Taman Negara
What to do in Taman Negara?
How much does it cost to travel through Malaysia?
After the city buzz of Kuala Lumpur, I was ready to trade skyscrapers for jungle canopies — and Taman Negara delivered. As one of the world’s oldest rainforests (we’re talking over 130 million years old!), it offered the wild, off-the-grid experience I didn’t know I was craving.
Think canopy walks high in the trees, muddy trails through dense jungle, boat rides along the river, and nights filled with the sounds of nature. It was a total reset from city life — and honestly, one of the most memorable parts of my Malaysia trip.
In this post, I’ll share where I stayed, how I got there, and all the wild and wonderful things I got up to in Taman Negara, Kuala Tahan.
Where I Stayed – Kuala Tahan
I chose to stay in Kuala Tahan, the small village right next to the entrance of Taman Negara. There’s not much going on in town — just a handful of hostels, guesthouses, and a few simple restaurants lining the riverbank.
The jungle itself lies on the other side of the river, so to get into Taman Negara, you’ll need to take a short boat ride — it literally takes about a minute. The crossing costs 1.23 MYR (around €0.25), and boats run regularly throughout the day.
How to Get to Penang?
There are a couple of ways to get to Kuala Tahan, depending on where you're coming from.
From Kuala Lumpur:
You can take a bus to Jerantut, the nearest town (around 3.5 to 4.5 hours), and from there transfer to a minivan (about 1.5 to 2 hours) that brings you to Kuala Tahan.
If you want a more scenic route, you can continue from Jerantut by boat along the Tembeling River. The boat ride takes about 2 to 3 hours, winding peacefully through the jungle — definitely a memorable way to arrive.
From the Cameron Highlands:
The easiest option is to book a direct minivan to Kuala Tahan. The journey takes around 6 to 7 hours, depending on weather and traffic. It's a long travel day, but fairly comfortable and hassle-free.
How Long Should You Stay?
I spent three nights in Taman Negara, which felt just right. You could stay for two nights, but I’d recommend giving yourself a bit more time if you can. The longer you stay, the more time you have to take on longer jungle treks and really soak in the rainforest experience.
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Top 3 Things to Do in Taman Negara (Kuala Tahan)
Taman Negara is Malaysia’s wild side — a lush, ancient rainforest filled with towering trees, hidden waterfalls, and creatures you won’t spot anywhere else. Whether you’re here for a taste of jungle life or a full-on adventure, there’s something unforgettable waiting in the forest. Here are my top 3 must-do experiences:
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Go on a Night Walk
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Through the JungleAs soon as the sun sets, the jungle transforms — and a night walk is the best way to experience it. With a local guide and a flashlight, you’ll explore the edge of the forest and spot all kinds of nocturnal wildlife: stick insects, glowing fungi, spiders, snakes, and even scorpions (don’t worry, they keep their distance). The sounds alone — frogs, crickets, rustling leaves — are worth the trip. It’s a thrilling and magical intro to the rainforest.
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Join a Guided Jungle Trek (Day Tour)
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Spend a full day hiking deep into Taman Negara’s dense jungle, crossing rivers, climbing over tree roots, and spotting wildlife along the way. Most treks include a visit to the canopy walk, one of the longest in the world, where you can walk high above the forest floor. You'll also learn about jungle survival, medicinal plants, and the native Orang Asli people. It’s sweaty, muddy, and totally worth it.
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Do an Overnight Jungle Trek (2 Days / 1 Night)
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If you're craving real adventure, this is it. The 2-day trek takes you deep into the rainforest, far beyond the usual tourist trails. You’ll sleep in a basic cave or jungle shelter, cook over a fire, and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle. Along the way, you might cross rivers, visit hidden waterfalls, and truly feel the wildness of Taman Negara. It’s intense, raw, and completely unforgettable — perfect for those who want to go beyond the surface.
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