serenemaklong.blogsplot.com
TAMAN Negara - Malaysia’s premier national
park is touted as one of the oldest rainforests in the world. It encompasses
three states, Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu. The park, established in 1939 as
the King George V National Park, boasts a myriad of flora and fauna.
Nature enthusiasts are
bound to get excited with the number of activities to be indulged in, including
the chance to get up close and personal with the rainforest’s inhabitants.
Upon arrival, if you
are lucky, you will be greeted by the rare sight of a barking deer grazing
several metres away from two resting tapirs, close to the entrance of the park.
Tapirs are known to be nocturnal and shy by nature.
At Taman Negara, river cruises are almost an inevitable part of the
experience. Be sure to have your caps and shades, and a healthy dose of sun
block on.
At the Kelah Sanctuary, a rare and highly sought-after type of game
fish, the Malaysian Mahseer or ikan kelah is reared right in the river, as it can’t
be bred in captivity.
Next, hike up to Lata Berkoh, one of the main attractions of Taman
Negara. It’s like a hike through nature’s very own obstacle course of twines,
branches, trunks, logs and streams was apparently just a low-intensity walk
through an easy walking path.
Savour the breathtaking sight. Gushing, chilly water with deep pools
framed by enormous jagged rocks seemingly in existence from the beginning of
time, the waterfalls looked like a scene right out of the movies. Swimming is
not advisable although a picnic is allowed.
Another popular water activity at the park is rapid shooting. Don’t
worry, it’s not the kind of shooting you imagine; rapids are fast flowing,
turbulent parts of the course of a river. Involving the boatman’s skilful
manoeuvring of the boat, getting wet is the thrilling part. So, be sure to put
your gadgets away and enjoy the ride.
Visitors to the park can also go on a jungle night walk to catch a
glimpse of nocturnal insects and creatures. From the wildlife observation hide,
try to spot barking deers grazing.
There’s even an option to spend a night in one of these observation hides.
With nature’s orchestra playing in the background, keep your eyes
peeled. Aside from a praying mantis and several spiders, try to spot centipedes
or a python.
The canopy walkway is the longest in the world, up to 510 metres long.
Be forewarned, the 43 metres high walkway is not for the faint hearted. Hold
tight and just don’t look down.
The national park is protected land, whereby the only ones allowed to
live off it are the Orang Asli who make it their home. Small built,
dark-skinned and curly haired, the Batek tribe who are steeped in superstition
live a nomadic lifestyle.
Visitors to Taman Negara can pay a visit to their settlement and see
how they live. You can watch them make poison darts for blowpipes and even test
your skills with the blowpipes (sans poison).
Other activities at the park would be mountain climbing and cave
exploration. Taman Negara has so much to offer, you’ll never run out of things
to do.
Mutiara Taman Negara Resort is the only resort you will find on site.
Accommodation ranging from tents to bungalows are scattered all along the
fringes of the park. The cabin style accommodation offers you basic amenities
with sufficient modern comforts where the forest is literally at your back
door.
All rooms come with views but make sure you are prepared to come
face-to-face with nature. You are after all in someone else’s backyard.
Here, there are several dining options with a good mix of local and
international cuisine. The restaurants are open all day and you can choose the
one which suits your wallet best. The resort also offers barbeques upon
request.
Entry permits and various licenses from the Department of Wildlife can
be obtained at the wildlife counter. You will need entry permits and licences
for cameras and fishing.
If you intend to stay
the night at the National Park, Mutiara Taman Negara Resort offers a variety of
packages for you to choose from.
No comments:
Post a Comment