Print this article if you're a tour operator, accommodation provider or touristThe Taman Negara National Park is Malaysia’s greatest National Park, extending over more than 4300 square metres of rain forest, mountains and rivers, in the regions of Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu. Located right in the centre of Malaysia, this vast protected area boasts pristine evergreen forests and an expanse of lowlands, where rare wildlife species inhabit in a perfectly preserved ecosystem. The Taman Negara Park was declared as protected area in 1938, and was then known as King George V National Park.
 |
How to Get to the Park
Most of the area that is easily accessible, lies in the Pahang Region, where visitors climb aboard a boat at the Kuala Tembeling jetty, and enjoy the scenic boat ride up the River Tembeling, to the park’s Headquarters in the village of Kuala Tahan. There is a bus service from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Tembeling jetty (or you can drive), the journey taking approximately three hours, which should take you to destination in time to catch the 2 Pm boat from the jetty.
Accommodation in Taman Negara National Park
Once you arrive at the park’s headquarters, around 4.30 pm, you can check into one of the various accommodation options in the Kuala Tahan village. There are about a dozen luxury resorts, lodges and budget hostels to choose from, which provide welcoming service, and a friendly atmosphere. Camping is also permitted in some areas of the park, and there are two shops and a restaurant, if you your meals are not included in your travel plan.
We often recommend incorporating your visit to the park into a wider holiday plan and traveling from Kuala Lumpur for 2-4 days to soak up all of the rural sights and sounds. Basing yourself in Kuala Lumpur for the remainder of your visit is a great way to enjoy Malaysia’s diversity!
 |
The ultra-stylish interior is befitting of the best view (and rooms) in town: the bar, dining and recreation flight of MalaysiaExplorer.net's Kuala Lumpur accommodation top-pick: Traders Hotel (pictured) |
| Find out about the award |
Activities & Excursions
Trekking in the park provides visitors with the unique experience to explore one of the oldest jungles in the world, having existed largely as it still is for more than 130 million years. The network of trails that serpentine within the park, offer safe and easy treks, if you stay near the park’s Headquarters.
There are four extremely popular and easier trails departing from the HQ. The Kual Bukit Teresek trail, will take you for a 4-hour adventure to the Tahan and Bumbun Kumbang hide, from where you can observe the animals. The Canopy Walkway is a 4-hour trek to Lubok Simpon; the Gua Telingga trek lasts about 2.30 hours and takes you to fascinating caves; the Lata Berkoh trail takes you on a 5-hour trek to a spectacular waterfall, while the short 25 minute walk to Lubok Simpon is an easy trek that will help you familiarise with the jungle and park area.
There are of course, hundreds of trails and trekking expeditions in the park, which you can take, that vary in length, from 16 km to 55 km and even further. Other fascinating treks are to Abai Waterfall and the Putri Waterfall, as well as the Bukit Indah and Warisan Hill trails. If you want to go on overnight treks you can head along the trails of Gunung Tahan, Kuala Tahan and the Tenor Rentis, which all require sleeping in a tent overnight.
Getting well away from the main HQ requires a few day-long treks or more expensive trips upriver by boat.
Hides & Salt Licks
There are several hides, or bumbun and salt licks in the park, which are readily accessible. Quite a few of these are close to Kuala Tahan and Kuala Trenggan. However, your chances of spotting wildlife will increase if you head for the hides furthest from the park HQ.
All hides are built specifically to be able to spot wildlife, with a view over salt licks and grassy plains, and if you are planning to stay for one or two nights, you will have to bring your own food and water, sleeping bags or sheets, lent for free from Kuala Tahan. There is a minimum charge for staying at the hides, which is paid directly at the HQ. Staying at the hides is an unforgettable experience, for although you may not be lucky enough to spot any large animals, the enchanting sounds of the jungle and mysterious atmosphere, are well worth the trek and minimal discomfort.
There are six hides nestled in the jungle at various points from the HQ. You can reach some quite easily by a short trek, while others are located further afield, and can only be reached by boat. The nearest hide is the Bumbun Tahan, which is just five minutes from the HQ, while you can reach the furthest Bumbun Kumbang, after a 7-hour trek, or by taking a boat upriver for a 45-minute ride, then another 45-minute trek to the hide.
 |
Animals & Wildlife
The animals that inhabit the Taman Negara National Park are tigers, elephants, leopards, sun bears, the Sumatran rhinoceros, sambar deer, barking deer, the Malayan gaur, the tapir and wild pigs. There are more than 200 species of animals, including insects and reptiles living in the deep recess of the jungle; and due to the immense surface are of the park, it is not always easy to spot them. However, you will get a chance to see the long-tail Macaques and Orang Asli Kampungs along the banks of the Tembeling River. From the boat, you may also catch a glimpse of otters, kingfishers and hornbill.
When to go
The best time to visit the Taman Negara National Park is between March and September. It closes during the rainy season between mid-November to mid-January, as well as during Hari Raya for about one week.
Search the widest range of accommodation options and resorts in Malaysia with MalaysiaExplorer.net's booking partner - also find verified guest reviews™ and image galleries.
Complete your trip with our travel essentials checklist: Tours, Flights and Car Rental
- Tailor all aspects of your holiday or visit to Malaysia with comprehensive tour and package choices.
- Read our top tips on car rental to ensure you choose a suitable vehicle at a good price.
- Our guide to Malaysia flights is packed with advice and pointers on finding the best routes and super deals.
Double click the map below to zoom in on Taman Negara National Park, and double right-click to zoom out!
