Declared for conservation in 1938, it is Malaysia's largest national park at over 4343 sq. kms. Located in the centre of the Peninsular, it spans across the three states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang. It is the most extensively protected area of pristine, lowland, evergreen tropical rainforest in the country. There are numerous jungle trails, animal observation hides, waterfalls and the imposing Tahan mountain for a visitor to experience in this 130 million year old tropical rainforest park.
This tour explores the easier side of Taman Negara visiting its major attractions such as the canopy walkway, Ear Cave, and some light hikes.
What do I get to do?
Hiking, swim by the river, visit show caves.
Adventure Rating and Remarks
2 - There is a fairly light trek up Wawasan hill or Terasik hill. The trek to Abai waterfall is just over an hour.
Accommodation
Nusa Holiday Village
An accommodation built in the heart of nature and located by the river. It is so secluded, there aren’t any telephone lines or mobile networks. At night, you will only hear the sounds of the wilderness and the flow of the river. The food served here comes hot off the stove and tastes great! The rustic setting and friendly staff made our stay pleasant and memorable.
We are able to arrange accommodation at the more comfortable Mutiara Taman Negara or Rainforest Resort as well.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Kuala Tembeling / Nusa Holiday Village (Dinner)
Upon arrival, proceed to Nusa office at Kuala Tembeling Jetty. Departure by boat to Nusa Holiday Village – 3 hour journey upstream. Arrival and check in at reception. Free till dinner time. Night jungle walk
Day 2 - Nusa Holiday Village / Taman Negara (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After breakfast, track up Bukit Warisan –a high vantage point, an ideal place for bird watching. Return for Lunch. Proceed by boat to Canopy Jetty. Experience the Canopy Walkway – installed at 25 meter above ground and stretching over 400 meter. Rapid shooting in the long boat. Dinner& free time
Day 3 - Nusa Holiday Village / Taman Negara (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After breakfast, trek to Abai Waterfall – 1.5 hours criss-crossing Abai River before reaching the waterfall. Return for Lunch. Depart by boat to jetty and trek through jungle to Gua Telinga (Ear Cave). Dinner& free time
Day 4 - Nusa Holiday Village / Kuala Tembeling (Breakfast)
Breakfast and prepare for departure. Free time till your departure by boat (8.45am) to Kuala Tembeling (2.5 hour). Tour ends upon arrival
* For a 3D/2N package, the Day 3 itinerary is omitted.
Cost
4D/3N - From RM 495 per person (minimum 2pax)
3D/2N - From RM 365 per person (minimum 2pax)
*update June 2008, there is now a boat fuel surcharge RM70 per pax
What does it include?
Meals as stated, Malay House/Chalet accommodation, return boat transfer from Kuala Tembeling, nature guide, activites listed and Canopy walkway permit.
What does it exclude?
If you wish to take the bus shuttle service, the return cost (two way) is RM 150 per person. The shuttle bus leaves daily at 8.30am from Crowne Plaza Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.
Best time to visit
Taman Negara can be visited at any time of the year. However, Monsoon periods Dec - end Feb will be wet and soggy
Getting here
Jerantut town is about a 3 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur then another 1 hour to Kuala Tahan town - main entrance to Taman Negara.
There is a daily bus shuttle that leaves from Crowne Plaza Hotel in Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Tembeling Jetty. From there, you will hop on a long boat upstream to Kuala Tahan (about 3 hours).
You can get to Crowne Plaza by hopping off at Raja Chulan Station on the KL Monorail Service.