Taman Negara
Taman Negara established in 1939 and covering three Peninsular States of Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu, is Malaysia's premier park and the largest in the country. It covers a total area of about 4,343 sq. km. of primary tropical rainforest estimated to be more than 130 million years old. The park was formerly known as King George V National Park to commemorate the silver jubilee of the British monarch but after Independence in 1957, the name was changed to Taman Negara. Taman Negara Pahang, which forms the largest part of the park, covers an area of 2,477 sq. km (57%), followed by Taman Negara Kelantan with 1,013 sq. km (24%) and Taman Negara Terengganu with 853 sq. km (19%).
There are three principle legislations governing Taman Negara with separate legislation covering the states in which the park is located. The legislations are the Taman Negara Enactment (Pahang) No. 2 of 1939, Taman Negara Enactment (Kelantan) No. 14 of 1938 and Taman Negara Enactment (Terengganu) No. 6 of 1939. The park is under the authority of the Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment and administration by the Park Superintendent who comes under the supervision of the Director General Department of Wildlife and National Parks.
The objective of establishing and protecting Taman Negara is clearly stated under Section 3(1), Taman Negara Enactment;
' The Park is hereby dedicated, set aside and reserved in perpetuity in trust for the purpose of the propagation, protection and preservation of the indigenous flora and fauna of Malaysia, and the preservation of objects and places of aesthetic, historical of scientific interest'
There are four entry points to get to the park;
Sungai Relau, Merapoh - Pahang
Kuala Koh, Gua Musang - Kelantan
Tanjung Mentong, Kuala Berang - Pahang
Kuala Tahan, Jerantut - Pahang.
Journey to the park starts from Kuala Tembeling Jetty near Jerantut, after a 3-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. Buses to Jerantut leave from the Pekeliling Bus Station at Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur. A bus service also operates between Kuantan and Jerantut while train operates from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Kota Bharu. From Kuala Tembeling, it is 40 km or 3 hours by boat to the Park headquarters at Kuala Tahan. Boats leave at 0900 and 1400 hours. Nowadays, it is also possible to get to Kuala Tahan by land that only takes 1½ hours. Bus services from Jerantut to Kuala Tahan run several time a day. Departure from Jerantut at 5.30AM / 8.00AM / 1.00PM / 4.45PM and return from Kuala Tahan at 7.30AM / 10.00AM / 3.30PM / 7.00PM / Fare RM6.00 per person. Taxi will cost RM 60.00. There is no road in the park it self and all exploration must be on foot or by boat.
License, Permit & Fee:
Entry Permit - RM 1.00 / person
Camera License - RM 5.00 / unit
Fishing License - RM 10.00 / unit
Camping Fee - RM 1.00 / person / day
Department of Wildlife and National Parks,
Km 10, Jalan Cheras,
56100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 603-90752872
Fax: 603-90752873
At Kuala Tahan, chalets, hostels and campsites are available. Camping equipment and utensils are available for hire. Various restaurants and shops offer a wide variety of exotic Malaysian delicacies and continental favorites.
