Travel Guide Parc National De Taman Negara

Taman Negara means "National Park" in Malay. It is the best-known and most visited park on the peninsula. Its 4,343 km2 of 130-million-year-old virgin forests are among the oldest in the world. It is home to the peninsula's highest peak, Gunung Tahan (2,187 m), which can be climbed in nine days with a guide. The diversity of wildlife is impressive: 250 species of birds, tigers, elephants, leopards, monkeys, all kinds of reptiles, thousands of species of insects, colonies of bats and even, it is said, Sumatra's famous two-horned rhinoceros. Nature is just as abundant, with rivers, waterfalls and natural swimming pools. Even so, there are a few annoyances inherent in the jungle itself. The atmosphere is saturated with humidity and the heat makes walking exhausting. Leeches are out in force after the rain, slipping uninvited under clothing. Mosquitoes are present from evening to morning. And don't expect to see a wild elephant or a tiger at the turn of a path. To increase your chances, choose a long trek away from the crowds. To avoid disappointment, it's important to know what to expect on your way to Taman Negara. A well-prepared getaway will satisfy a wide range of visitors, from the seasoned explorer to the timid trekker. The best season is from April to September. The park is perfectly signposted and well-suited to tourism, so those who don't want to suffer the horrors of the "green hell" can opt for less strenuous excursions. Those wishing to discover the authentic jungle can opt for multi-day treks, which are more physically demanding and less comfortable. If you have time to spare, you can organize your own transport and excursions. For those with time to spare, a tour operator will be useful, but this doesn't mean you can't plan a trek off the beaten track.