
25 Best Things to Do in Taman Negara National Park (Malaysia)
Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia’s premier national park, spans the states of Pahang, Kelantan, and Terengganu. Covering 4,343 square kilometers, this park is one of the best places in Malaysia to experience untouched flora and fauna. Established in 1925, it boasts one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world. Visitors can immerse themselves in nature, encounter the indigenous Orang Asli people, and partake in a variety of activities. Here are the top 25 things to do in Taman Negara National Park:

1. Have Breakfast at Mutiara Restaurant
Kickstart your day with a hearty Western-style breakfast at Mutiara Restaurant, one of the most popular international eateries in the area. They offer a range of dishes, including salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and a delightful kids’ menu. A beer at the end of a long trek is also a great option here.

2. Hike to Bukit Teresek
For a relatively easy hike, take the trail from the main Wildlife Headquarters to Bukit Teresek. This 1.7-kilometer trek through lush rainforest takes about 30 to 45 minutes, leading you to a peak 334 meters above sea level. Enjoy panoramic views of Gunung Tahan and the rainforest canopy.

3. Trek to Gunung Tahan
Challenge yourself with the longest trek in Taman Negara, the journey to Gunung Tahan. This 53-kilometer hike from Kuala Tahan usually takes seven days and six nights. An easier alternative is the 32-kilometer trail from Kuala Juram, which takes four days and three nights.

4. Grab a Drink at Lia Restaurant
Lia Restaurant, a charming floating raft, is renowned for its roti canai, an Indian flatbread served with curry sauce. Pair it with a refreshing fresh juice after a sweaty hike.

5. Go for a Night Jungle Walk
Experience the nocturnal side of Taman Negara with a Night Jungle Walk. From the Wildlife Office, trek to Bumbun Tahan (Tahan Hide) and watch for deer, wild boar, and tapir using the salt lick provided.

6. Visit Kampung Orang Asli
Explore the village of the indigenous Orang Asli, the original inhabitants of Malaysia. Learn about their traditional hunting methods, including using blow pipes, and see how they live in harmony with the forest.

6. Visit Kampung Orang Asli
Explore the village of the indigenous Orang Asli, the original inhabitants of Malaysia. Learn about their traditional hunting methods, including using blow pipes, and see how they live in harmony with the forest.

7. Go Rapid Shooting
Embark on an exhilarating rapid shooting adventure down the Sungai Tembeling River. Hold on tight as you navigate seven different rapids, getting soaked along the way. Life jackets are provided.

8. Take a Boat Cruise to Lata Berkoh
For a more relaxing river experience, take a boat cruise up the Sungai Tahan River to Lata Berkoh. Enjoy the serene rainforest scenery and take photos in this beautiful spot before cruising back downstream.

9. Feed the Fish at Kelah Sanctuary
Stop by the Kelah Sanctuary at Lubuk Tenor on your way to Lata Berkoh. Feed the majestic kelah fish, also known as Red Mahseer, and watch them come up close.

10. Observe the Animals
Visit one of the many hides in the park, such as Tahan Hide or Tabing Hide, to see animals in their natural habitat. Most hides have salt licks to attract wildlife, offering great opportunities for observation.

11. Have Lunch at a Floating Restaurant
Mama Chop, a tranquil floating restaurant, offers delicious vegetarian Indian fare for lunch. In the evening, enjoy traditional clay pot rice dishes in this serene setting.

12. Go Fishing
Try your hand at fishing in the Sungai Tembeling or Sungai Keniam Rivers. The best time for fishing is during the dry season from February to September. Popular spots include Rincing, Rawa, Lata Said, and Kuala Perkai.

13. Explore Gua Telinga
Visit Gua Telinga, one of the park’s beautiful caves. Check with park authorities beforehand as it can be closed for safety reasons. Trek 2.6 kilometers from the Wildlife Headquarters, then don caving gear to explore the cave’s main chamber and spot cave-dwelling bats.

14. Discover Gua Kepayang Besar
For a larger cave experience, trek two hours to Gua Kepayang Besar. Inside, you might encounter bats, racer snakes, and various insects. Camping overnight in the cave is an unforgettable adventure.

15. Hike to the Four Steps Waterfall
Visit the picturesque Four Steps Waterfall, located east of Gunung Tahan and Gunung Gedong. Enjoy the stunning cascades of Ulu Tahan tributary flowing into the main Sungai Tahan River.

16. Go Bird Watching
With around 380 bird species, Taman Negara is a bird watcher’s paradise. Visit bird watching areas in Kuala Tahan and Kuala Terenggan from May to August to see vibrant species like Yellow-vented Flowerpeckers and Rhinoceros Hornbills.

17. Climb the Canopy Walkway
Don’t miss the Canopy Walkway, the longest suspension bridge in Malaysia, spanning 530 meters and rising up to 40 meters high. Enjoy breathtaking views of the park’s flora and fauna from this unique vantage point.

18. Go on a Night 4WD Safari
Explore the park at night without walking by joining a Night 4WD Safari. Spot nocturnal animals like leopard cats, snakes, owls, wild boar, monitor lizards, and hornbills from the comfort of a 4WD vehicle.
19. Learn at the Interpretive Room
Visit the Interpretive Room at the main park headquarters to learn about Taman Negara’s history. Watch daily videos that provide insights into the park’s diverse flora and fauna.

20. Dine at Family Restaurant
Family Restaurant, another floating restaurant, is known for its signature dish, kerabu—a fragrant blend of diced meat and vegetables with lemongrass served with rice. Other Southeast Asian dishes, like banana pancakes, are also available.

21. Hike to Lubok Simpon
For a short and easy trek, head to Lubok Simpon. This 30-minute walk is perfect for beginners and offers beautiful scenery with opportunities to spot various animals, birds, and insects.
22. Sleep at Bumbun Kumbang Hide
Spend the night at Bumbun Kumbang Hide to observe animals up close. The four-hour, 11-kilometer trek to this hide provides a secluded yet accessible wildlife viewing experience.

23. Trek to Gua Luas and Gua Daun Menari
Explore the caves of Gua Luas and Gua Daun Menari, located near Bukit Batu Luas. These caves have large chambers to explore, but you might need a guide to help navigate the entrances in the cave roof.

24. Visit Kuala Keniam
Take a scenic two-hour boat ride to Kuala Keniam, home to the Department of Wildlife Research Center and MARA University of Technology. It’s a popular stop en route to larger caves like Gua Daun Menari and Gua Kepayang Besar.

25. Eat at Wan’s Floating Restaurant
End your day with a meal at Wan’s Floating Restaurant, famous for its noodle dishes like koay teow—flat noodles flash-fried with meat and vegetables. This spot is perfect for a hearty meal after a day of trekking.
Taman Negara National Park offers a diverse range of activities that allow visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Malaysia. Whether you’re trekking, observing wildlife, or enjoying local cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this breathtaking national park.