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A rainforest canopy bridge in the Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia.

Things to do in  Taman Negara National Park

Where the wild things are

Straddling three different states, Taman Negara National Park is Malaysia’s biggest—and many say best—national park. Replete with lush jungles and fast-flowing rivers and home to nomadic tribes, elusive tigers, and Asian elephants, this natural hot spot offers the ultimate escape from the chaotic capital of Kuala Lumpur. Things to do in the 130 million-year-old virgin rainforest include hiking to the 7,175-foot (2,187-meter) Mt. Tahan, the highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia, trekking through the jungle at night in search of nocturnal animals, and braving one of the world’s longest canopy walkways.

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All about Taman Negara National Park

Local Currency
Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
When to visit

While the rainforests of Taman Negara National Park are hot and humid year-round, the heat peaks from July through September, so it’s best to avoid these months. Monsoon season is in December, and flooding can happen in parts of the national park. The best time to visit is in the cool, dry season from February to June, when more comfortable temperatures are ideal for outdoor exploration.

Getting around

There are several ways to access Taman Negara National Park. The most adventurous route is from the small village of Kuala Tahan, where you can travel upstream on a wooden boat for three hours, passing jungle and wildlife. A more direct route is from Kuala Lumpur; you can catch a bus that takes around four hours. Other entry points are in Jerantut in the south (a 1-hour drive) and Sungai Relau in the west, a 5-minute journey.

Traveler tips

If you’re afraid of heights, beware. Taman Negara National Park is home to a 1,738-foot (530-meter) suspended wooden bridge that sits 131 feet (40 meters) above the jungle. If even the idea of the canopy walkway gives you vertigo, there are plenty of other activities on offer: Learn to use bamboo blowpipes with the Batek and Semokberi tribes; take a boat over river rapids; and explore limestone caves home to bats and snakes.

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People Also Ask
Q:What are the must-see attractions in Taman Negara National Park?
A:

The must-see attractions in Taman Negara National Park include the record-breaking canopy walkway over the rainforest; Mt. Tahan, the tallest peak on mainland Malaysia; the Kampung Orang Asli settlements, where you can meet Indigenous tribes; and Gua Telinga, a limestone cave with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

Q:What activities can you do in Taman Negara National Park?
A:

Wildlife watching is one of the most popular activities in Taman Negara National Park. You can go jungle trekking by day or night to spot more than 600 species of bird, plus monkeys, mammals, snakes, and frogs. You can go mountaineering, take a boat cruise, or experience Pahang River's rapids.

Q:Are there any attractions near Taman Negara National Park?
A:

Taman Negara National Park is only a 2.5-hour drive from the Cameron Highlands, an elevated region whose cool climate means thriving tea plantations and strawberry fields. Here, you can trek in a forest, explore its colonial past at museums, and enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea.

Q:How long should you stay in Taman Negara National Park?
A:

While visiting Taman Negara National Park on a day trip from Kuala Lumpur is possible, you’ll spend around eight hours traveling. If you’re coming from the capital, you’re better off staying overnight. However, if your travel time is an hour or two, then one day is enough for the highlights.

Q:What should you bring and wear when you visit Taman Negara National Park?
A:

When you visit Taman Negara National Park, you should bring sturdy hiking shoes and lightweight clothing—neutral shades and khaki are ideal. Don’t wear black or navy, as bugs are attracted to them. Wear leggings or trousers to avoid leeches, and apply mosquito repellant liberally as conditions are humid.

Q:Can you stay overnight in Taman Negara National Park?
A:

Yes, you can stay overnight in Taman Negara National Park. The only resort inside the park is Mutiara Taman Negara Resort, a high-end complex with bungalows, chalets, and a dormitory. It’s home to a restaurant serving buffet-style meals and is a popular accommodation best booked well in advance.

Things to do near Taman Negara National Park

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