Taman Negara travel and tourist guide
View the powerful river from the jungle canopy
Visitors to Singapore who want to explore some of the oldest rainforest anywhere on earth should makes the trip north to Taman Negara in central Malaysia. Experts believe the national park dates back 130 million years and there is an undeniable wealth of exotic bird and animal species plus towering trees and glorious blooms to admire. Indigenous aboriginal tribes have called this area home for centuries and it is fascinating to visit their communities and learn about their ancient medicines and age-old cultural practices.
Below is a brief glimpse into the national park but visit 1stopMalaysia for a complete guide to Taman Negara.
Visiting Taman Negara from Singapore
There is plenty of things to see and do within the national park of Taman Negara. Generally, it is back to basics with few luxuries and just the wondrous natural world to entertain.
There are some high-end resorts scattered around the park with spa facilities and all modern creature comforts, but most visitors to the area stay in basic huts and chalets. One of the most impressive tourist attractions of the park is the Canopy Tour which stretches for 500m through the tops of the tallest trees. Visitors can witness families of monkeys swinging by and the native hornbill bird nesting.
There is an awe-inspiring amount of wildlife living in Taman Negara with eagles and owls plucking fish right out of the water next to floating restaurants and wild elephants, leopards, tapir and ox foraging around the forest floor. One of the main health hazards within the park boundaries are bloodsucking leeches, particularly during the monsoon. Always cover up exposed skin, despite the sweltering humidity, and carry salt or a cigarette lighter to persuade the little pests to relinquish their grip. Fruit bats inhabit dark caves and there are cool freshwater pools beneath cascading waterfalls to refresh oneself in after a gruelling hike.
This young bear cat is rather sleepy
Most people embark on some kind of trek whilst in Taman Negara and this can take place either as part of a group with a guide or by oneself. Overnight trekking always requires the assistance of an experienced local and some can take as long as six days and encompass huge swaths of barely-charted territory. But there are simple trips from the main base camp of Kuala Tanah which take in viewpoints and waterfalls but only last a couple of hours.
It is worth making the most of your time in Taman Negara and staying in overnight hides deep within the forest gives the best possible chance of seeing noctural wildlife up close. These hides are raised slightly above the ground which stops creepy crawlies bothering your sleep. Jungle-dwelling big cats such as leopards are frequent visitors and even sleeping isolated in the deafening silence of the rainforest is a life-altering experience for most people. More on Taman Negara activities.
Hospitality in Taman Negara
The national park of Taman Negara has many different accommodation options for all manner of budgets. There are cheap dorm beds within traditional wooden longhouses which only cost a few dollars but are rich with authentic charm. Plus there are some luxurious five star resorts which feature swimming pools, international restaurants and doting staff.
Many of these large establishments offer packages for a few days which include meals, transfers and a choice of expeditions. Otherwise Kuala Tanah is the park’s principle settlement and found by the main gate. Most hostels and chalet complexes are found here as well as the park headquarters which can offer tour advice and equipment hire. More on Taman Negara hotels.
Kuala Tanah has a few restaurants which serve adequate calorie-heavy meals which are perfect for replenishing those energy levels after exhausting hikes. Some of the most atmospheric options are found right on the water and have menus of traditional Malay rice and noodle dishes plus a few Western staples such as sandwiches.
In general, Taman Negara is not the place to venture in search of true haut cuisine, but within the five star resorts there are a variety of eateries which are maintained at high standards. No bars exist in town as such but there are a couple of places where one can find a cold beer if an unquenchable thirst seizes hold. More on recommended Taman Negara restaurants and bars.
Taman Negara transportation
The main route into Taman Negara is by the town of Kuala Tebelin which has two daily boats departing on the three hour trip through the spectacular rainforest to Kuala Tahan. There are also tourist buses from Singapore which ferries guests to Taman Negara directly from guesthouses or travel agencies. More on getting to Taman Negara.
Take a look at 1stopMalaysia for more information on Taman Negara.
