Taman Negara National Park: How to Explore One of the Oldest Rainforests on Earth

At over 130 million years old, Taman Negara in Malaysia is one of the oldest rainforests on Earth—older than the Amazon and the Congo. Spread across Pahang, Kelantan, and Terengganu, it covers nearly 4,400 square kilometers of dense jungle, rivers, and mountains. For travelers, it’s a chance to step into deep time: where giant trees tower overhead, exotic wildlife hides in the undergrowth, and rivers carve their way through untouched wilderness.

Getting There

Most travelers reach Taman Negara via Kuala Tahan village, the main gateway. From Kuala Lumpur, the journey takes about 3–4 hours by bus or car, followed by a boat ride up the Tembeling River for a dramatic arrival into the park.

Tip: Opt for the river boat over the bus all the way—it’s slower but far more scenic.

Top Things to Do in Taman Negara

  1. Jungle Trekking

With trails ranging from easy boardwalk strolls to multi-day expeditions, trekking is the park’s biggest draw.

  • Bukit Teresek hike: A short climb with panoramic views of the rainforest canopy and Mount Tahan in the distance.
  • Multi-day treks: For seasoned hikers, guided expeditions into the heart of the jungle offer a true wilderness experience.
  1. Canopy Walkway

One of the world’s longest suspension bridges, the Canopy Walkway lets you see the rainforest from above, where hornbills and monkeys live among the treetops.

  1. Night Safari

At night, the jungle comes alive. Guided night walks reveal creatures like slow lorises, civets, tarantulas, and glow-in-the-dark fungi.

  1. River Trips

Hop on a longboat for:

  • Rapid shooting: A thrilling ride upriver through small rapids.
  • Visit to Orang Asli villages: Learn about the traditions of Malaysia’s indigenous people.
  1. Climb Mount Tahan (for the Adventurous)

Malaysia’s highest peak, Mount Tahan (2,187m), requires a challenging 7–9 days trek. It’s not for the faint of heart, but the reward is standing atop one of Southeast Asia’s oldest landscapes.

Wildlife You Might See

Taman Negara is home to an astonishing range of species, though sightings depend on luck and patience.

  • Commonly spotted: Macaques, hornbills, monitor lizards.
  • If you’re lucky: Malayan tapir, Asian elephants, or even the elusive Malayan tiger.

Where to Stay

  • Inside the park: Basic hostels and guesthouses in Kuala Tahan.
  • Eco-lodges: Options like Mutiara Taman Negara Resort blend comfort with nature.
  • Budget stays: Kuala Tahan village has affordable homestays and backpacker lodges.

Tips for Visiting Taman Negara

  • Bring insect repellent: Mosquitoes are a constant.
  • Dress light but covered: Humid climate, but long sleeves protect against bugs.
  • Hire a guide: Especially for night walks and longer treks—local knowledge is invaluable.
  • Travel in dry season (March–September): Trails are less muddy and wildlife easier to spot.

Taman Negara is an actual time capsule. Walking through its forests feels like stepping into a world unchanged for millions of years.