Taman Negara, the Premiere National
Park in Malaysia, showcases an ancient natural habitat, which
includes waterfalls, jungle trails, wildlife, fishing hole�s,
camping grounds and much more. The best time to visit the park is
between February and December.
Initially established in 1938 as the King George V National Park, it
was renamed to Taman Negara which literally means "national park" in
Malay. With a area of 4,343 sq km, and encompasses three states -
Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu, with Pahang having largest area.
 Older
than the Congo or Amazon, the tropical rain forest of Taman Negara
(National Park) has been developed into a famous ecotourism
destination in Malaysia. Attractions here include Gunung Tahan,
which is the highest mountain in Peninsula Malaysia. The park is
also home of some rare mammals, such as the Indochinese Tiger,
Sumatran Rhinoceros, Malayan Gaur (seladang) and Asian Elephant.
Tahan River has been preserved to protected the Malaysian mahseer (ikan
kelah in Malay), a type of game fish.
 Others
attractions found near Kuala Tahan (Park headquarters for Pahang)
include a canopy walkway, Gua Telinga caves, Lata Berkoh and the
rapids.
It is home to Malaysia�s aborigines, the Orang Asli. A shy yet
gentle race, they continue to live the nomadic way they�ve lived for
centuries. Orang Asli guides can be engaged for excursions to
specific areas in the Park, such as the various caves.
 Gunung
Tahan
The most challenging activity in the park is the trek up Gunung
Tahan, Peninsula Malaysia's highest summit, 2,187m high. The
recommended time for the 55 km climb and return trip is nine days.
All trekkers must be accompanied by guides from the wildlife and
National Park Department.
 Canopy
Walk
A visit to Taman Negara, however, is not complete until you have
done the canopy walk. The height whereby these bridges are suspended
with cables and ropes are quite high about 25 metres high and over
400 metres long. The walkway itself has steel piping on the lower
part of the bridge to hole the planks in place whereas tow strong,
stiff cables hold the ropes attached horizontally, middle and
vertically. It lies on the top layer of vegetation and allows you to
view the plant and animal species found here. The walkway starts
with almost a ninety - degree stairs climbing up to the highest
point, approx. 150 feet above sea level.
Over the years, although Malaysia has promoted Taman Negara as a
popular tourist destination, the government has taken careful steps
to ensure the conservation of the park's flora and fauna.
Two of the prominent places that one could stay and enjoy the
experience of this tropical rainforest is the Mutiara Taman Negara
and the Nusa Holiday Village. From here it is possible to join in on
the various activities.
 Accommodations
Accommodations include the rest house, chalets, and a hostel. The
Mutiara Taman Negara offers from the average to the upscale choice
of Malaysian styled wooden chalets and bungalows offering home
comforts while in the midst of the jungle. The Nusa Holiday Village
offers accommodations ranging from Malay house, Malay cottage ,
A-frame chalets and hostel dorm with rates catering for the average
to
the budget conscious.
RELATED LINKS
Taman Negara - Activities
& Places
Orang
Asli Settlements, Rapids, Bird Watching, Wildlife & Hides, Fishing,
Cave Exploration, Abai Waterfall, Warisan Hill, Kuala Tahan (Taman
Negara HQ), Canopy Walk, Teresek Hill, Lata Berkoh, Kuala Keniam /
Kuala Perkai
Taman Negara Area Map
Taman
Negara Area Map - Zoom in to View Gunung Tahan Area Map, Kuala
Perkai & Kuala Keniam Area Map and Kuala Tahan Area Map
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