Taman Negara National Park: The Untamed Jungle of West Malaysia
Just 185 kilometers from the capital Kuala Lumpur lies an impenetrable jungle spanning over 4000 square kilometers. This green oasis of West Malaysia is called Taman Negara, which means national park in Malay. It is home to panthers, tigers, elephants, and a variety of monkey and reptile species. You can hike, embark on multi-day treks, and spend the night in a cave, or enjoy the tropical vegetation from great heights during a canopy walk. By boat, you can explore impenetrable sections of the jungle and meet the people of Taman Negara, Malaysia. I found Taman Negara to be a true highlight of my journey through West Malaysia.
The Canopy Walk of Taman Negara National Park
The highlight of a visit to Taman Negara, Malaysia, is the world-famous canopy walk through the jungle. You walk 40 meters above the ground on a 530-meter-long rope bridge amidst the tropical foliage, enjoying a stunning view. With a bit of luck, you may spot monkeys or hornbills during your crossing, but the surroundings make the canopy walk more than worthwhile. The canopy walk is located 1.7 kilometers from the headquarters of Taman Negara National Park and is easily accessible on foot or by boat. The Canopy Walk costs 5 RM per person (about 1 euro). Only a limited number of people are allowed on the rope bridges at a time, so you may have to wait for your turn.
Hiking through the Jungle of Malaysia
Taman Negara National Park is a fantastic area in Malaysia for hikers. A hike to Teresek Hill to enjoy the view or a simple hike to the canopy walk is already worth it for nature enthusiasts. Adventurers are advised to venture off the beaten path. In Kuala Tahan, the nearest village from the headquarters, you can easily book multi-day hikes where you might spend the night in a cave, go camping, or search for panthers. You can spend a week in the jungle under the guidance of a professional guide without any problems. About 50 km from the headquarters, you will find special waterfalls and caves that are only accessible on foot.
Evening Jungle Tour in Taman Negara National Park
For 40 RM (about 10 euros), you can take an evening walk from the headquarters of Taman Negara, Malaysia. You will mainly search for scorpions, spiders, and snakes, but with a bit of luck, you may also spot wild boars or deer at the watering hole. It is handy to bring a headlamp so you can take photos of the unique animals you encounter along the way. From Kuala Tahan, you can take a boat to the headquarters for 1 RM (20 euro cents) in less than a minute. Most night walks start around eight o’clock. On average, an evening safari lasts about an hour and a half.
A Boat Trip through Taman Negara National Park
Don’t mind getting wet during a ride on the water? In Taman Negara, it is generally above thirty degrees Celsius, so a bit of splashing is secretly quite nice. Consider taking an excursion in Taman Negara with a long-tail boat, where you visit the local population and sail upstream through small rapids. Along the way, you can also swim in the river and enjoy all the jungle sounds around you. It is a beautiful journey, overlooking the impenetrable jungle. The boat also stops at several places, depending on the excursion you book. We stopped at a large old tree and at a path from where you can walk to a waterfall.
Dining at a Floating Restaurant near Taman Negara NP
When visiting Taman Negara NP, you’ll find two small floating restaurants just before you take the boat to the park. We can definitely recommend the one on the right! It’s a nice spot to enjoy a banana pancake before heading to the national park, or even upon your return.
The Ideal Base for Your Jungle Adventure in Malaysia
Kuala Tahan is an easy place to stay if you plan to visit Taman Negara National Park. The small town has all the facilities you need during your stay. There’s an ATM, booking offices to arrange excursions, and great dining options. Like everywhere in Malaysia, the population is diverse, so you’ll find a mix of Malay, Indian, and Chinese cuisine. Several floating restaurants can be found on the river. These restaurants are mostly frequented by tourists, so the food is often adapted to Western preferences: less spicy and milder in flavor. However, the ambiance during sunset is truly charming.
Accommodation Tip near Taman Negara: Balai Serama Guesthouse
When looking for accommodation around Taman Negara NP, we had some doubts. There is only one accommodation inside the park, and several small guesthouses are scattered around it. When we came across Balai Serama Guesthouse, we weren’t impressed by the photos, but the reviews were excellent. Plus, it wasn’t expensive, especially considering it includes breakfast and dinner. We decided to go for it, and wow, what a pleasant surprise it was. The accommodation is much nicer than the photos on Booking.com!
Balai Serama Guesthouse is run by the Dutch Marja and her Malaysian husband, and it’s truly a gem. The rooms are tidy, clean, and all have their own terrace overlooking the beautiful tropical garden. You can walk through this garden to the restaurant, where there’s an additional terrace with beach chairs. From there, you have a stunning view of the river. You book a room including breakfast and dinner, and it was really good. Every evening offers a different buffet with delicious Asian dishes. In your room, you’ll find a book with excursions that Marja can arrange for you, as well as transfers to your next destination. She’ll pick you up and drop you off at the national park with her car. If there’s one accommodation from our trip through Malaysia that we can highly recommend, it’s Balai Serama Guesthouse!
Practical Tips and Best Time to Visit the Malaysian Jungle
You need an entrance ticket to enter the jungle of Taman Negara in Malaysia. Entrance costs 30 RM per day (about 8 euros) and must be paid at the headquarters near Kuala Tahan. An additional fee of 5 RM (about 1 euro) is charged for bringing a camera into the park. Additionally, it’s advisable to apply DEET or another mosquito repellent. Malaria is present in Taman Negara National Park. During the rainy season from November to late December, there are many leeches in the park. These are harmless, but if you want to prevent them from attaching themselves to you, it’s best to wear socks over your pants or special leech socks. Taman Negara NP can be visited throughout the year. The dry season lasts from March to September.