• Home
  • Why Us
  • About
    • GlobalStar Travel Management
  • Corporate Travel
  • Packages
    • Domestic
      • Northern Region
      • Central Region
      • Southern Region
      • East Coast Region
      • East Malaysia
    • International
      • Australia
        • Experience
        • Undiscover
        • Self-Drive
      • New Zealand
  • Flight Booking
  • Travel Insurance
  • Airline Promotion
  • Blog
  • Disclaimer
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Notice
    • Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy
  • Contact Us
Show all

Escape to a Tropical Rainforest: Top 10 Things to Do at Taman Negara


Taman Negara National Park is Malaysia’s first and largest national park. Located at the juncture of Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu states, Taman Negara covers about 4,343 sq. km. of protected tropical rainforests that is one of the oldest in the world with the richest ecosystems. It was established in 1925 during the British Colonial period and was named the Gunung Tahan Game Reserve, and renamed ‘Taman Negara’ in 1957 after Malaysian Independence. 

How to get to Taman Negara?

Taman Negara is located around 3.5 hours drive by car from Kuala Lumpur. First, you would need to take a bus or drive to the town of Jerantut in Pahang. Once in Jerantut, make your way to Kuala Tahan, either by van or bus that are inexpensive and takes about 90 minutes, or going by boat from the Kuala Tembeling Jetty. Going by boat is much more expensive and takes about 2 to 3 hours journey, depending on the river condition that day, but it is the more scenic option. 

When is the best time to visit Taman Negara?

As expected of a rainforest, Taman Negara expects rainfall throughout the year. The driest months are between March and September; and the best months to visit are the spring months of March and April as it is mating season for many species of birds, making them easier to spot! 

Top 10 things you must do in Taman Negara

#1 Canopy walk

At 530m long and 40m above ground level, Taman Negara’s treetop canopy walkway is the longest in the world. Thus, this is definitely a No. 1 must-do activity in Taman Negara. Enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding tropical rainforest flora and fauna. 

#2 Hike up Gunung Tahan or Bukit Teresek

The Gunung Tahan trek is the longest in Taman Negara! Starting from the Central Park HQ in Kuala Tahan, the trail is around 53km and usually takes visitors seven days and six nights to complete. It is the most challenging trail and should only be attempted by visitors with a strong level of fitness, and only with a licensed guide.

If you are less fit, but still want to challenge hiking in Taman Negara, you can go for an easy 1.7km trek from the main Wildlife HQ to Bukit Teresek. The hike to the summit of Bukit Teresek (334m above sea level) takes around 30 to 45 minutes. From its peak, you can look out over the neighbouring Gunung Tahan and over the lush rainforest canopy.

#3 Visit Kampung Orang Asli 

The Orang Asli (Indigenous People) who are still living in the forests of Taman Negara are made up of two different ethnic groups – the Batek and the Semokberi. Visit Kampung Orang Asli to see how the Orang Asli have lived, hunted and survived in the forest for centuries, and even learn how to use blow pipes for hunting and make a fire. 

#4 Go rapid shooting

Rapid shooting in Taman Negara involves getting on board a wooden boat and floating down the rapids of the Sungai Tembeling River. Every visitor will be fitted with a life jacket, but do note that you may get very wet during the ride, so remember to dress accordingly. It is one of the most exciting activities in Taman Negara, so make sure to try it out! 

#5 Cave exploring in Taman Negara

Taman Negara has one of the most extensive cave systems in Malaysia, thus is a choice venue for cave exploration, or spelunking. Gua Telinga is around 2.6km from the Wildlife HQ, and is perfect for visitors who are looking for a half-day excursion. Gua Kepayang Besar has a bigger central chamber than Gua Telinga, and is also a popular exploration site.

#6 Bird-watching

Taman Negara is known to have about 380 different species of birds, the highest number in any part of Peninsula Malaysia. From May to August, popular bird-watching areas in Kuala Tahan and Kuala terengganu will be covered in colourful birds feeding from the many fig trees. Some of the birds you may be able to spot here include the majestic Rhinoceros Hornbill, Green Broadbills, Blue-winged Leafbird and even the Malaysian Peacock!

#7 Go on a night jungle walk

If you want to see nocturnal animals in Taman Negara, you can plan a Night Jungle Walk that starts from the main Wildlife Office to the Bumbun Tahan hide. Here, let your eyes get used to the pitch-black darkness and keep on the lookout for any nocturnal animals such as deers, wild boars or tapirs in their natural habitat.

#8 Take a cruise to Lata Berkoh 

If you are looking for a more relaxing boat ride instead of the thrilling rapid shooting, then take a boat cruise up to Lata Berkoh. You will go cruise upstream along Sungai Tahan River and arrive at Lata Berkoh, which is one of the prettiest spots in Taman Negara. You can also choose to stop off at the Kelah Sanctuary for some fish-feeding fun!

#9 Stay for the night at the Bumbun Kumbang Hide

For those who want to experience real inner jungle life and to observe wildlife in their most natural states, you can consider trekking about 11km from Kuala Tahan via the Sungai Tumbling Trail, and staying for a night at the Bumbun Kumbang Hide. The hide has an attached bathroom and can accommodate up to 8 persons.

#10 Dine in floating restaurants

Floating restaurants are one of the delightful attractions of Taman Negara, it is also a totally refreshing experience to dine on a floating raft along the waterfront. Some of the more popular restaurants are Mama Chop, Family Restaurant, Lia Restaurant and Wan’s Floating Restaurant that are each famous for different cuisines and dishes.

Mutiara Taman Negara Resort Ground Travel Packages from Sunway Travel 

Sunway Travel is offering ground tour packages to Taman Negara, inclusive of accommodation at Mutiara Taman Negara Resort, valid until 31st March 2021. You can choose between a 3D2N or 2D1N package, and get ready to explore Malaysia’s first and largest National Park!

Check out all the available tour packages for Taman Negara and other exciting destinations here: https://www.sunway.travel/packages/. T&Cs apply.

……

This article is intended to convey general information only. It does not constitute advice for your specific needs. This article cannot disclose all of the risks and other factors necessary to evaluate a particular situation.

Any interested party should study each situation carefully. You should seek and obtain independent professional advice for your specific needs and situation.


Sunway Travel Editor
Sunway Travel Editor

Recent Posts

  • COVID-19 Vaccine: The Do’s and Don’ts After Vaccination That You Must Know!
  • Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Negeri Sembilan
  • “Goodbye 2020, Hello 2021” by Sunway Travel Contest Terms & Conditions
  • 4 Important Steps You Need to Know when Applying Travel Permit during CMCO
  • 6 Types of MCOs: What are the Differences in SOPs?

Need an experienced and trustworthy travel company to manage your business travels?

Let us help you. Contact Us today.

Our Address:

Sunway Travel Sdn Bhd
(Co.No:198601009346 (158589-D)) (KPL-0210)

Unit 1.7, Level 1, West Lobby,
Menara Sunway Annexe,
Jalan Lagoon Timur, Bandar Sunway,
47500 Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.

Have any questions?

travelinfo@sunway.com.my

Call us:

+603 5632 5622

Membership | Affiliation | Partner

Specialist

Terms and Conditions  |   Privacy Notice  |  Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy
© 2021 Sunway Travel Sdn. Bhd. All Rights Reserved.