Taman Negara National Park

Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia This park holds one of the oldest and best conserved tropical forests on the planet. © Wilfried Louvet

Straddling the regions of Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan is Taman Negara National Park, undoubtedly the most famous in Malaysia. This park covered with the oldest tropical forests in the world - fruit of an uninterrupted development of 130 million years - is among the fabulous panoramas of the Titiwangsa mountains where the Gunung Tahan gushes out; the highest summit in Malaysia peaking 7,175 feet, a wonderful adventure ground of over 10,730 acres of tropical forest and jungle in which tourists can do many activities. Trekking, exploring caves, shooting rapids, fishing, climbing, swimming in crystal water. Not leaving out the longest suspended footbridge in the world (1,510 feet long, and close to 30 feet tall) where you can look down at the forest. You will also discover an incredibly abundant wildlife on this site. There are about 350 bird species (including drongos, malkohas and hornbills), and a good number of butterflies, insects, fish, plants (including splendid orchids) and animals (bears, tigers, elephants, monkeys). Lastly, the park also shelters Malay aborigenes and Orang Asli who preserved their traditional lifestyle. You can easily get to the park from Kuala Lumpur (3-hour trip). You can also get to Kuala Tembeling by train, the point of departure to reach Kuala Tahan, the centre of the park found a 3-hour ride by boat. The reception and accomodation are excellent and perfectly managed with a constant concern for environmental protection.