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Taman Negara, Pahang |
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Taman Negara, Malaysia’s premier park and the largest in the country extends
over some 434,300 hectares of primary forests, more than 130 million years old.
Even as early as 1939, conservation was of primary concern. The park was
established for the sole purpose of protecting and preserving the flora and
fauna indigenous to the area. Located within the park is Peninsular Malaysia’s
highest mountain, Gunung Tahan, 2,187 metres above sea level. A range of
comfortable accommodation is provided by the Taman Negara Resort at the Park
Headquarters at Kuala Tahan. The restaurant outlets there also ensure that you
do not go hungry amidst nature’s wilderness. With so much to see and do, a trip
to Taman Negara is a must on your itinerary. |
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It’s Vegetation Galore For Botanists. The lowland areas are dominated by dipterocarps and lush
riverine vegetation. Epiphytes such as ferns and rare species of orchids are
abundant here. Oaks and laurels are found higher up, on the intermediate
slopes. The vegetation in the summit regions are typically of the dwarf upper
montane varieties with palm flora, namely the Livingstonia tahanensis, being in
abundance. |
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Bird Watchers, Prepare To Feast Your Eyes. As many as 250 species of birds have been identified so
far. Commonly seen are hornbills. Fireback pheasants many be spotted along
jungle trails while fishing eagles and kingfishers usually flit along the
riverbanks. The Sungai Tahan is a favourite habitat of the masked finfoot.
Other exotic species to be found here include the broadbill, drongo and
blue-throated bee-eater. |
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Anyone Game for Mammals. These are usualt to be found inhabiting the lowlands and
include the Malayan gaur or seladang, sambar deer, barking deer, wild pigs,
tapir, elephants, tigers, leopards, sun bears and the Sumatran rhinoceros.
However, sightings of these mammal species are quite rare; due to part to the
density of vegetation and the shy nature of these animals. |
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Lords Of The Tree Tops. If primates are more your cup of tea, be prepared for
some stiff necks as you look out for them among the tree tops. The long-tailed
macaque inhabit the riverbanks while the leaf monkey may be spotted on the
upper branches. Family groups of gibbons and siamang stick to the forest canopy
from which their laud chatter may be heard. |
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Planning an Itinerary |
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Depending on your interest and inclinations, a stay at
the Park may take anything from 2 to 4 days for some; and maybe even more for
others. There is so much to see and do to fill your days. |
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Jungle Walks Amidst Sheer Tranquility. Opt for leisurely walks through the lowland forests
along scenic jungle paths beautifully landscaped by Mother Nature. Immerse
yourself in the sights and sounds of the jungle as you cross clear bubbling
streams beneath the shades of centuries old trees. |
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A short walk of 1.5 km (from the Resort) brings you to
the Canopy Walkway, a suspension bridge of strong ropes, cable, net and wood
hanging 40 metres above the ground! The walkway offers visitors a scenic walk
among the tree tops to observe nature at close range. |
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Jungle Trekking For The More Energetic. The more active might prefer the tougher challenge of
jungle trekking along the numerous trails in the park. Trekking along these
trails may take as long as 9 days and require a certain level of fitness but
for some, it is a more rewarding experience of an authentic jungle adventure. |
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Scaling The Highest Peak. Gunung Tahan offers the adventurous, the heady
excitement and challenge of mountain climbing. The journey up and down the
mountain takes an average of 9 days. Pervious jungle trekking experience would
of course be an added advantage though not necessarily a prerequisite. |
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Thrills And Spills Of Trips Up River. The more adventurous would perhaps prefer shooting the
seven powerful rapids of the Sungai Tembeling. The 9.1 km ride takes 45
minutes. Hang on tight to your seat and be prepared to get drenched. |
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Landing Your Catch. Sungai Keniam is the most popular spot for fishing while
the more placid waters of the pools at the lower reaches of Sungai Tahan are
also known to be teeming with fish. The best times for fishing are February,
March, July and August. The Kelah, known for its speed and weighing as much as
20 lbs offers an irresistible challenge to even the experienced angler. |
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Exploring The Mysteries of Nature’s Cave. Two notable caves within the park area are Gua Daun
Menari at Kuala Keniam and Gua Telinga, less than an hour’s walk from Kuala
Tahan. The former attracts visitors with its interesting rock formation and
unique wildlife. Gua Telinga is a limestone cave carved by a stream, another
fine example of nature’s ingenuity. |
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Observing Wild Life As Darkness Descends. This is a nocturnal activity well worth the effort.
There are 6 hides scattered around the Park. Within the relative safety of
these hides, overlooking the salt licks and clearings, visitors get a chance to
observe the animals as they come to lick up the water and soil for essential
salts for their body. |
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Orang Asli Settlement. Visit Kampung Yong, home to the Batek tribe. Gain some
insights into the life of the Orang Asli and see how they hunt and survive in
the wilds. |
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Bird Watching. Another popular activity within the park. The keen bird
watcher will surely not leave the park without spotting at least a few of the
250 species reputedly to be found here. |
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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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The staging point for visits to the Park is Kuala
Tembeling from which a 3-hour boat ride upriver takes you to Kuala Tahan.
Another alternative route into the park is thought Sungai Relau, 7km from the
town of Merapoh. |
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By Road |
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From Kuala Lumpur, a 3-hour drive takes you to Jerantut.
Then proceed 16km 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 for Jerantut and from there,
take a local bus or taxi to Kuala Tembeling. |
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By Rail |
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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 walk to the jetty.
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Kuala Tahan Sungai Relau Tmentong
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