welcome to
taman negara!
 

Landmark of Taman Negara

Children Of The Future

history of pahang

Taman Negara. Two words in Bahasa Melayu, the national language of Malaysia, which conjure images of giant green garden filled with exotic flowers and creatures. The word 'taman' means both 'park' and 'garden' in malay while 'negara' means 'nations'-together they translate simply as 'National Park'.

Even though there are certainly many other national parks elsewhere in Malaysia, Taman Negara remains the patriarch of them all, with the pedigree to back it up.

Taman Negara is indeed one the oldest rainforests in the entire world, estimated at 130 million years old. The abundance and diversity of nature is phenomenal in Taman Negara, one of the world's most complex and rich ecosystems. A veritable treasure of the planet.

Enjoy your explorations and protect our Mother Nature's Treasure!

Laili Basir

e-mail: laili@tamannegara.org      +6017 9828 538

tips for terrific time

• Visitors are reminded that, as protected National Park, nothing is to be damaged in or taken out of Taman Negara.

• When jungle trekking, find out and choose a trail that you can complete before dark. Do not stray off the trail-the rainforest is dense and you can easily lose your orientation away from paths.

• Always let a responsible person know of your plans for the day especially if going alone.

• Enter the jungle with a sense of respect and humility. Be as quiet as possible to avoid alarming other beings.

• Take plenty of water and some snacks. Unless trekking with a day guide, it is not advisable to eat jungle fruits or drink from any water source.

• Wear light, loose clothing, comfortable long sleeved shirts and long pants for protection from insects, leeches, thorny plants and abrasions.

• Wear roomy, light but sturdy footwear with good ankle support and traction, and two pairs of socks to prevent blister for long treks.

• A hat with a wide brim to shade again intense sunshine and light rain is advisable. For longer treks pack a poncho or other rain gear.

• When going camping, pack as light as possible. Use a comfortable rucksack with padded shoulder straps, hop belt and internal frame.

• Bring a map and compass for navigating deeper jungle trails-under some dense jungle canopies the sun might not be clearly seen. A whistle is a useful tool for attracting attention in emergencies.

• In certain conditions, the forest can get very cold-bring a waterproof jacket for comfort.

• A basic first aid kit for treatment of wounds and bites is advisable.

• For longer trips, bring extra batteries for your torchlight; candles and matches.

• Choose a clear camping site free of debris and away from rotting trees. During rainy periods, do not camp too near a river-pick a higher spot.

• Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories!!

the leeches phobia

leeches facts

On any rainforest walk, the subject of leeches invariably comes up. Actually, you may not encounter any of these slimy little vampires while walking through the Malaysian jungle, but if the trail is leafy and it's been raining, chances are you'll be preyed upon.

The local leeches are maddeningly tiny - so small in fact, they can squeeze through tight-knit socks. They don't stay tiny for long, however, since once leech has attached to your skin, it won't let go until it has sucked as much as blood as it can hold.  Only then will will the bloated, sated little parasite release itself and make its way back to the forest floor. Your souvenir of the experience will be bloody, but consider it a flesh wound.

Two species are common in Taman Negara; the brown leeches and tiger leech. The tiger leech is recognizable by its cream and black stripe, but you'll probably feel before you see it. Unlike the brown leech, whose suction is painless, tiger leeches sting a bit. Brown leeches hang around on, or near, the forest floor, waiting to grab onto passing boots or pants. Tiger leeches lurk on the leaves of small trees and tend to attack between the waist and neck, and that can mean any orifice there and around. Keep your shirt tucked in.

Leeches are harmless, but bites can become infected. Prevention is better than the cure and opinion varies on what work best. Insect repellent on feet, shoes and socks work temporarily; loose tobacco in your shoes and socks are also helps. Better yet, invest in some leech-proof socks, which are kind tropical gaiter that covers the foot and boot heel and fastens below knees.

Safe and effective ways to dislodge leeches include flicking them of sideways (pulling a leech off by the tail might make it dig in harder), burning them with a cigarette (though you may burn yourself as well), or sprinkling salt on them. Tiger balm, iodine or medicated menthol oil (a common  brand is the Axe Brand Universal  oil- "minyak Cap Kapak") will also get leeches off. High-pitched screaming!!! doesn't seems to affect them much. Succumb to your fate as a reluctant blood donor and they will eventually drop off.

This site was created to: