Not even close to modern civilization exactly where Jungle makes its own road and take you thousand of years back era, Taman Nagara is world third oldest rainforest believed to be more than 130 million years old. There are so many places in Malaysia which attract thousand of tourists in a day. But When we talk about mother nature Taman Niagara obviously comes on top of the list. Basically Taman Negara is a National Park in Malaysia and consist of approximately 1677 miles of jungle, mountains and rivers.It’s a home of Countless numbers of species of creatures, including Asian elephants, monkeys, snakes and rare birds. It’s a place where you MUST go if you want to feel the REAL UN-CHANGED NATURE.
Taman Negara is shielded by a dense and green canopy. We can also say that it is one of the oldest rainforest on the earth. Taman Negara means “National Park” in the Malaysian language. Regardless, relatively easy access and an amazing infrastructure are blessings for many travelers every year. The park has over 250 species include birds and animals are there. When you go deeply into the jungle real wildlife comes to you. You will be surrounded by sweet birds sound and monkey as well. Although the park has lots of big animals, don’t dream to see big animals like tiger, elephant and leopards because it’s a massive park, which means that more often than not you possibly will not notice them.
Taman Negara Entrance Fees:
The Taman Negara entrance fee is reasonable. You get an approval of arrival from the headquarter. Cost they charged are as follows:
- Entrance Charges: RM 1 (US $0. 25 cents)
- Canopy Walk Entrance Fee: RM 1 (US 0.25 cent)
- Camera Permit Charges: RM 1 (US $2.5 per rod) per camera including smartphone
- Fishing Charges: (Fishing is no more permitted within the park. You are able to do free of charge If you fish at main river – A river at the border of Taman Negara)
Be aware: 10,000 RM fine will be imposed if identified anybody without permit.
You Would NOT Find any ATM or MONEY EXCHANGE around the park nor in Kuala Tahan so MAKE SURE you carry enough money (Better Malaysian)
Best Time to Visit Taman Negara:
Taman Negara always has rainfall throughout the year. It is the driest period is between Feburay and October. Best time to visit there are March and April as rain slows, but peak season has not kicked out yet. In November to January monsoon season for Taman Negara so AVOID to visit.
What to Pack for Taman Negara?
A flashlight is essential, especially if you are participating in one of the night walks. You also need hygiene items as well as sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Also, you need these things which will be helpful:
- Good hiking shoes
- Water bottle
- Mosquito spray
- Tall socks
- Small backpacks
- Salt or lemon (Check tips section at the end for details)
- Tent if you want own tent camping.
How to get Taman Negara from Kuala Lumpur?
Taman Negara is situated north east of Kuala Lumpur in Peninsular (West near to Jerantut town) . I went there some time ago with a group of friends. We were more than 10 peoples so hiring a bus proved to be low-cost for us. If you are venturing there solely don’t get disappointed. Since it’s a renowned hiking places in Malaysia therefore it is not hard to find public transportations. You can go there from various ways:
By Train:
Take the Jungle train from Mentakab the closest point by road to Kuala Lumpur and Kuantan to Wakaf Bharu the station nearest to Kota Bharu (via Merapoh – gateway to the less used gate into Taman Negara National Park or Jerantut – main entry way to Taman Negara National Park . As alternate option you are also able to hook Express and KTM trains to Jerantut railway station from KL. From Jerantut you can take 30-minute bus from to Kuala Tembeling ferry port from where you can take a boat to the park. Boats asking price RM75 ($18.40 USD) and it takes about another three hours.
Boat Schedule: Kuala Tembeling Jetty – Taman Negara
Departure at 1:30PM (Friday at 2:30PM)
Boat Schedule: Taman Negara – Kuala Tembeling Jetty
Departure at 9:00AM
By Bus
It’s four hours to go there by Bus. Buses and tourist vans run from the numerous points in Malaysia. Just as before Initially you involved getting to the Jerantut town. Kuala Lumpur to Jerantut by Perwira Ekspres 4 buses daily, then taxi to Kuala Temeling Jetty.
There is another option which can take you to directly to Kuala Tembeling. Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Tembeling Jetty with NKS Travel & Tours. On a daily basis, coaches at 8.30am. Kuala Tembeling. Kuala Tembeling Jetty from Kuala Lumpur. The minibus will leave Kuala Lumpur and arrive first at Sri Emas Hotel in Jerantut. After a 2-hour stop at Jerantut, the bus will continue on to Kuala Tembeling Jetty, then Kuala Tembeling to Taman Negara Kuala Tahan. Bus ticket cost between RM 35-45 depending on bus type etc.
NKS Transfer Services Transport by Shuttle Coach (Bus or Van)
Pickup Point:
8: 30 am Register at NKS Counter, Hotel Mandarin Pacific, Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur
9:00 am NKS Shuttle Coach departs to NKS Cafe, Jerantut, Pahang.
Drop off Point:
1:00 pm Estimated time arrive at NKS Cafe, Jerantut, Pahang.
Boat Schedule: Kuala Tembeling Jetty – Taman Negara
Departure by 1:30PM (Friday by 2:30PM)
Boat Schedule: Taman Negara – Kuala Tembeling Jetty
Departure by: 9:00AM
Where to Stay in Taman Negara?
If you don’t arrange accommodation as a part of your tour, you need not to worry about that. You find a better place or bed in Kuala Tahan. You can book a room in the Mutiara resort across the river. You can also book a room in the Yellow guest house with free tea and Wi-Fi.
Things to do in Taman Negara:
Holidaymakers pay a visit to Taman Negara for bird watching and jungle hiking.
Canopy Walk:
The most popular activity in Taman Negara is to cross the Canopy Walk. The bridge is 1738 foot long is suspended 130 feet in the air, allowing you to potentially spot of the monkeys and birds that call the home National Park. At some point as a result of heavy rains, canopy walk gets close. Particularly in the monsoon season (Nov to January).
Smell the Trees:
You can help the rangers to identify the smelling trees. The taste of this tree is like a Cola and the sap from one Species of the tree in the park smell.
Meet the Orang Asli:
The indigenous people settlements are found throughout the National Park; some are only accessible by boat. A visit usually included trying different juices and shooting a blowpipe gun.
Visit Park Headquarters:
You can enhance your visit by looking around the park headquarters. Very informative videos shown in the Interpretative room at 9:00 am, 3:00pm and 5:00pm
Visit the Village Opposite the Park
You should also check out the small town across the river by boat (RM 1 Fare). Food is also inexpensive in the village. On top of that, village peoples are extremely warm and friendly. You can look around the village quite possibly take pics of their residence – (of course request for permission)
Other Things to Do
There are many options to do in national parks. Caving is an option within the national park, as is “shooting” through rapids in speed boats. Self-guided and guided fishing is available
Swimming
There are small streams inside of the park where swimming can be done. You can do swimming there safely.
Hiking in Taman Negara
If weather permits, you will want to be outside enjoying the rainforest. Numerous hiking trails begin near park headquarters. Obviously, you need a guide for night excursions and longer treks. Always register in the park headquarters before setting off on your own, so someone knows where you are going. You should also know what to do during a monkey encounter.
Some Popular trail options are:
- Lata Berkoh
- Night Safaris
- Bukit Teresek
Food in the National Park:
After enjoying in National park, you can enjoy foods there. Along the river bank there are several floating restaurant where you can find both Malaysian and western food. Along with local fare, vegetarian and western food you can get in reasonable price. Fresh sea foods, especially Fish abundant there. Alcohol is not a thing really in Taman Negara. On every menu you will get a fresh juice. Frequent money spent for a basic meal is approximately RM 12- RM 14.
Climbing Gunung Tahan:
The tallest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia is Gunung Tahan, the most memorable adventure opportunity in Taman Negara is hiking to and then climbing Gunung Than. Tackling Gunung Tahan is challenging, although the summit at 7175 feet and almost 2187 meters does not sound very tall, but when compared with snowy peaks in the Himalayas, or even Gunung Kinabalu in Malaysian Borneo. Several Paths are available, however the most popular trails from Kuala Tahan requires around seven tough days to summit, trek and then return. The trail involves some river crossings and dense jungle.
Taman Negara Travelling Tips:
- Take Salt or lemon with you because you may encounter leeches. In that case you don’t need to do anything, just put salt or lemon on leeches it would go away.
- Don’t feed food to animals.
- There is no ATM, Bank or currency exchange around the park nor in Kuala Tahan so Carry sufficient cash .
- For those who have outdoor camping equipment, they can do free camping at the top. Compensated camping places also available in the park, which cost you between 5 to 10 RM.