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Kenong Rimba National Park, Pahang |
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Covering an area of about 121 sq. kilometers in the Kenong Valley, south-west
of Taman Negara is the Kenong Rimba Park. This scenic valley, traversed by
rippling mountain streams, is home to the Batek aboriginal tribe. Within the
park are magnificent limestone caves beneath which flows the Kenong River as it
meanders gently on its way.
The sense of tranquility and quite solitude is broken only by the merry
chirping of the birds and the cascading waterfalls. The almost magical quantity
of the surroundings inspires numerous intriguing folklore such as that of the
mango tree which bear such deliciously luscious fruits. You may eat as much as
your heart desires but you may not take home even a single fruit less you be
blighted with a curse. Folklore aside, there is much more to fascinate you
here. |
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Flora and Fauna |
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Floral Fiesta. Within the shade of the cool green
forests the keen nature lower is bound to spot some beautiful varieties of wild
orchids clinging on the bigger trees from which they derive their sustenance.
Here you will find an interesting variety of plant life that include
Tualang(Koopasia excelsa), the tallest tree in the tropical rainforest. Also in
abundance is the gigantic ficus tree “Pokok Ara”, popularly featured in many
local folklore, proverbs and rhymes. A profusion of pink and white water lilies
floating on the still green waters adds to the enchantment. |
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Fine Feathered Friends And Mammals. The area is home to birds such as the dove (Chalcophaps
indica) “merpati”, merbah red eye (Pycnonothus Prunneus) “merbah mata merah”
and Copsychus malabarius “murai batu” prized by bird lovers for their singing
ability. Mammals such as the prickly porcupine ehose spiky bristles spread out
menacingly at the first singht of danger, the deer (Tragulus javanicas)
“pelanduk”, Malatan Tapir (Tapirus indicus) or “tenuk” and elephants (Elephas
maximus) “gajah” may be found within the park. |
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Planning the Itinerary |
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The park provides ample opportunities for a variety of
adventure-filled activities. |
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Climbing. If you have a head for height, scale the steep rocky face of
Gunung Kesung and Gunung Putih. Chances are that you might be lucky enough to
see the footprints of the rare “Kambing Gurun” (mountain goat) so rare that
even chancing upon its footprint sets you apart from other less fortunate
individuals. Local folklore has it that the animal is reared by the “makluk
halus” (hairies) hence its elusiveness. |
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Caves Galore. The park boasts of a complex network of caves, each with
its own unique geological formation and fascinating legend. The most beautiful
is Gua Batu Tinggi the habitats of a variety of captivatingly lovely orchids
species. It is also the home to some beautiful birds and is perfect for natural
lovers and bird watchers. According to legend, the Sultan’s messenger and the
‘sampan’ (dug-out boat) he was in were changed into stone, at this very spot,
as result of the curse.Another notable cave is Gua Batu Tangga, whose rock
information bears an uncanny resemblance to a flight of stairs. Others caves
include, Gua Batu Tangkup and Gua Batu Telahup. Within the interior of Gunung
Kesung are several attractive caves which included Gua Kesung, Gua Hijau, Gua
Buta Gua Harimau. All these names are probably derived from the unique
geological formations making up the caves, suggesting an intriguing set of
fascinating legends. |
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Jungle Trekking. Nature lovers will be able to
appreciate the natural beauty of the park by venturing along the jungle trails.
Experienced guides will make the trip much more interesting with their rich
store of information and local folklore. Trekking are varies from 2 to 6 days
duration. |
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More Leisurely Activities. Air Terjun Tujuh
Tingkat (Seven step waterfalls) is Kenong’s very own waterfalls, a vision of
frothy white tumbling down into a clear rocky pool below. The spot is ideal for
swimming and relaxing picnics. It is also a good place to cast your line and
reel in your catch. |
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| Click here to check out more at Pahang's interesting destinations |
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How to get there |
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Transportation such as buses, taxis or selfdrive
vehicles are available from the major towns of Kuala Lumpur, Kuantan and Kota
Bharu to Kuala Lipis, the staging point to the Park. Kuala Lipis is also
accessible by train from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Kota Bharu. |
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For the 4-wheeler adventures you are may opt for a 2
houroverland trip via Felda Kectau. |
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Visitors are advised to get special permit from District
Forest Officer. |
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Located just off the edge of the Pulau Redang Marine
Park, Perhentian's coral-fringed waters have excellent underwater seascapes for
snorkelling and scuba diving.
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