Admission is RM1, a camera permit RM5. If you also want to fish, it is an additional RM10 for your entire length of stay. Permits can be bought at the park headquarters, just across the river from the village in the park, Kuala Tahan.
The easiest way to get to the park is through an arranged service from Kuala Lumpur.
Alternatively, to do the trip yourself, first take a bus or a train to Jerantut (RM19 from Kuala Lumpur), and then take a taxi from Jerantut to the jetty at Kuala Tembling, costing RM16.
The river boat leaves from the jetty at Kuala Tembling at 9AM and 2PM for Kuala Tahan. The 60 km journey takes 2-3 hr, and costs RM35.
Or for a cheaper option without the boat, take the public bus from Jerantut directly to Kuala Tahan for RM7 (5:30AM, 10AM, 1PM, 5PM). Although smoking is not permitted on buses some passengers may still do so. Politely ask them to stop if it is causing you discomfort.
NKS buses are more expensive than public transport though they can be a useful option if you are on a tight schedule or would prefer assistance with organising your trip. The NKS websites may not be working but you can contact the Jerantut office at Hotel Sri Emas or phone ☎ +60 9 2601777, +60 2601773, +60 2664488, or +60 2664499. There's also an office in KL at the Hotel Mandarin Pacific (Petaling Street, Chinatown), ☎ +60 3 20720336.
Also try comfortable booking via [1] - 75 inludes bus from Kula Lumpur Mandarin Pacific Hotel (China Town) via Jerantut to Kuala Tembeling as well as the final boat trip to Kuala Tahan.
A taxi can be taken directly from Jerantut to Kuala Tahan which will take 1 hr and cost MR70. Ensure that the price is understood prior to departure.
If you have your own transport, you can drive to Kuala Tahan; although you would miss the river boat trip, which is an important part of the experience. Parking is available at the hotels. From East Coast Expressway, exit at Temerloh and proceed to Jerantut. You will reach a T-junction. Turn right to Kuala Tahan - 75 km). The journey is a 3.5 hr from Kuala Lumpur.
There are plenty of roadsigns so you shouldn't get lost. You will drive across estates of palm oils and winding roads. Beware of cows and buffalos. There is no phone signal in the estates.
The northern entrance is at Sg Relau near Merapoh. There is an express bus from Kuala Lumpur to Gua Musang which stops in Merapoh (RM26), and there is also a railway station. But Sg Relau is 7 km from Merapoh village and there is no public transport or taxis.
It is easy to get around without any guide. You can explore the forest on your own. However, if you go into the deep jungle, especially by the Keniam, Tenol, or Tahan Mountain trails, it is better to go with guide, as you will learn a lot about the jungle and reduce the risk of becoming lost or disoriented.
Lata Berkoh & Waterfall Cascades. A famous spot for swimming in clear and cool water. Beware of strong currents and not stray too far from the bank. You can reach Lata Berkoh by boat ride for RM160. The boat ride itself is a unique experience. You can ask the boatman to turn off the engine (on your way back only) and enjoy the sound and sights of the jungle. It is like being in a Rambo movie. Half way to Lata Berkoh you can stop by the Kelah Sanctuary.edit
Kelah Fish Sanctuary. The Kelah fish is a culinary delight of the locals. They are known for their sweet flesh and is absolutely delightful when steamed fresh. You can feed these friendly fishes here with food that be bought from the Rangers. Stand bare footed in the river and watch as they come to nibble at your feet.edit
Videos on Indigenous flora & fauna. Shown at the Interpretive Room at 8.45PM dailyedit
Tahan Wildlife Observation Hide. You may see some wildlife at the salt lick. It is best to stay overnight.edit
Jungle Trekking. Jungle treks of various duration, some up to nine days, are possible. Trekking requires considerable preparations, a lot of water and a guide must be taken on all long trekking journeys. Although challenging, the jungle treks prove to be an equally rewarding authentic jungle adventure. edit
Climb Bukit Teresek (Teresek Hill). 334m high hill. The trail is relatively easy until the foot of the hill. Then it turns to a moderate climb among ropes and tree roots. Get lucky and spot various wildlife including wild hog, rare birds, scorpians and others. Smell and drink the native Seranti tree, which is similar to a cola. When you finally reach the view point, you will be able to see almost the entire national park.edit
Canopy Walk, (On Bukit Teresek). Walk across the longest Malaysian suspension bridge in the world, at 530 m. Walk across the canopy 25 m-40 m high, and view the rich and diverse flora and fauna at the summit of the forest. In August 2012 the canopy walk comes to a premature ending at around halfway the length. Even though it is still nice, a feeling of slight discontent can be expected.RM5. edit
The canopy walk in Taman Negara National Park
Visit the Orang Asli Settlements. "Orang Asli" means "original people" in the Malay. The Orang Asli live a nomadic lifestyle in Taman Negara. Their settlements are found along the trails. Some settlements are accessible by boat. Let them teach you how to shoot a blow gun and drink the juices of the local fruits.edit
Night Walking Safaris. View nocturnal plants and animals in an easy hour guided trek from the Ranger's headquaters. See flowers that only bloom at night, water dragons, snakes, glow in the dark fungis, stick insects other weird and wonderful creatures.edit
Night 4WD Safaris. Go on a guided drive through the forest and supposedly view owls, leopard cats, snakes, and nocturnal birds. You can see kingfishers, hornbills, otters, monitor lizards and more.edit
Fishing. It is estimated there are as many as 300 species of fish in the rivers. You may only fish the waters of Sungai Tahan below Lata Berkoh and Sungai Keniam below Kuala Keniam Kecil. Fishing tends to be best in the drier months of February to April and June to August. Permit costing RM10 per rod is necessary.edit
Cave Exploration. Gua Teliga (Ear Cave) has rock formation in the shape of an ear. Gua Kepayang and Gua Daun Menari (Dancing Leaves Cave) are some of the few limestone outcrops that you can explore along with animals and insects that live in the caves.edit
Shooting The Rapids. Travelling upstream on Sungai Tembeling from Kuala Tahan is an exhilarating experience. One must be prepared to get drenched as the boat has to negotiate 7 sets of rapids. edit
Bird watching. There are over 350 species of birds in the parkedit
Climb Gunung Tahan (Tahan Mountain). You will need to carry your own food and tent on this 4-7 day journey to the top of the highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia at 2,187 m, . There is a slim chance of seeing elephants in the wild. Needless to say, guides are necessary. Months of physical fitness training is needed before most trekkers would attempt the climb.edit
There are floating restaurants at the riverside of Kuala Tahan, including Family Restaurant, Wan Cafe, and LBK. These cafe serve local delicacies such as toasted bread with kaya jam (weird but tasty combination of egg and coconut), fried rice, drinks, sandwiches, and soups.
Outside of Kuala Tahan there are not many restaurants.
There are no bars in Kuala Tahan as it is a Muslim village. Chess Corner, near the Tembeling Riverview Guesthouse is a nice bar style cafe where locals sing songs and play the guitar at some nights. However, this 'bar' does not serve alcohol. There are also several cafes across the Tembeling River which a reachable by a quick boat ride.
One local drink you should try is the "Sirup Bandung", which is a blend of rose syrup and milk. It is a tasty concoction to drink after a day's trek.
Apart from Mutiara Taman Negara, which is next to the park entrance, all accommodation is across the Tembeling River at Kuala Tahan. Most are within walking distance of the river and there are many boats to take passengers across to the park entrance. Cost is RM1 per person, per crossing.
Hides & Campsites, ☎ +60 9 266 1122, [2]. Book at the park headquarters.RM5. edit
Agoh Chalet, Kuala Tahan, ☎ +60 9 2669570, [3]. Twin room RM50, quad room RM80, family room RM100. edit
Ekoton Chalet & Dorms, Next to the park entrance at Kuala Tahan, ☎ +60 9 2669897. From RM20-100. edit
Liana Hostel, Kuala Tahan, ☎ +60 9 2669322. Basic hostel with lackluster bathrooms.Fan dorm bed: RM10. edit
Mutiara Taman Negara, Next to the park entrance at Kuala Tahan (The only accommodation next to the park). Upscale resort. Wild hogs are a regular sighting and can be seen scavenging for food in the evening. Also features a restaurant.Dorm bed: RM80; Room RM300-1,820. edit
Rainforest Resort, Across the river from the park entrance at Kuala Tahan (Continue along the road past Woodlands Resort), ☎ +60 9 2667888 (resvns@rainforest-tamannegara.com), [7]. No coffee or tea-making facilities, although can request an electric jug. Comfortable rooms, standard hotel-like facilities.From RM150 to RM450 if booked online. edit
Rippi hostel, Kuala Tahan (up the hill from Mama's Chop floating restaurant on the west side of K.T.). checkout: 12noon. dorms-only place with a friendly cat and lizards, mosquito nets, nice sitting for a chat, travel books to read and a guitar teacher if you will, next door is an internet access point.10 RM/dorm bed. edit
Teresek View Motel & Hostel, Across the river from the park entrance at Kuala Tahan, ☎ +60 9 2669744, [8]. Fan dorm bed: RM10; A/C dorm bed: RM20; fan R=room: RM60; A/C room: RM80. edit
Travelers Home, Across the river from the park entrance at Kuala Tahan. Homestay style accommodation but with new, clean rooms at affordable rates. Owner may be rude, so visitors be forewarned.RM110 and up. edit
Woodlands Resort, Across the river from the park entrance at Kuala Tahan (close to Rainforest Resort), [9]. Standard (fan) and A/C (deluxe) rooms with TV. Questionable service, pool and room cleanliness standards.RM108-230. edit
Nusa Holiday Village, (10 min upstream from Kuala Tahan), [10]. Upriver in beautiful and quiet surroundings.Few waterfalls and hill trekkings only accessible from there. They have an office at the Jerantut Bus Station to book in advance. Dorm bed: RM15, A-frame: RM55, cottage: RM90, house: RM110; free boat transfer from Kuala Tahan for guests. Isolated from the main park entrance and where most of the trails start. Access is limited because you need to take a boat ride. First boat to the entrance is 8.30AM and last is 6.20PM. Each ride costs RM5 (sometimes they don't charge), they leave from the Nusa Restaurant at the pier.. edit
Holiday View Inn, Kuala Tahan, ☎ +6013-9663850, [11]. checkin: 1.00 pm; checkout: 12.00 noon. New chalet and comfortable room. Very privacy place and suitable for couple. Visit us at our website for more details.MYR130. edit
There is no violent crime in Taman Negara. As anywhere, do not leave valuables lying around unguarded. Beware of theft from hotel rooms and always monitor and secure your belongings
Wear footwear when outside. If you make a jungle trek on your own inform the park headquarters where you are going and at what time you will be back. People sometimes get lost or disoriented in the jungle.
Leeches are common in the park but are not as dangerous as they are made out to be. They're fairly annoying although after a few days you'd get used to them.
A cheaper but much rougher option is to catch a public bus to Jerantut RM7. From Jerantut, there is air-conditioned bus and train service to Kuala Lumpur RM17 and other destinations.
This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!
