Monday, April 7, 2008

Malaysia National Park (Taman Negara) – Malaysia Tourist Attractions

Mother Nature's Treasure Trove
Spread out over 4,343 sq. km. of the formidable Titiwangsa Mountain Range is Taman Negara - One of the world's oldest tropical rainforest. A sanctuary to hundreds of species of birds, butterflies, insects, fish and plants. Home to Malaysia's friendly aborigines, the Orang Asli. A shy yet gentle race, they continue to live the nomadic way they've lived for centuries although fully aware of the country's fast-paced progress.

Come discover the living treasures Mother Nature has to offer. Whether it's shooting thrilling rapids, exploring spectacular caves, tackling a 20-pound fish, scaling up Peninsular Malaysia's highest mountain, trekking through dense, tricky forest pathways or swimming in crystal clear pools, Malaysia's National Park is a natural paradise you must experience. An adventure of a lifetime awaits you here.

A 130 Million Year Old Park
Taman Negara straddles the interior border regions of Kelantan, Pahang and Terengganu, boasting a continuous evolutionary history that spans 130 million years. Owing to a state legislation in 1925, about 1,300 sq. km. of tropical jungle in its natural state was designated the Gunung Tahan Game Reserve. In 1939, the three sultans of the above-mentioned states declared the area a national park. It was renamed King George V National Park. Following the nation's independence from the British in 1957, the park was officially given the name it goes by now.

Over the years, although Malaysia has promoted Taman Negara as a popular tourist destination, the goverment has taken careful steps to ensure the conservation of the park's flora and fauna. All developments or upgrading programmes to cater for tourists are carried out only after consultation with environmental experts.

Sights to behold
Taman Negara holds an endless list of exhilarating sights and exciting activities for you. Let your spirit of adventure take you on an unforgettable tour of nature. After all, it did wait 130 million years for you.

Observation Hides
Spend a night in one of these and try to spot a bear or any of the park's other animals as they quench their thirst at the salt licks located a mere few feet away.

Orang Asli Settlements
One such settlement is Kampung Yong where you can get a better insight into one of Malaysia's aboriginal people, the Batek.

Bird-Watching
With over 350 species of birds which include Drongos, Malkohas, and the Pied Hornbills, the park is naturally one of the premier bird-watching sports in the region.

Cave Exploration
Encounter spectacular rock formations and a great variety of life within the mystifying interiors of the numerous caves here. Gua Telinga, Gua Kepayang and Gua Daun Menari are among the more popular caves.

Shooting The Rapids
A must for thrillseekers. Travel upstream from Kuala Tahan on Sungai Tembeling and experience 45 minutes of sheer thrill as you and your boatmates negotiate seven sets of rapids.

Jungle Trekking
Nothing beats a closer loom at the 10,000 or more species of flora that can be found in this jungle paradise.

Gunung Tahan
The trail leading up Peninsular Malaysia's highest peak is 55 km. from the Taman Negara Resort. The climb is strenuous and demands sound physical and mental fitness.

Bukit Teresek
Located just 1.7 km. from the resort, it takes you only about 45 minutes to reach the hilltop.

Lata Berkoh
A great picnic and swimming location surrounded by an inspiring natural landscape.

Canopy Walkway
Installed about 30 metres high and stretching over 400 metres, this is the world's longest canopy walkway, From here, you get a closer look at life at the top of the world's oldest tropical rainforest.

Angling
Make a trip to the upper reaches of the Tahan or Kenyam rivers. What a challenge it'll prove tackling a 20 pound Kelah, a fish that will thrill even the most sessoned fisherman.

How to get there

The staging point for visits to the Park is Kuala Tembeling from which a 3-hour boat ride upriver takes you to Kuala Tahan, the park headquarters. Boats depart from Kuala Tahan at 9.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. daily, except for Fridays when the afternoon departure is at 2.30 p.m. Taman Negara Resort also operates a speedboat service that take only 45 minutes to reach Kuala Tahan. The speedboat leaves Kuala Tembeling at 10.30 a.m. and 1.30 p.m. daily.

How to get to Kuala Tembeling

By Road
From Kuala Lumpur, a 3-hour drive takes you to Jerantut. Then proceed 16 km north to Kuala Tembeling.Jerantut bound taxis may be found at the Pudu Raya Bus Terminal in Kuala Lumpur.Alternatively, take a bus from the Jalan Tun Razak Bus Station in Kuala Lumpur for Jerantut and from there, take a local bus or taxi to Kuala Tembeling.

By Rail
Kuala Tembeling is also accessible from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Kota Bharu (via Tumpat) by rail. Trains from these stations stop at Tembeling Halt, about half an hour's drive to the jetty at Kuala Tembeling.