Taman Negara National Park: Exploring untouched rainforest beauty

Taman Negara National Park is one of the oldest rainforests in the world and a dream destination for anyone wanting to discover Malaysia's magnificent natural landscapes. As you venture into this verdant wonderland, you'll quickly realize why it's known as the 'Jungle of Eden'.

Getting to Taman Negara

The park is located in central Pahang, about 260km northeast of Kuala Lumpur. The two main access points are Kuala Tahan and Kuala Koh.

Kuala Tahan is the most commonly used entrance and where you'll find the park headquarters and many nearby amenities. You have a few transportation options:

• Book a bus transfer with reliable operators like Transnasional or Nice. The ride takes around 5-6 hours from KL. This is an affordable and hassle-free option.
• Rent a car and self-drive. This provides more flexibility but you'll need to factor in toll costs and fuel expenses on top of the rental.
• Fly into the nearby Jerantut Airport and take a 1.5 hour taxi or minivan ride to Kuala Tahan. While quicker, flights aren't daily so check schedules.

For budget travelers, booking buses through Bitbook offers cashback on your ticket purchase. And you can earn passive BBT rewards just for reserving your tours and accommodations through their platform. Talk about hitting the jackpot!

Hiking adventures await

Once you arrive in Taman Negara, you're ready to set off on amazing hiking trails that lead deep into the rainforest interior. A few top routes include:

Canopy Walkway

For a thrilling nature experience, check out the 400m long suspension bridge spanning the forest 30 meters above the forest floor. Get up close with the treetop ecosystem and perhaps spot some exotic birds and monkeys. Just watch your step - the height isn't for those scared of even minimal wobbles!

Lata Berkoh Trail

This moderate 7km trail offers scenic views of rock formations and allows you to spot colorful plant life all around. Look out for giant ferns and brilliantly hued orchids. The highlight is a stunning jungle-rimmed limestone mountain at the end.

Temuar Recreational Forest

Go beyond the well-trodden paths and discover this seldom-visited forest fragment just 15 minutes from Kuala Tahan. Spot unique plants and wildlife in their natural habitats while avoiding the crowds on a more intimate adventure.

Where to stay

When it's time to rest your feet, you have several accommodation options in and around Kuala Tahan:

Mutiara Taman Negara Resort

Perched on the banks of the Tahan River, this long-standing resort has rooms ranging from standard to deluxe choices. It's a good mid-range option with amenities like a pool and restaurant. Book on Bitbook to earn BBT along with your stay.

Dusun Tahan Treehouse

For an ultra-immersive rainforest experience, reserve one of the stilted treehouses here. wake up surrounded by nature without all the modern distractions. Bathroom facilities are basic but the views are worth it.

Lakehouse Taman Negara

This backpacker favorite lets you really pinch pennies in simple but comfortable dorm-style beds. Besides the awesome hangout atmosphere and cheap rates, it also offers refreshing kayaking tours on nearby Lake Kenyir.