National Park (Kuala Tahan)

National Park Kuala Tahan

Pahang National Park has been developed into a famous ecotourism destination in Malaysia. There are several geological and biological attractions in the park. Gunung Tahan is the highest point of the Malay Peninsula; climber can use Kuala Tahan or Merapoh as their departure point. Taman Negara is the home of some rare mammals, such as the Indonesia Tiger, Sumatran Rhinoceros, Malayan Gaur and Asian Elephant. Tahan River has been preserved to protect the Malaysian mahseer (ikan kelah), a type of game fish. Visitors also can join fishing activity especially cool fishing spot like Lata Berkoh and Sungai Kenyam. About 300 species of fish can found in rivers at this national park.

Taman Negara was established at the Titiwangsa Mountains, Malaysia, in 1938/1939 as the King George V National Park. It was renamed to Taman Negara after independence, which literally means "national park" in Malay. Taman Negara has a total area of 4,343 km² and has a reputation as the world's oldest tropical rainforest.

Taman Negara encompasses three states, Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu, each with its own legislation. The Taman Negara Enactment (Pahang) No. 2 of 1939 is enforced in the state of Pahang, the Taman Negara Enactment (Kelantan) No. 14 of 1938 in the state of Kelantan and the Taman Negara Enactment (Terengganu) No. 6 of 1939 in the state of Terengganu. The enactments have similar contents.

Taman Negara Pahang is the largest at 2,477 km², followed by Taman Negara Kelantan at 1,043 km² and Taman Negara Terengganu at 853 km².

The park has been developed into a famous ecotourism destination in Malaysia. There are several geological and biological attractions in the park. Gunung Tahan is the highest point of the Malay Peninsula; climbers can use Kuala Tahan or Merapoh as their departure point. Taman Negara is the home of some rare mammals, such as the Malayan Tiger, Crab-eating macaque, Sumatran Rhinoceros, Great Argus, Red Junglefowl, Malayan Gaur (seladang) and Asian elephant. Among the birdlife, the rare Malayan Peacock-Pheasant is still found here in some numbers. Tahan River has been preserved to protect the Malaysian mahseer (ikan kelah in Malay), a type of game fish.

Others attractions found near Kuala Tahan (Park headquarters for Pahang) include a canopy walkway, Gua Telinga (cave system), Lata Berkoh (rapid). Visitors can enjoy the tropical rainforest, birdwatching or jungle trekking (e.g. Tenor Rentis) and the river views along the Tahan River.

Lata Berkoh

Berkoh cascade is one of the interesting places in Malaysia National Park . Lata is the visitors Berkoh bathing. Here there is a cascade of interest.

The journey from Kuala Tahan jetty to Lata Berkoh take about 45 minutes depending on water conditions. If the season had receded, his journey took more time for the boat to be pushed to beyond the superficial. During the monsoon season, where water resistant River overflowing the banks, a trip to Lata Berkoh not allowed as dangerous. Travel to Lata Berkoh small boat over 33 feet. Only 4 passengers are allowed at any one time. Lata Berkoh payment is RM 120.00 for a boat. For visitors to Lata Berkoh, they must pre-book at the information counter. Travel only 2 times a day, at 9.30 am and 2.30 pm.

Gunung Tahan

Mount Tahan (Malay: Gunung Tahan), at 2,187 m, is the highest point in Peninsular Malaysia. It is located within the Taman Negara national forest, in the state of Pahang. The mountain is part of the Tahan Range in the Tenasserim Hills and is popular with local climbers.

In the Malay language, "gunung" means "mountain," while "tahan" means "endure". Thus, the name of the mountain suggests that a certain level of physical endurance is required to conquer it. Gunung Tahan is considered by many to be one of the toughest treks in Peninsular Malaysia.

Activity in National Park Kuala Tahan

Canopy Walk

1)      Just 1.2km from Mutiara Resort. There nice walkways till the canopy walk counter.

2)      The canopy walk charge was only MYR5.00 per entry.

Rapid Shooting and Orang Asli

1)      Normally the charge was less than MYR45.00 per pax.

2)      The activities were by boat.

3)      Estimate time was 2 ½ - 3 hours.

Night Safari

1)      Normally the charge was less than MYR50.00 per pax.

2)      The activity was by 4WD to explore the jungle.

3)      Estimate time was 2 – 3 hours.

Lata Berkoh

Here are 2 options to get there. 1^st option is by boat and 2^nd option is by walk.

By Boat

1)      1 boat will cost MYR160.00 – MYR200.00. (Charter)

2)      If package deal will cost MYR40-50.00 per pax. (Min/Max 4 pax)

3)      Estimate time was 2 ½ - 3 hours.

By Walk

Nice walkway till Lata Berkoh from Mutiara Resort. Distances was about 8km. It’s really awesome to get there by walking.

Night Jungle Walk

It’s a great experience when you’re walking in the dark jungle by yourself or small number group. With the small number or person will lower the noise that will scared the animals away. I’ve seen tapir, deer, mouse deer, tarantula, few species of snake, peacock, several species of bird and etc. Or you can get a guide with cost of MYR25-35.00 per pax. Overall estimate time is about 1 ½ - 2 hours. There will be min. of 6 – 12 pax for 1 guide. You can’t keep them silence at all. That’s the reason why I like to walk by my own in the jungle. 

There are few treks you can go for night jungle walk like:-

1)      Bulatan Paya

2)      Bukit Teresek (Teresek Hill Trek)

3)      Trek to Lubuk Simpon

Camping

There are few nice places for camping in the jungle. You can try camping near Lata Berkoh, Lubuk Simpon, Teresek hill and etc. Mosquitos will be our best friend there but make sure you bring along mosquito coils. Zip tight your tent before go to sleep to avoid some uninvited friends like spider, scorpion, centipede, snake and etc.  

Visitor's Info :

Permit and License

Each visitor must obtain an entrance permit at MYR1.00 per person and can use the same permit to the date of leaving the Kuala Tahan. Fishing license costs MYR10.00 per rod while camera license is MYR5.00 per camera. Boat fee's for one way is MYR1.00. Boat operation hours is 06.00 am to 11.00 pm daily.

Accommodation

Accommodation at Kuala Tahan consists of bungalows, suites, chalets and hostels. There are also campsites for campers at the park HQ area, around the park as well as outside the park.

Transportation

From Kuala Lumpur

By Bus - Buses can be boarded from the Pekeliling Bus Terminal, Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur to Jerantut bus ticket price is MYR16.80 one way. Its takes 4 hours journey. Upon arriving at the bus station you can take local bus to Kuala Tahan National Park resistant at the same Bus Terminal at MYR7.00 one way.

By Train - Can catch the train at KL Sentral. Buy train tickets to Jerantut. On arrival at Jerantut you can just walk to Jerantut Bus Terminal that only 500 meters from the train station.