms, fans, and mosquito nets.
Itinerary
Jungle Rhythms: A Two-Day Immersive Adventure in Taman Negara National Park
Day 1: Exploring the Rainforest
Morning: Start your day early and head to the park headquarters. After a brief orientation, begin with a trek to Bukit Teresek. The trek offers panoramic views of the park and, on clear days, you'll be able to see the Tahan Mountain Range.
Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Head back down from Bukit Teresek in time to catch the Canopy Walk. Experience the rainforest from a different perspective, 40 meters above the ground, on one of the longest suspension bridges in the world.
Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the local restaurants in Kuala Tahan, followed by a boat trip on the Tahan River. This trip takes you to Lata Berkoh, a beautiful cascade where you can relax and swim.
Evening: As the sun sets, prepare for a unique night jungle walk accompanied by a park guide. Discover nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat and learn about their behaviors.
Day 2: Cultural Experiences and River Adventure
Morning: After breakfast, take a boat trip to visit an Orang Asli settlement. Learn about the lifestyle and traditions of this indigenous tribe, their survival skills, and their profound connection with the rainforest.
Afternoon: Head back to the park for a spot of lunch. After lunch, prepare for some exciting Rapid Shooting at Kuala Tahan. Make sure you're ready to get wet as you navigate through seven rapids.
Evening: Spend your evening wildlife spotting near the park. Watch for various birds and small mammals as they become more active during this time.
Night: If you're up for it, conclude your journey with an overnight stay at Kumbang Hide. Be on the lookout for larger animals such as elephants and tapirs that may visit the nearby salt licks.
