visiting taman negara

  • visiting season 2007

  • booking your package

  • useful information

 

 

Unbelievable! I found Naomi Campbell Junior (an indigenous  girl) deep inside the jungle of Taman Negara.

 

Taman Negara has a tropical climate with daily temperatures at Kuala Tahan range from 25-37°C with high humidity (>80%). At the summit of Gunung Tahan the temperature can drop down to 13°C. Annual rainfall is 2260mm. Rainfall is heavy all through the year, but especially so during the north-east monsoon from October to January (about 270mm/mth). Then flooding might occur in large tracts of the rainforest. March is the driest month (50mm/mth).

March to September is a good time to visit the park not only is it drier part of the year, it also the main breeding season for most species in Taman Negara.

Nowadays, Taman Negara is open for public through out the year. If you intend to visit during the monsoon, please check the weather and river water level conditions using the Malaysian Meteorological Services (MMS) and Drainage &  Irrigation Department (DID) links below.

Weekly Taman Negara Weather Forecast

Real Time Taman Negara River Level

Pahang Flood Monitoring Station

Sungai Pahang River Level Forecast
 

 

Entrance Point at Canopy Walkway      Top ( traffic jam & tension during peak season). Below  ( more relax and enjoy, during normal season)

 

A few exotic and extinct species of river fish will swim up-stream during dry season for breeding

 

 

Why don't you try "Beraya" experienced! Visit villagers house during Hari Raya. You can eat for free!!

 

Visiting Season 2007

The best time to visit is during low season; less crowd, high potential to see wildlife, better attention and service from the guides and tourism operator. Taman Negara is at its most crowded during Malaysian holidays, Singaporean holidays and long weekends, so use the holiday charts below to plan your trip.
 

2007 HOLIDAYS MALAYSIA SINGAPORE
New Year's Day &

Hari Raya Haji

Mon 1 Jan

 

Mon 1 Jan

Tue 2 Jan

Awal Muharram Sat 20 Jan -
Chinese New Year Sun/Mon 18-19 Feb Sun-Tue 18-20 Feb
Prophet Muhammad's b/day Sat 31 Mar -
Good Friday - Fri 6 Apr
Labour Day Tue 1 May Tue 1 May
Vesak Day Tue 1 May Thu 31 May
King's birthday Sat 2 Jun -
National Day Fri 31 Aug Thu 9 Aug
Hari Raya Puasa Sat-Sun 13-14 Oct* Sat 13 Oct
Deepavali Thu 8 Nov* Thu 8 Nov*
Hari Raya Haji Thu 20 Dec Thu 20 Dec
Christmas Day Mon 25 Dec Mon 25 Dec
     
School vacation 9-18 Mar 10-18 Mar
School vacation 25 May -10  Jun 26 May - 24 Jun
School vacation 17-25 Aug 1-9 Sep
School vacation 16 Nov - 1 Jan '08 17 Nov - 31 Dec

 * subject to change

The busiest months are from May to September, in particular June as that coincides with school holidays both in Malaysia and Singapore. To avoid crowds, go on weekdays when it's not school holidays or public holidays. March and October are perfect for "less human". Going at different times of the year may offer seasonal encounters with certain wildlife and birds. For example, the exotic  malayan mahseer and endangered giant temoleh fish will go up-stream for breeding during dry seasons while August to September is probably the best month to spot migratory birds.

In most parts of Malaysia, weekends fall on Saturday and Sunday. In Terengganu and Kelantan states, Thursdays and Fridays are weekend days, with Friday a full off-day as many of the local Muslim residents visit the mosques for Friday prayers. Normally during Friday, all activities will be finished before 12.30pm and start again at 03.00pm after  prayer. So don't be surprised and respect Malaysia multi-religious culture.

During the first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Aidil Adha, most of the activities, boats, canopy walkways, Wildlife Office and restaurants will only start their operation at 10.00am after Hari Raya prayer and family gathering. So, either you can wake up late or visit or "Beraya" to villagers house. They will definitely will welcome and serve you with a full variety of delicious local food such as rendang, ketupat and lemang.

 

 

You can save your cost and enjoy your holiday in Taman Negara by traveling in small groups.

 

 

Kuala Tembeling Jetty. One of the popular entry point to Taman Negara

Boat Counter, Waiting Area, Restaurant, Safe Parking Area

 

 

Booking Your Package

Most visitors will book a tour package in advance that includes accommodation, meals and transfers. This is the simplest and smoothest way to get to Taman Negara. Only major resorts and tour operator provide transfer from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Kuala Tembeling to Taman Negara. Basically boat transfer to Taman Negara is operated by local people and coach transfer is run by tour company, so you need to get the right contact persons to ensure the smooth journey. This matter should be no problems if you drive or arrange your own vehicles direct to Kuala Tahan, Taman Negara.

 To book a package, follow the 3 simple steps below:


 Decide when to visit. Use the holiday chart shown above to decide when to visit Taman Negara. Many resorts impose additional surcharges for peak season only. Standard rate will apply for normal weekend and weekdays. So far there's no resort operator offering low rates for off-peak season.

 Book your package. Use the tour package (if you prefer to use our service) or Resorts section of this website to help you plan your holiday, then book directly with the resort or through our services. Adventure packages typically different depends on your budget, type of resorts, mode of transportation or size of your groups.

 Get to Kuala Tahan, Taman Negara. You can drive, take a coach or by train to Kuala Tembeling Jetty before catch your boat to Taman Negara or just drive your own car direct to Kuala Tahan of  Taman Negara. If you are making your own travel arrangements to get to Taman Negara, refer to the transport section or check with the resort for more information as you need to coordinate land and boat transfer schedules to ensure you have enough time to catch your boat departure from Kuala Tembeling. If you prefer not to make your own travel arrangements, please look for an adventure packages from us or resorts or other travel operators that also includes return transfer from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Kuala Tembeling.

If you're making your own way to Jerantut and need pickup, make sure you tell the resort or travel agent your date and time of arrival in Jerantut and the train or coach details. You should also inform them of your return trip details so they can advise you when you should check out to catch your boat back to the Jerantut for your connecting train or coach.

Useful Informations
   

telephone

If you need to be contacted in case of emergencies, give the number of the resort to the people who may need to get in touch with you or bring your mobile phone - there is strong MAXIS, DIGI and CELCOM mobile signal coverage in Kuala Tahan, Taman Negara where most resorts are located.

 

   

internet

Now you can get connected to internet during your visit to Taman Negara. Upload your websites, checking your e-mail or browsing information can be done at a few internet kiosk in Kuala Tahan and at all major resort. The internet line still not "digital" yet, so be patience. The charging rate is competitive, you can ask for discounts if you planning to use for long hours.

   

postal service

Postal service is not so efficient in Taman Negara . There's only one Post Box available at Taman Negara, located next to the Wildlife Office. My advised to you, "do your postal business when you're back to town".

   

cash & currency

 

Almost all operators of chalet, guides fee, internal boat, snacks and tidbits in Taman Negara accept cash transaction only. Only a few resorts accept credit card payment. There is no cash withdrawal machine (ATM) and reliable money changer at Kuala Tahan, so make sure you sort out the "cash" matters before entering  Taman Negara. The last stop over for the financial transactions is in Jerantut town.. You can withdrawal cash from ATM, cash your travelers cheque or change the currency at  a few commercial banks namely CIMB Bank, Public Bank or Maybank. Please note that bank operations hours from 9.30am to 3.30pm only and closed on Saturday and Sunday. The currency changer transaction limit to RM2'500.00 per day. (For your convenience we do accept genuine foreign currencies at a competitive rate for special cases. Please let us know 24 hours before usage.)
 

   

medical assistant

 

There is  a 24 hours Government Community Polyclinic located in the heart of Kuala Tahan that provide service for local and also tourist. So there is no need to bring a lot of first-aid supplies, just your own personal medication. Emergency medical cases are usually rushed back by stand by ambulance to the Jerantut Hospital for further treatment.
 

   

beer, liquors & nightlife

 

99% of the populations in Taman Negara are Muslims and they are not allowed to drink beer or liquor. But for Non-Muslims, No Problems. Only two outlet selling beers and liquors, Mutiara Resorts and Woodlands Resort. The price is higher compare to market price but you've no choice. It's much cheaper if you bring your own stock but please drink at proper places.

"Clubbing", Sorry! Wrong place. No disco or pub available. Spend your nightlife with wildlife. Please refer activities.

   

security

 

Malaysia is a safe country. Just in case you face any unexpected problems during your visit, just lodged a report at nearby walking distance Taman Negara Police Stations. This stations, 24 hours opened located in the heart of Kuala Tahan.