This vast rainforest was established as a wildlife reserve to protect game animals in 1925. It is previously known as the King George V Park in 1939 before being renamed as Taman Negara. This Malaysia’s largest protected forest with an area of 4,343 km2 includes the headwaters of the Terrangan, Relai-Aring-Lebir and Tembeling Rivers. The latter meets the Tahan River at Kuala Tahan where the park headquarters and most of its facilities are situated. Taman Negara is one of the world’s oldest rainforests that is widely recognised for its diverse flora. The vegetation varies with location and altitude but is mostly lowland rainforest while montane forests flourish at higher elevations like Gunung Tahan at 2,187 m, Peninsular Malaysia’s highest peak. The park extends over Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu states and offers activities like jungle trekking, fishing, mountain climbing, caving, rafting, a canopy walk and birdwatching as well as relaxing in riverside resorts. Many of Peninsular Malaysia’s 14,000 plant species, 270 reptiles, 250 freshwater fish and 200 mammals survive in Taman Negara. Visitors can walk along trails through the lush understorey to admire the park’s complex flora.
Eventhough it is a home to many animals, seeing them is actually quite difficult in the rainforest. However, there are several of the animals hides near the salt licks, making it easier for visitors to see them. The park is a habitat for mammals, birds, reptiles, primates, carnivores and microfauna. The forests are home to the Asian Elephant, Sun Bear, leopards, cats, otters, gibbons, reptiles and birds. Animals like deer, squirrels, wild boars and monkeys are used to people and are easier to see foraging at the park headquarters. Hornbills like the Pied Oriental are just one of the 300 bird species that can be sighted in Taman Negara. Birdwatchers also seek rare sightings like the Crested Fireback and Mountain Peacock Pheasant. Most visitors explore the park via jungle treks or boat rides along the forest-lined rivers. While some walks are short, the seven-day ascent of Gunung Tahan appeals to experienced climbers. Popular trails are well formed with boardwalks, steps or rope pulls in steep sections. A stroll through the canopy on the 450-m long canopy walk is an essential activity as it provides elevated views of the forest and views down to the understorey.
Taman Negara is home to the Batek Orang Asli, some of whom lead semi-nomadic lives within the forest. Some communities welcome visitors to experience their lifestyle and forest survival skills like hunting with blowpipes and poisonous darts. Mutiara Taman Negara Resort is located at the park entrance and its restaurant serves local and classic Western dishes. Specialty fish dishes include ikan patin and ikan kelah fished from the park’s rivers. Small resorts and budget accommodation are situated in Kuala Tahan village opposite the Mutiara resort. Visitors can admire the view from Bukit Awan northeast of Kuala Tahan on the road to Kampung Kuala Sat. Kampung Kuala Sat offers adventurous river activities and is an emerging new gateway to Taman Negara. Visitors are rewarded with untouched forests, simple village life, and some thrilling adventures along Sungai Sat, a tributary of the Tembeling River. Activities are led by the local community and include river excursions to Bentong Camp, while comfortable accommodation is available in the neighbouring village. Visitors need to allocate at least two days to experience just a few rainforest experiences in and around Taman Negara. While it is possible to drive to Kuala Tahan, many visitors travel there by boat from Kuala Tembeling Jetty near Jerantut to Kuala Tahan. This is due to the fact that Jerantut is the closest train station to the national park.
