National Park (Taman Negara)

Introduction to Taman Negara, Malaysia’s Premier National Park

Taman Negara is Malaysia’s national treasure – the world’s oldest tropical rainforest that dates back 130 million years ago. No holiday or vacation in Malaysia is complete without a visit to TAMAN NEGARA. The diversity of its fauna and flora is a result of undisturbed evolution over 130 million years.

Taman Negara is a particularly favorable destination for trekking, as the park’s remarkable biodiversity is matched by a good network of jungle trails and the availability of expert guides. The park is also noted for fishing, especially along the upper reaches of the Tahan or Kenyam rivers, and for rafting the rapids of Sungai Tembeling.

It also hosts Gunung Tahan (2,187 meters), Peninsular Malaysia’s highest peak – its vistas haven’t changed since the Ice Ages. Climbing the mountain is an unforgettable experience. Due to the scarcity of water along the route, the journey must be done in two stages, and an experienced guide is compulsory. At least three days are required for the journey to the summit and back. And a treasure trove of other beautiful mountains, hills, rivers, caves, coves, rapids as well as waterfalls – all teeming with life!

On the southern edge is Kuala Tahan, the park’s headquarters, linked to the outside world by river. A three-hour river trip is the only overland route; an alternative is to take a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Taman Negara.

Flora Fauna: Over 10,000 species of plants, 250 kind of birds. Local mammals include mouse deer, barking deer, wild ox, and numerous monkey species. Tapir, elephant, leopard and tiger also present, though not easy to spot.

Taman Negara – Come discover Malaysia’s living treasure, today!

History

Taman Negara was declared for conservation in 1938 and has become Malaysia’s premier national park and the largest in the country covering over 4343 square kilometres (434,300 hectares) of primary forest, spans across three states Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang – and is situated in the centre of the Peninsula Malaysia. Taman Negara is the most extensive protected area of pristine, lowland, evergreen rainforest in the country. Taman Negara originated from a Pahang State Legislation in 1925 and in the district of Jerantut. Over 1300 square kilometres of tropical jungle in its natural state was designated “THE GUNUNG TAHAN GAME RESERVE”. This became the National Park in 1938 when the Sultan of Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan set aside the present area, and named it the “KING GEORGE V NATIONAL PARK”. After Independence, the name was changed to TAMAN NEGARA. The stated purpose of Taman Negara is “to utilise the land within the park in perpetuity, for the propagation, protection and preservation of indigeneous flora and fauna”. With so much to see and do, a trip to Taman Negara is a must on your itinerary.