Endau Rompin National Park (National Park)

Endau Rompin National Park

Endau Rompin, straddling the Johor/Pahang border, is the second National Park after Taman Negara. It covers an area of approximately 80,000 hectares of rich and exotic flora and fauna, encompassing the watershed of the rivers Endau and Rompin, from which it derives its name. In other words, this place is huge. 

The park is home to a vast species of birds, mammals, frogs, insects and exotic varieties of orchids, herbs, medicinal plants and trees. It seems that every time a scientific expedition returns from Endau Rompin, they discover a new species! 

Regular treks through the jungle will give adventurers sightings of leaf monkeys, long-tail macaques, white- handed gibbons, elephants, deer, tapirs and the occasional tiger and leopard. For adventure lovers and river trekkers, there are exhilarating rapids and fairly substantial waterfalls. 

To protect the pristine environment, only limited areas of the park are open for ecotourism. Entry to the park requires a special permit from the Johor National Park Corporation.

·         What to see at the park

Just like Taman Negara there are many wildlife species that live in the park, chances on spotting them are slim as they have ample space to roam around within the park boundaries. The national park is known for having the largest remaining population of the highly endangered Sumatran rhinoceros. Other animals that live in the national park are the white-handed gibbon, Malaysian tiger, Asian elephant, wild boar, tapir, slow loris, deer, long-tail macaques and leopards. Among the many bird species that live in the park are the hornbills and kingfishers. As most of the animals know how to evade visitors it is more common to spot insects, spiders and the occasional snake.

·         Three ways to enter the national park

The national park has three main entry points, two located within the state of Johor and one within the state of Pahang. The two entry points in Johor are mostly used by visitors. At the eastern side of the park you have the Peta entrance, nearby Mersing so good to combine with a visit to Tioman Island of one of the surrounding tropical islands. This park entrance is most used by visitors. Travelers that come from Kuala Lumpur also enter the park at the Peta entrance. The Selai entrance, southwest of the national park, is the least accessible entrance. At this side of the national park you will find a huge amount of beautiful waterfalls. In this area most of the remaining tigers and elephants live. Do know that the last part of the trip to the park is over inaccessible roads; you need a 4x4 to travel to any of the three park entrances which you can arrange beforehand via the Park HQ.

·         Attractions

There are many activities and attractions at Endau-Rompin National Park to keep you busy for at least 3 or 4 days. Among the most popular attractions are; jungle trails, a visit to the Orang Asli (Jakun tribe) village, rubber tube rafting, night safari (walk or by 4x4), numerous fantastic waterfalls, a few beautiful lakes and river cruises.

·         Accommodation

You can stay at the chalets (RM100/RM150) or dormitory at Endau-Rompin Park Headquarters. As there is no aircon, it is advisable to bring along mosquito netting. Also make sure to bring along enough mosquito repellant. There are also a few campsites in the area; you can rent a tent at Park HQ (Peta) for RM40 per night.

·         Best time to visit Endau-Rompin

The national park can be visited from April to October and is closed during the monsoon season (November to March). This is the same monsoon that renders islands like Perhentian,Redang and Tioman (relatively nearby Endau-Rompin) nearly inaccessible.