In Malaysia, Asia, the Taman Negara rainforest is located, it is estimated to be about 130 million years old and is one of the greatest natural wonders in the world. Its flora and fauna have evolved over the centuries without alterations and away from natural catastrophes.
It was declared as National Park in 1983 and it extends through the states of Terennganu, Kelantan and Pahang, stretching an area of 4343 square kilometers, in the center of Malay Peninsula. It has more than 10.000 species of plants and more than 200 species of mammals worthy of admiration in their natural habitat.
To get to the jungle you can depart from Kuala Lumpur, Jerantut, Kuala Tahan and Sg Relau. It is best to hire a tour from Kuala Lumpur by bus and then continue by boat across the river. You can also take the full bus tour, although it will take several to get there.
Before visiting Teman Negara it is important that you take into account some recommendations that are vital for your safety. One of them is not to put your feet in the mud since it is common for leeches to adhere, which is not a very pleasant experience.
Another very useful recommendation is to take enough cash to cancel the restaurants in the area, as it is the only means they accept. Also, bring enough supplies and medicines you may need, insect repellent and basic material to heal wounds, because there are no pharmacies, and the only thing you can probably find is aspirins.
To stay, the best area is Kuala Tehan, a town located at the entrance of the park and that will allow you to move by boat, crossing the river that separates the town from the entrance of the jungle. In Kuala Tahan there is almost the entire accommodation offered, you will also find floating restaurants and some small shops. Hotels are simple and affordable, with basic rooms.
The Taman Negara Mutiara Resort is the only one of middle category and has individual wooden cabins and an excellent restaurant bar. This hotel allows you to enjoy monkeys, tapirs and other animals passing through the terrace. It also has a building with shared rooms and a camping area, where you can rent a tent and everything you need at a very affordable price.
Well, if you are an adventure lover, Taman Negara is the perfect place to vacation. In its jungle live tigers, leopards, elephants, tapirs and wild boars, although the chances of seeing these animals are remote since they do not usually go near human-inhabited areas.
You can make a great many activities in nature, such as rafting down the river by boat, “trekking” in the jungle, night safari, fishing, night walking through the jungle, animal observation posts and wonderful baths in the natural pools. Among the recommended adventures for tourists is walking the longest suspension bridges in the world and visiting a tribe that lives in the middle of the jungle.
ALFA