Taman Negara: Difference between revisions

Taman Negara was established in Malaysia in 1938/1939 as the King George V National Park. It was renamed to Taman Negara after Independence, which literally means "national park" in Malay. The total area of Taman Negara is 4,343 km².

Taman Negara encompasses three states: Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu, where each with its own legislation. The Taman Negara Enactment (Pahang) No.2 of 1939 is only enforced in the state of Pahang, the Taman Negara Enactment (Kelantan) No. 14 of 1938 in the state of Kelantan and the Taman Negara Enactment (Terengganu) No.6 of 1939 in the state of Terengganu. The enactments have similar contents.

Taman Negara Pahang is the largest at 2,477 km², followed by Taman Negara Kelantan at 1,043 km² and Taman Negara Terengganu at 853 km².

The park has been developed into a famous ecotourism destination in Malaysia. There are several geological and biological attractions in the park. Gunung Tahan is the highest point of Malay Peninsular, climbers can use Kuala Tahan or Merapoh as departure destination. Taman Negara is the home of some rare mammals, such as Indochiese Tiger, Sumatran rhinoceros, Malayan gaur (seladang), Asian elephant, etc. Tahan River has been preserving to protected Malaysian mahseer (ikan kelah in Malay), a type of game fish.

Others attractions are found near Kuala Tahan (Park headquarter for Pahang) are canopy walkway, Gua Telinga (cave system), Lata Berkoh (rapid). Visitors can enjoy the tropical rain forest, bird watching or jungle trekking (for longer time stay in the forest, try Rentis Tenor) and the river views along Tahan River.

All visitors to the park must get permit from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan).

• List of national parks of Malaysia