introductions to

taman negara

• park history

• geography

• main access point

• permit, license & guides

Satellite image of Malaysia

Long boat at the meeting point of Sungai Tembeling and Sungai Tahan

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One of the ginger species that can be found in Taman Negara

Geckos, a popular lizards in Taman Negara. Normally can be found at the tree trunk.

What is this?

Park History
Taman Negara is the oldest protected area in the country. Originated from the legislation of Pahang in 1925, which set aside 130,000ha of land designated as Gunung Tahan Game Reserve. Then declared as King George V National Park in 1938 by the Sultans of 3 states Pahang, Trengganu and Kelantan. To preserve the land's indigenous nature in perpetuity, it was gazette separately by each state's Enactments in 1938-1939. The park was renamed Taman Negara after the nation gain independence in 1957.No commercial exploitations is permitted, except for subsistence hunting by the aboriginals (the Orang Asli people).

Dark history of Taman Negara was almost happened in 1971 by the proposal of Malaysian National Electricity Board to build a dam on the Sungei Tembeling. The idea was abandoned in 1978, but was revived again in 1982, only to be discarded in 1983 through the effort of Malaysian Nature Society, who lobbied the federal government. The dam would have flooded some 13,00ha, and would meant the excision  of 32,600ha from the park.

Geography
Taman Negara is the largest and the oldest protected area in the country. It covers 4,343 sq km; the central coordinates are 04°30' North latitude and 102°59' East longitude. The altitude ranges from 60m to 2187m at the summit of Gunung Tahan. This huge area shared among three states: Pahang 2,477 sq km (57%), Kelantan 1,043 sq km (24%) and Trengganu 853 sq km (19%).

In spite of being so far from the coast, most of the area (57%) lies below 305m above sea level. The Kuala Tahan  park headquarters is one of the the lowest point at 120m above sea level. There are several hills in the park above 1,000m elevation, including the highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia, Gunung Tahan at 2,187m, but there are no impressive high-altitude granite formations

Geology
The rainforest landscape has been geologically stable through out. Thus without any major geophysical upheaval, the forest has evolved relatively uninterrupted since primordial times.

The geology is sedimentary rocks, mainly sandstone and shale, with some scattered limestone outcrops and caves. Steeply tilted and folded sandstone outcrops are expose along the Sungei Tembeling, especially at Kuala Tahan and Kuala Keniam. Limestone outcrops are found at scattered locations, the highest of which is Gua Peningat (723m).
 

Rivers
The Taman Negara park basin is drained by the Sungai Tahan, which originates at the foot of Gunung Tahan massif, and by the Sungai Keniam and Sungai Sepia. The pristine rivers in Taman Negara boasting waterscapes from mirror-still reflections to wild rapids and scenic waterfalls. With exotic names such as Tembeling, Tahan, Trenggan and Relau, these sungai or rivers including the tributaries and streams together number in the hundreds. Their waters range from crystal clear to coffee brown from the natural soil sediments. Rainforest rivers like these, which flow from peat soil virgin mountain forest catchments with no major human settlement or cultivation alongside, are now rare in the world.

Flora and Fauna
Malaysia is one of the 12th mega biodiversity areas in the world and Taman Negara's tropical rainforest indeed is one of the world's most complex and rich ecosystem. The park is home to about 14,000 species of plants and trees more than other forest in the world. There are more than 2,400 species of flowering plant, 200 species of mammals, 350 species of birds, 67 species of snakes, 55 species of frogs, 80 species of bat, 30 species of rats and 109 species freshwater fishes (15 species endemic to Taman Negara).

The vegetations is primary rainforest and can be classified into four main groups:

• Lowland dipterocarp forest

• Hill dipterocarp forest

• Montane oak forest

• Montane ericaceous forest

 The tualang trees (kompassia excelsea), the tallest tree in South East Asia are mostly found on the plains along with a variety of hardwoods such as meranti (shores spp.) and keruing (dipterocarps spp.). Epiphytes such as ferns and rare species of orchids are abundant here, while oaks, laurel and conifers are found on the intermediate slopes.

Cultural Heritage
Bronze aged artefacts have been recovered from Tembeling valley, between the Sungai Yong and Sungai Sepia. Archaeologist consider this to be one of the richest prehistoric sites in the country. The latest findings is at Gua Bewah and Gua Taat which is believed dating back to the Neolithic Age (400 BC).

main access points

Entrance to Taman Negara
Taman Negara can be accessed either by road or by river boat from 4 main entry point; Kuala Tahan, Sungai Relau, Kuala Koh and Tanjung Mentong, from 3 different states; Pahang, Trengganu and Kelantan.

These four different entrance to Taman Negara will offer you with a unique difference adventure experience.

south entrance

Kuala Tahan aerial view

Kuala Tahan, Jerantut
Kuala Tahan is located in the Central Pahang of Peninsular Malaysia. It lies about 215 km northwest of Kuantan, the state capital of Pahang, and about 60 km off Jerantut, the closest point of getaway to Taman Negara.

The most popular entry point, either by scenic boat ride via Sungei Tembeling river or driving up the rural road to Kuala Tahan village.This entryway has the most number and choice of accommodation and food, as well as all types of recreational activities and facilities.

In this website, most of the articles will cover more on this most popular entrance to Taman Negara.
 

( Kuala Tahan during normal day & monsoon )

west entrance

 Gunung Tahan climbing, bird watching and fish feeding activities can be done at Taman Negara, Sungai Relau, Merapoh.

Sungai Relau, Merapoh
The Sungai Relau entry point, of which Merapoh is the nearest small town, is marked by limestone hills with number of caves. This point is the closest and easiest to conquer Gunung Tahan. Please note that fishing is forbidden here as it is a fish-breeding sanctuary; instead you feed the fish and call them  meals by a unique method.

Getting There
You can either drive or take the public transport, passing through the towns of Kuala Lipis by south  or Gua Musang by north along the Kuala Lumpur-Kota Bahru road. Those taking the train disembark at Merapoh Stations or Gua Musang Stations.

Accommodations

• Sungai Relau Information Centre

  Hostel	40 beds	RM10 per person
  Rest House	13 units	please call
  Camping Ground	50 persons	RM1 per person

• Sungai Juram

  Hostel	60 beds	RM10 per person
  Camping Ground	50 persons	RM1 per person

• 4WD Transfer (Sungai Relau to Sungai Juram)

  One way transfer	RM7.50 per person
  Return transfer	RM15.00 per person

Recreational Activities

Climbing Gunung Tahan
One main activity here is the climb Gunung Tahan, which takes about 3 days to and fro, less than the 7 days via Kuala Tahan or more from Kuala Koh.

Night Walk & Night Safary
Both activities involve guided excursions at night with flash lights, as most animals are more active during night. While "Night Walk" is just trek-walking, the other involves a 4WD ride further afield. Potentially seen are the wild-cat, fox, wild boar, slow loris and many others.

Cave Explorations
Two interesting caves near here can be explored. Gua Gajah about 5.5km away is named after the elephants that are often seen in the area. Gua Peningat about 8.8km away is a honey bee sanctuary.

River Activities
The clear and refreshingly cool river here is ideal for swimming or rubber tubing.

Fish-feeding
This is a designated fish sanctuary area, especially for kelah species, so fishing is prohibited. A popular activity here is to watch the fresh-water fish up close in their natural habitat and to feed them-most amazingly they can be summoned ringing a bell!.

Bird Watching
Early morning and evening are the best times to see local birds in the Sungai Relau area, with more than 300 species previously identified.

north entrance

 Contact us

Or

Dept. of Wildlife & National Park
Kuala Koh Office: 609 9122940

More variety species of bamboo can be found at Taman Negara Kuala Koh compare from other entrance of Taman Negara.

A few Rafflesia site have been identified  and protected over here. Cooperation with local people and orang asli is crucial in order to sustain the survival of this rare species of plant.   

Kuala Koh, Kelantan
The entrance to the Kelantan side of Taman Negara was only opened in 1995. Although it is slope-filled area with many bamboo species, the name "Koh" comes from the local Kelantanese name for a type of palm; known in standard Malays as "palma daun payung" and is seen along the upper estuarues at 1,000m high. Kuala Koh is also a historic area where Mat Kilau, a malay warrior who fought against British occupation, lived in and launched his resistance efforts. This entryway is said to have the best potential for wildlife sightings, maybe due to the denser undisturbed jungle.

Getting There
Visitors can either drive or take the public transport to Kuala Koh from Gua Musang in Kelantan. There is a road connecting this park entrance to the Gua Musang-Kuala Krai main road.

Accommodations

Recreational Activities

Bird Watching
Some of the rarer dense jungle birds are among the over 200 species seen here. Experienced bird watchers have been known to spot more than 150 species within a few days.

Wildlife Photography
Again due to the dense unspoilt jungle and undulating terrain, this area may afford more opportunity as a photographer's paradise. Explore the limitless possibilities with a variety of flora and fauna.

Observation Hides
An overnight stay at the Bumbun Impian high hide, about 30 minutes hike from Kuala Koh, may reward you with views of the shy tropical wildlife visiting the salt lick nearby.

Fishing
There are some great fishing spot here. However, take note that in certain river, fishing is prohibited as these rivers are designated breeding grounds for local species of fish.

Orang Asli Aboriginal Settlement
Visit the friendly native inhabitants, the Batek, and let them regale you with ancient jungle tales as they demonstrate their fascinating blow-pipe and fire-making skills.

Climb Gunung Tahan
The trail to Gunung Tahan from Kuala Koh offers n alternative route to the Kuala Tahan and Merapoh-Sungai Relau trails. The Kuala Koh trail is more challenging and rigorous, as climbers have to go through steep ridges.

Suspended Bridge, Canopy Walkway and the Ara Circle
Several interesting jungle trails available. One of them is located across the river, where visitors make their way via suspended bridge and on to a canopy walkway. A highlight not to be missed is an aged circle of giant ara (ficus spp.) roots that you can walk in and under, giving a magical feel. There is also newly-discovered rare Rafflesia trail.

Kayaking or Rafting
The crystal-clear rivers around Kuala Koh provide the perfect spots for kayaking or bamboo rafting from Kuala Pertang to Kuala Koh. The trips take about 2 hours.

east entrance

 Contact us

Or

Dept. of Wildlife & National Park
Trengganu Office: 609 6221460

Most of the elephant captured by Wildlife Department will be reallocated and released back to their normal habitat. Taman Negara Tanjung Mentong is one of the important sites for this project.

Tanjung Mentong, Tasik Kenyir
This entrance into Taman Negara is quite different from the rest as it passes through the Tasik Kenyir, Southeast Asia's largest man-made lake at 260,000 hectares and a nature recreation are in itself. A southern arm of the lake lies within Taman Negara containing some interesting caves and submerged forest views not found at the other entryways.

Getting There
Visitors can reach Tanjung Mentong through the 2 jetties in Gawi or Jenagor,  all in Trengganu. The town of Kuala Berang is the nearest town. The motorboat trip cuts across Tasik Kenyir in about 45 minutes.

Accommodations

Recreational Activities

Fishing
Due to the lake environment, there are some great fishing spots here. However take note that in Sungai Cacing, fishing is off limits as it is designated breeding area for local species of fish such as kelah.

Scenic and Wildlife Photography
Again due to the lake with its submerged jungle trees and many hill islands, this area may afford the opportunity as photographer's paradise. Explore the limitless possibilities with a variety of flora and fauna.

Cave Explorations
There are 2 important caves, Gua Bewah and Gua Taat, the later has yielded Stone Age discoveries. Archaelogist have found artifacts such as kitchen utensils, axes and tools dating back to the Neolithic Age (400 BC). Interestingly, the mouth of the cave would have been high up the hill and was only made more accessible once the man-made Tasik Kenyir filled up.

Climbing Gunung Gagau
This popular mountain-climbers destination in Taman Negara at 1,367m affords views of all 3 states in the park from its peak.

entrance requirement

Guide in Action!

Guides can be categorized based on their knowledge and experienced. Quality guides can made your visit to Taman Negara a memorable experience. If you really need the specialist guide, please arrange in advance before your arrival. All of us is not a perfect human so if you feel your knowledge is better and update, share with them. By exchange your knowledge may help us producing quality and responsible guides.

Permit, License & Guides
Each visitor must obtain permit and license from any Wildlife Department Information Counter before you entering the park.

The rate are as follow:-

• Entry permit- RM1 per person

• Camera License- RM5 per unit

• Fishing License- RM10 per rod

• Hide Fees- RM5 per night per person

• Camping Fees (Kuala Tahan Base Camp)- RM5 per person per night

• Camping Fees (Inside Park)-RM2 per person per night

• Canopy Walkway Entrance- RM5 per entrance

You can do your own trekking for simple trail around the Head Quarters but for internal jungle trekking and mountain climbing, it is advisable and compulsory to take local nature guides. One guide can can lead up to 12 people. The fee is very reasonable compare to cost of your safety during trekking. The guide fee as below:-

Park & Recreational Guide

• Standard Guide- RM150 per day

• Overnight Guide Charge- RM50 per night

• Senior Guide- RM180 to RM300 per day

• Specialized Guide (Bird watching , botanical, jungle survival)- from RM250 to RM500 per day

Mountain Climbing Guide & Porters

Trek 01: Starting Point from Kuala Tahan

• Kuala Tahan-Gunung Tahan-Kuala Tahan
  RM1200 per guide/ ( 7 Days 6 Nights )

• Kuala Tahan-Gunung Tahan-Sungai Relau
  RM1200 per guide/ ( 7 Days 6 Nights)         

Trek 02: Starting Point from Sungai Relau

• Sg Relau-Gunung Tahan-Sg Relau
  RM600 per guide/ ( 4 Days 3 Nights)

• Sg Relau-Gunung Tahan-Kuala Tahan
  RM1200 per guide/ (7 Days 6 Nights )

• Sg Relau-Gunung Tahan- 4 Steps Waterfall-Kuala Tahan
  RM1600 per guide/ ( 9 Days 8 Nights )

Guide can be request at Wildlife Department Counter, resorts or floating restaurant operator. Before you engaged their services guide please make sure the following:-

• Hire Licensed Nature Guide only ( you can request or refer to their green badge ), City Guide is totally not allowed to do nature guiding.

• Make sure the guides can speak English well. This is to avoid wrong information's or miscommunications.

• Inform and specify your expectations of the activities to them, so they can prepare and plan well.

• When hiring guides, please make sure priority the local kampung guides. You can help to improve the villager socio-economy, since this is their only sources of income

For detail, please contact us or Wildlife Department Office ( Kuala Tahan- 609 266 1122/ Sungai Relau- 609 912 4894) or Persatuan Pemandu Pelancong Taman Negara ( Committee: Mr Amzani Deris/ +6017 9228932 )