MALAYSIA

The World’s Oldest primary Rainforest

Taman Negara is the oldest primary rainforest in the world, and with 4343 square kilometres it is the biggest national park in Malaysia.

Entry to Malaysia for foreign nationals is unfortunately still prohibited (except for those holding certain categories of residence visas and employment passes), however, the country is moving into the right direction and has lifted interstate and international travel restrictions for fully vaccinated residents. Over 71% of the country’s 32 million inhabitants, including those aged 12 to 17, have been fully vaccinated.

The government is preparing to shift into an endemic Covid-19 phase where it will not impose wide lockdowns again if cases rise, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri said. “We have to train ourselves to live with Covid-19, because Covid-19 may not be eliminated fully,” he said. 

One region that city dwellers from Kuala Lumpur can visit now is Taman Negara National Park, which was declared for conservation in 1938 and has become Malaysia’s premier national park.

With over 4.343 square kilometres of primary forest, it is the largest national park in the country, spanning across three states – Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang. Taman Negara is also one of the oldest areas of tropical rainforest in the world holding an endless list of exhilarating sights and exciting activities. 

A short walk of 1.5km from the park’s headquarters brings you to the Canopy Walkway: a suspension bridge of strong ropes, cables and nets hanging 40 metres above the ground.  Jungle trekking offers many opportunities for the visitors to experience the exotic beauty of nature first-hand. The myriad variety of wildlife at Taman Negara can be seen and photographed from the many observation ‘hides’ that are specially constructed around the salt licks frequented by the nocturnal animals. The most popular hide is the Tahan Hide, which is a 5-minute walk from the park headquarters.

There are many well-marked trails like the Teranggan Trail, the Neram Trail and the Bukit Teresek loop. Each trail promises different adventures, yet all are equally fascinating.

A leisurely 40-minute cruise up the Tahan River takes you to Lata Berkoh waterfall. It offers visitors the invigorating experience of swimming in the cool waters of the deep pool below the fall. 

Learn about the culture and way of life of the Orang Asli, the indigenous people of Taman Negara. Since this National Park is protected, it is interesting to note that only a few of the Orang Asli tribes are allowed to hunt and harvest in the jungle as they are still living their traditional, nomadic way of life.

All images source: Tourism Malaysia