Kuantan & Terengganu Rainforest

Taman Negara

Peninsular Malaysia's most popular rainforest park is spread out over 4,343 sq. km. of virgin jungle in Pahang Millions of life forms call this place home - Colourful birds, glittering insects, nocturnal animals, shiny fish - these are some of the creatures you'll see when visiting this park.

Jungle walks aren't the only activity. Anglers can pursue the powerful game fish Kelah in Taman Negara's many crystal-clear rivers while those who love bats can explore limestone caves. Some rare and endangered species - the Malaysian Tiger, Tapir and Pangolin are found here. Shy and elusive, spotting one will be a lifetime encounter. Also don't forget to visit the Aborigines that live here, called 'Orang Asli', that carve their entire lives out of harvesting the rain forest and adapting to the natural surroundings.

Visitors can access the park through Kuala Tahan in Pahang by a boat ride up the Tembeling River, 16km away from Jerantut town.

Endau Rompin

Straddling the Johor - Pahang border, the Endau-Rompin Park is a treasure trove of virgin jungle. This is the place for the hard-core nature-lovers as the park is relatively undeveloped and most of it has not even been explored yet!

Like Taman Negara Pahang, many exotic species of fish, birds and animals roam the 870sq. km park including the rare Sumatran Rhinoceros. The trees project a serene atmosphere and as light dims on the early morning, mist rises out of the mossy boulders as fishes dart around the scenic rivers. Recently in 2006, there were claimed sightings of 'Orang Mawas' or Malaysia's version of 'Bigfoot'. Whether it is true or not remains to be discovered but research is underway to determine its presence.

The park can be accessed via a two-hour drive with 4WD vehicles from the entrance near Kahang in Johor. Visitors will reach Kampung Peta, the stating point, where they can obtain special permits to enter the park.

Kenong Rimba

The Kenong Rimba Park is a protected forest reserve that is 121 sq km in size located just southwest of Taman Negara. This scenic valley is rich in unique tree specimens, wildlife and even mythical folklore.

Deep within the park are some magnificent limestone caves to discover, including the famous Gua Batu Tinggi, which resembles a dug out boat. A river flows beneath this cave and legend has it that the cave was formed when a boat carrying the King's messenger from Pekan was turned to stone. At approximately 120-150 meters above sea-level, the cave has an abundance of vegetation from orchids to fig trees and epiphytes to moss.

Outside, nature lovers will be able to spot a variety of trees, such as the 'Tualang', which is a massive tree that grows hundreds of feet high, the tallest tropical tree species. Another interesting tree is the 'Pokok Ara', which is often described in local folklore and poems.

Gunung Senyum Recreational Forest

The Gunung Senyum Recreational Forest is located in Temerloh, Pahang. Its name comes from the Malay word for 'smile'. Its primary attraction is the multitude of caves found within the forest. Chief among them is the Gunung Senyum cave which is actually a hill with more than 20 caverns. Another popular one is the Jebak Puyuh cave, which has about seven caves. The caves are not just popular with tourists, but also with archaeologists as ancient fossils and a tomb have been found here.

Apart from the caves, the wildlife and flora are simply amazing. There are many species of birds, mammals and insects found here, which provides for a great camping or trekking trip.

Gunung Tapis Park

The Gunung Tapis Park is a beautiful patch of rainforest located a mere 16 km away from Sungai Lembing. The park is a popular spot for camping. Visitors can also shoot the rapids at the rivers, soak in the hot springs or fish for the amazing game fish 'Kelah'. There is one resort in the area for those who want convenient accommodation.