Journey to nature - Taman Negara (Jerantut, Pahang)

Last Saturday (03/05/2008); I and few fellow friends went to Taman Negara (National Park) in Jerantut, Pahang. Journey by car from Klang to Jerantut Town takes about 3 hours as we are good driver which obeyed the rules. Then we use the land road to Taman Negara via Felda Padang Piol. For your info, There is 2 exit to Taman Negara from Jerantut ;-
1) using boat from Kuala Tembeling. Journey will take 2-3 hours with wonderfull scenery. Enjoy the green forest, passing thru Orang Asli settlement, experienced the rapid ect...

2) Using land road via Padang Piol. Journey will take about 1.5 - 2 hours. As im using this road, just read thru.


Photo : Road to Taman Negara. Beware of passing by animals

Along the journey to Kuala Tahan via Felda Padang Piol; we choose tu using the old road which located next to Pahang River. We reach Felda settlement and traditional Malay village such as Kg. Jong Berlabuh, Kg. Labu, Merting, Felda Sungai Retang, Kg. Pasir Tambang ect..

Thru the journey, we can see lot of villagers animals feely crossing the road or just landing in the middle of the road chatting each other.
Photo : One of the cow's group during journey to Kuala Tahan.

Along the road, I can see the Solar light (lamp) installed by road side. For me, is good afford by local authority. But, did they maintain and inspect the light; I don't think so. This because I can see more than 5 solar light already collaped.

Photo : Solar Light

Again, This is the most embarassing moments for local authority. I do understand that land slide is act of God, but please do something to prevent. In this case, its already happen, and according to villager in Kuala Tahan; this was occur last 2 weeks and the authority just move the things aside. Hey! this is the image of our country, please do something about its. May be you can assigned a watchman to ensure our journey is safe.

Photo : Area which affected by landslide. Nobody there to guide the motorist.

At last, we reach Kuala Tahan. What a relief! My bumm is already hot. Luckily our friend, Hasmadi which originated from Padang Piol familiar with the road. Oh... thanks to his father for his car. Ford is a reliable car.

Photo : Kuala Tahan Jetty

To be in Taman Negara, we must cross the river. If you brave enought, may be you can swim (just kidding). Just use the boatman service to cross the river for RM1.00 per person. During my last visit, the fee to cross the river just RM0.50 / person. Their reason for increase the fee? Harga minyak dah naik (The fuel price is increasing).

Photo : In the boat to cross the river. RM1.00 per person. If I know how to swim, I dare swim.

Here we are, TAMAN NEGARA.

Photo from left : Myself and En. Rusli.

To visitors to Taman Negara, when you step in Taman Negara jetty, please register yourself at their information counter and pay some fees.

Some of the photos during my visit to Taman Negara :-


Photo : Tourist Information Counter. Please look for this counter and register yourself.


Photo : This how the information looks like.


Photo : Fees you should pay during your stay (exclude accomodation)


Photo : Signage of the interesting places in Taman Negara. (just ignore the model)


Photo : Some of the Chalets. Alternatively, you can find nearby chalets or guest house which much-much more cheaper. Just ask the boatman or local people nearby.


Photo : Floating Restaurant.


Photo : Kuala Tahan view from Taman Negara.

However, our plan to enjoy the world largest canopy walkway can not be fullfilled due to bad weather. Lucky us, less than 10 minutes we walk out from Taman Negara, there was a heavy rain. We return back to Hasmadi's house at Padang Piol to take back the car. Again, we were treat by delicous lunch. Then, we continue our journey back to Klang. Since our planned is cancelled due to heave rain, we have plenty of time to spent with. We just drop by to Maran, Pahang to buy some Keropok. We reach Klang about 9.00PM.

What a great journey. Wht should I worry, tomorrow is sunday. I can sleep the whole day. Just wake up during prayers, and my wife will be fine.

If you wish to read more about my previous journey to Taman Negara or to gain more info about Taman Negara, feel free to surf this article and web :-

http://www.jerantut.com
Journey to Taman Negara

Taman Negara Kuala Tahan, Jerantut (Pahang, Malaysia)

Taman Negara or National Park was established in 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. The total area of Taman Negara is 4,343 km²which encompasses three states, Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu.


Photo : Myself with friends at Taman Negara gateway.

The main attraction in Taman Negara :
1) Gunung Tahan (Tahan Mountain)
Gunung Tahan is the highest point of the Peninsular; climbers can use Kuala Tahan (Jerantut, Pahang) or Merapoh (Kuala Lipis, Pahang) as their departure point. Taman Negara is the home of some rare mammals, such as the Indochinese Tiger, Sumatran Rhinoceros, Malayan Gaur (seladang) and Asian Elephant. Tahan River has been preserved to protect the Malaysian mahseer (ikan kelah in Malay), a type of game fish.

2) Sungai Tembeling (Tembeling River)
Sungai Tembeling is the waterway to Taman Negara. Some people will also call this river as Sungai Pahang (Pahang River) or Sungai Tahan (Tahan River). This river is ideal place to fishing especially Ikan Kelah (Malaysian Mahseer). But, you are not allowed to fishing inside Taman Negara area, except you are given special permit by Department of Wildlife and National Parks.

Photo : Myself during boating along Pahang River toward Taman Negara.


3) Canopy Walkway
Canopy walkway in Taman Negara is the most nature and longest hanging bridge in the world. Im not sure the fees to climb the canopy, if im not mistaken the fee is RM5.00 per person. I can guarantee, you will claim again next time. But, please forget to claim this canopy if you are too 'chickening' of height and possibilities of reptiles such as snake in you walkway.

Photo : Myself walking along the longest canopy walkway in Taman Negara

4) Others
You can also visit and have memorable experience while boating at Lata Berkoh (Berkoh Rapids), exploring Gua Telinga (Telinga Cave), enjoy the tropical rain forest and birdwatching or jungle trekking.

Transportation :
1) By road. If you like adventure or too afraid of water, may be you can choose to go there by road, but only using 4X4 vehicle. Some people will say its Ok to go the by normal car, but believe me the road from Jerantut to Kuala Tahan using normal vehicle is terrible as I have the experience last October 2007 (Ignored and forgive me if the related authority already upgraded the road).

2) By river. This is recommended way to Taman Negara if you are real naturist (love nature). You can using normal Tembeling Jetty at Kuala Tembeling (Jerantut, Pahang) or Mutiara Taman Negara Jetty (if you booked a trip with them).

Accomodation :
You can choose to stay in hotels, motels, chalets or you even camping in the camping site provided by Taman Negara authorities. Im not recommended anyplace because im used to stay in my foster family in Kampung Bantal or I just have my one day trip here because im local (even now im working in Selangor).

Reminder / Important!
All visitors to the Taman Negara must get permits from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks.

For details please visit :
www.taman-negara-nks.com
www.jerantut.com

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