Taman Negara travel and tourist guide
Most people arrive at Taman Negara by the river
Taman Negara (meaning national park in Malay) is counted among the oldest rainforest anywhere in the world and according to those in the know it dates back 130 million years. It is, therefore, easy to see why the park is such a fascinating place for anyone interested in the natural world, boasting, as it does, towering trees, thousands of animal and plant species along with indigenous tribes of aboriginal communities.
Throw in breathtaking waterfalls, canopy rides, thrilling rapids and big cats and it becomes clear why so many people pay a visit to Taman Negara from Penang.
Below is a brief glimpse into Taman Negara but for a compete guide click here or visit 1stopMalaysia.
Visiting Taman Negara from Penang
Taman Negara is a wondrous national park featuring a wealth of things to see and do. It’s back to basics here so the luxuries are few and far between, but there are still a cluster of high-end resorts for those that have a distinct aversion to roughing it.
Canopy tours stretch for half-a-kilometre over the tops of tall trees where monkeys swing and hornbills nest. There are caves teeming with fruit bats to explore and crystal clear pools below cascading waterfalls to refresh oneself in.
There is an astonishing array of wildlife to see in the park with leopards, elephants, tapir and wild ox all foraging on the forest floor. Eagles and owls swoop overhead whilst spiders and poisonous toads hide in the undergrowth. Leeches can be a problem, especially in the rainy season, and it is wise to cover up and carry a lighter or salt with you for when they do inevitably bite.
What to do in Taman Negara
Canopy walks are fantastic fun!
Trekking is the major activity of the park and these can be done by oneself or as part of a guided group. There are plenty of simple hikes to enjoy which take visitors on brief sojourns from the main camp of Kuala Tanah, as well as more advanced offerings which can last up to nine days and encompass vast stretches of the little-known jungle interior. Visitors will get as much from a trip to Taman Negara as they put in so it is wise to make the most of your time here and push your boundaries a little.
Many people choose to leave their comfort zone behind and stay in an overnight hide deep in the forest. These are raised slightly from the ground to prevent creepy crawlies inviting themselves in and offer the best chance of seeing some rare animals such as leopards and wild elephants. But for those that prefer to stay in slightly more comfortable surroundings there are night safaris which also provide a good chance of seeing some nocturnal wildlife. More on Taman Negara attractions.
Taman Negara hospitality
There are lots of accommodation options in Taman Negara which range from simple campsites and basic dorm rooms to luxurious five star resorts. The main town of Kuala Tanah is situated by the park gate and is where the majority of hotels and chalets can be found. Most guesthouse proprietors are extremely helpful and are only too happy offer advice regarding tours and excursions. Otherwise the park headquarters are also found here and can handle all visitors’ needs including fishing licenses and camping equipment. More on Taman Negara hotels.
Guests of the luxury hotels will find fabulous spreads of high-calorie meals which are perfect for keeping energy levels high during exhausting treks. The town of Kuala Tanah itself has a few restaurants of note include three floating ones right on the water.
These serve a smattering of Malay and Thai dishes and a few Western staples such as sandwiches. Although these are never going to win international acclaim, they are perfectly adequate for their purposes. There are no bars as such in town but a couple of places to find a cold beer if you have an unquenchable thirst. More on Taman Negara restaurants and bars.
Getting to Taman Negara
The main way into Taman Negara is via the town of Kuala Tebelin where two boats daily make the three hour journey through spectacular jungle to Kuala Tahan. There are direct buses from Penang which transport tourists to Taman Negara or the historic jungle railway also runs nearby and snakes its way to the east coast of the country. More on Taman Negara transportation.
For more information on Taman Negara take a look at 1stopMalaysia.
