Taman Negara
Taman Negara, Malaysia’s largest national park is spread across the states of Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan and covers over 4,300 sq km. It’s one of the oldest virgin rainforests in the world at 130 million years with over 250 species of birds, more than 3,000 species of plants and about 150 species of mammals including the Asian elephant, Malayan tigers, tapirs and Malayan sun bears. Visitors begin their journey at Kuala Tahan in Pahang and there are various types of accommodation available. Jungle trails are well marked but it’s strongly advised to get a guide. Animals can be spotted from wildlife observation hides, and the park also encompasses Gunung Tahan, the highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia. Explore caves and Orang Asli villages, hike, go on a river cruise and be sure to do the Canopy Walk suspended 510m across the jungle.
Photo: Tourism Malaysia
Endau-Rompin National Park
Gazetted in 1993 and one of the oldest rainforests in the world, the Endau-Rompin National Park has rock formations dating back a staggering 240 million years. The name of the park is derived from the two rivers that flow through it – the Endau river in the south of Johor and the Rompin in the north of Pahang. Visitors can access the park through three entrances and your trip will differ slightly depending on which state you enter from. It isn’t easy getting to this park which makes it even more interesting to visit. Book a 4WD night safari, go rubber tubing on the river, visit the local Jakun tribe in their village, hike to waterfalls, and try and spot animals like elephants, wild boar and mousedeer. Be sure to book a guide if you’re planning on hiking and camping in the park.
Photo: Tourism Malaysia
Gunung Ledang National Park
Named after the highest mountain in the state of Johor, Gunung Ledang National Park is popular with hikers and jungle enthusiasts. Gunung Ledang (also called Mount Ophir) can be accessed through three points – Taman Hutan Lagenda Sagil, Gemas and the Belemang Sagil River near Tangkak Dam. There are chalets and jungle huts for rent, or you can pitch your tent at the designated campsite. There are waterfalls and ponds to bathe in, trails to explore and if you want a good 5-6 hour hike up a mountain, Gunung Ledang is a good challenge. It’s compulsory to hire a guide and this can be done at the park rangers’ post.
Photo: Tourism Malaysia
Royal Belum State Park
The Royal Belum State Park is located within the Belum-Temenggor rainforest in the state of Perak and extends into Thailand. A relatively new park, it was gazetted in 2007 with the aim of protecting the endangered Malayan tiger and the Sumatran rhino (sadly declared extinct in the wild since 2015). Spread over 1,175 sq. km, the park can be reached by boat from Pulau Banding in Perak (approximately five hours by road from KL). If you’re into bird (of the feathered variety) watching, this is the park to visit. There are also salt licks, an Orang Asli village, waterfalls, various jungle trails and the opportunity to spot animals like tapirs, Malayan sun bears and gibbons.
Photo: Tourism Malaysia
Penang National Park
The Penang National Park may be the smallest in Malaysia, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in unique things to see. Gazetted in 2003, there are two main hiking trails that will bring you to Monkey Beach and the Penang Turtle Sanctuary. The most popular route takes you along the coast to Monkey Beach then the historic Muka Head Lighthouse (no longer in operation). The other path leads to Kerachut Beach and a meromictic lake, a rare natural phenomenon where two separate layers of water – sea and fresh – are found but do not mix. Further along is the turtle sanctuary, and if you’re looking for possibly the quietest beach on the island, take the trail to Teluk Kampi.
