Sunday, 2 November 2014

Taman Negara (National Park)






Taman negara

Taman Negara National Park is the perfect place for travelers who love wild life viewing, jungle trekking, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, camping and many more. It is well established as one of the most popular ecotourism in Malaysia. Every year Taman Negara attracts thousands of local and international travelers. It has a tropical, humid climate with temperatures averaging 86°F (30°C). It is opened throughout the year.Taman Negara located at central part of Peninsular Malaysia. With total coverage area of 4343 km square, it takes three (3) states, Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu. Pahang is the largest at 2,477 km square, followed by Kelantan at 1,043 km square and Terengganu at 853 km square.
There are 3 entrances to Taman Negara namely (1) Kuala Tahan, Jerantut, (2) Sungai Relau, Merapoh (3) Kuala Koh, Gua Musang. Kuala Tahan is the most established and popular among local and international tourists. Kuala Tahan is about 240 km from Kuala Lumpur city center or estimated 3 – 4 hours driving.

Kuala Tahan is connected by road system to and from Jerantut, Kuala Lumpur, Kuantan, Kota Bharu and Pulau Pinang. Train system, to and from Kluang, Johor and Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Boat system, to and from Kuala Tembeling to Kuala Tahan via Sungai Tembeling.

·         Attractions and activities at Taman Negara

Once in the park there are many fun things to do. Walking excursions are usually under accompaniment of a guide, he will take you into the jungle. There's also the famous Taman Negara Canopy Walk; this is a 510 meters long suspension bridge between high treetops (arguably the longest in the world). You can walk over it, and enjoy spectacular views at heights of over 45 meter. 

A night walk is a very nice to-do at Taman Negara; but make sure you wear mosquito repellant and clothes with long sleeves and long trousers. Special socks against leeches are not really necessary; you can always pull them off you bottom legs after your trip (unless you cannot handle some minor blood). Other activities and attractions within the national park are bird watching, staying overnight in one of the wildlife observation hides, adventurous cave explorations (i.e. Gua Telingga, Gua Kepayang, Gua Luas, Gua Landak and Gua Tumpat) river cruises, Lata Berkoh with its waterfalls, fishing (Taman Negara offers great fishing opportunities for anglers), enjoying the scenic views after climbing to the summit of Mount Tahan (multi-day jungle trek) and visiting the Orang Asli (Batek and Semokberi) people in their villages.

 Tips for Visitor at Taman Negara

 Visitors are reminded that, as protected National Park, nothing is to be damaged in or taken out of Taman Negara. When jungle trekking, find out and choose a trail that you can complete before dark. Do not stray off the trail-the rainforest is dense and you can easily lose your orientation away from paths.  Always let a responsible person know of your plans for the day especially if going alone. Enter the jungle with a sense of respect and humility. Be as quiet as possible to avoid alarming other beings. Take plenty of water and some snacks. Unless trekking with a day guide, it is not advisable to eat jungle fruits or drink from any water source.

Wear light, loose clothing, comfortable long sleeved shirts and long pants for protection from insects, leeches, thorny plants and abrasions. Wear roomy, light but sturdy footwear with good ankle support and traction, and two pairs of socks to prevent blister for long treks. A hat with a wide brim to shade again intense sunshine and light rain is advisable. For longer treks pack a poncho or other rain gear. When going camping, pack as light as possible. Use a comfortable rucksack with padded shoulder straps, hop belt and internal frame.  Bring a map and compass for navigating deeper jungle trails-under some dense jungle canopies the sun might not be clearly seen. A whistle is a useful tool for attracting attention in emergencies. 

 In certain conditions, the forest can get very cold-bring a waterproof jacket for comfort. A basic first aid kit for treatment of wounds and bites is advisable.  For longer trips, bring extra batteries for your torchlight; candles and matches.  Choose a clear camping site free of debris and away from rotting trees. During rainy periods, do not camp too near a river-pick a higher spot.  Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories!!




Fraser's hill (Mountain)







FRASER’S HILL

Fraser’s Hill is a highland resort destination lied between the mountains and rainforest of Pahang which is a central region of Peninsular Malaysia. It takes about two hours to this nature based destination from Kuala Lumpur. Fraser’s Hill is at 1,524 m above sea level and serves as a naturalist's paradise that boasts innumerable plant, bird and animal species.  This natural attraction is a must visit destination for those who are interested in cooling climate and nature activities such as trekking, bird watching, horse riding, and camping.
Similar to little Scottish village architectures, Fraser’s Hill sites designed with granite colored mock Tudor buildings dotting the landscape and town's amenities are basically housed in colonial styled buildings. Most of the activity centered on a market square dominated by a little clock tower.
The most highlighted annual event in Fraser’s Hill is International Bird Race that organized by the Fraser's Hill Development Corporation in collaboration with WWFconsidered as one of Malaysia’s premier locations for bird watching. This Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race comprises of bird watching competition that requires watchers to race against time in spotting as many bird species as possible within the resort's routes.
Another special activity at Frasers’ Hill is sightseeing. Several hiking trails around the hill are available and their entrance is usually marked by signboards. There is also an accessible waterfall and trails range from the Hemmant Trail to the Pine Tree Trail suitable for a full day's trek.
In addition, there are numerous leisure-based activities at Frasers’ Hill including golf games that situated at Frasers’ Hill Golf Club, Allans’ Water for fishing and boating, enjoy the colorful flower gardens and parks, and enjoy a splash in the icy cold Jeriau Waterfalls.

Fraser's Hill golf course

Travel Tips:-
1.      Fraser's Hill is a protected and surrounded with nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary.
2.      Visitors and tourists can visit Fraser's Hill throughout the year, but expect heavy mist and ocassional rainfall most times.
3.      Temperatures usually range between 22 - 28°C during the day and 16°C to 20°C at night; with more rain, the environment becomes cold and misty. Ensure you have sufficent clothing if you're susceptible to chill.
4.      Generally, the months with the least rainfall fall between April till September, during the lapse in the monsoon season. This would be the best time to travel if you dislike wet surroundings, but the weather can still be unpredictable.
5.      It is also recommended to go during off peak seasons, which are months that have no major public or school holidays, in order to enjoy cheap accommodation in hotels and smaller crowds.
6.      Prepare to get wet and muddy if you plan to jungle trekking at the nature reserve area..






How to Get Here?

By Road
From Jalan Kuala KubuBaru (Kuala KubuBaru Road), there's a one-way road leading up to the hill. The eight km drive up the hill is a winding one but traffic is controlled from 6.30 am to 7 pm for visitors' safety. Self-drive via Bentong- Tranum- Tras- Bukit Fraser and through this route, you will see many durian stalls (on season) along the way and may experience the delicacy of the famous Durian Raub.
By Rail
You can take other transportation alternative by commuter train services. This commuter train services are available from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala KubuBharu. From Kuala KubuBaruyou need to take taxi to go to Fraser's Hill.

Who To Contact?
Tourism Malaysia Pahang
Address:Lot G01, BangunanMahkota Square, JalanMahkota, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang
Phone: +609-517 7111 / 112 Fax: +609-517 7114