Pahang, the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia is a treasure chest full of
natural, charming and priceless jewels. One of Pahang’s most valuable jewels
is Taman Negara, which offers fabulous assets that are timeless and highly
valued by Malaysians, tourists, environmentalists and nature lovers the
world over.
Taman Negara Entry Point
To experience the full glory of the tropical rainforest there is perhaps no
better place on earth than Taman Negara. Legally declared an area for
conservation in 1938, the 130 million-year-old Taman Negara is a heaven for
the nation’s flora and fauna. Sprawled across 4,343 square kilometers of
verdant tropical splendour, Taman Negara (formerly known as King George V
National Park) beckons you to a mysterious world older than the Congo or the
Amazon.
Located at the very heart of
Pahang’s tropical forest, Taman Negara has been undisturbed for millions of
years. It maintains a natural habitat for a variety of flora and fauna, some
of which are exclusive to this part of the world. Trees that are a hundred
years old form a giant canopy above you as you enter into Taman Negara,
which is accessible through Jerantut, the main entry point.
130 millions years old jungle
A visit to Taman Negara is a journey at one with nature. The sight of wild
animals roaming, crystal clear streams flowing through the jungle,
spectacular rock formations, lush vegetation and a variety of wild flowers
will take your breath away. Jungle tracks, camp sites and resorts have been constructed to blend in with the natural surroundings. Many
structures have been built strictly for the observation and appreciation of
the towering forest and its inhabitants. Experience this 130
million-year-old adventure and you will come away with a deeper
understanding and appreciation of the world.
Wild Life
Observation
The myriad wildlife in Taman Negara can be seen and photographed from the
many observation hides available here. One of the most popular hides, Tahan
Hide, is just a five-minute walk from the Park’s headquarters. Other hides
include the Tabing, Cegar Anjing, Belau, Yong and Kumbang Hides. You can
take day or night time jungle walks or stays in a hide and maybe catch a
glimpse of some of the 250 species of fauna that exists within the park
boundaries. The most easily seen and heard are the hornbills. Fireback
pheasants are often flushed out when you are walking the jungle trails. Fish
eagles and kingfishers are commonly seen close to the river areas and Sungai
Tahan is a favourite haunt of the Masked Finfoot. From the interior of Taman
Negara, some of the larger animals which may be seen include seladang (wild
ox), sambar, barking deer, wild boar and tapir.
Observation points have been
set up specifically overlooking salt licks and grassy clearings for you to
observe wild, often shy animals. These hides allow the visitor to spend a
night away from the resort to observe the nocturnal activities of the
animals in the forest. Other animals which inhabit the Park are elephants,
tigers, leopards, sunbears and the extremely rare Sumatran rhinocerous.
Long-tailed Macaques are often visible on the jungle trails by the river.
Leaf Monkeys are often heard screening, while the White-handed Gibbons and
the siamang, which usually roam in family groups, make exciting, if noisy
morning chorus from high in the forest canopy.
