Taman Negara Main Entrance

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, 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.

West Entrance : 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

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: 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 and 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 : 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.