March 11, 2021

Getting back to real nature

Malaysia’s national parks offer unparalleled experiences for families or adventure lovers

Malaysia’s nature is one of its key draw-cards, with pristine jungle and wildlife unlike anywhere else on the planet. Its dozens of national parks are just breath-taking. Here is just a selection…

Taman Negara, Pahang

Among the oldest rainforests in the world – 130 million years old – covering around 4,343 square kilometres and located in the Malaysian state of Pahang, the name Taman Negara has become known to nature lovers around the globe ever since it was established in 1938. This humongous park hosts around 150 mammal species as well as almost 500 species of birds.

Filled with magnificent wonders throughout, it exhibits a wide range of places to explore… from refreshing waterfalls, tortuous rivers with rushing rapids, to 40-metre canopies, plush valleys and a majestic mountain range with the vivid landscape of Mount Tahan. Visitors experience a breathtaking view even before scaling the 2,187m mountain itself… Just some of the awesome activities available in Taman Negara.

Kinabalu Park, Sabah

Getting back to real nature
Mount Kinabalu, Sabah.

As the habitat of more than 4,500 species of flora and fauna, Kinabalu Park is a pristine land, and an extraordinary wildlife experience for all nature enthusiasts. Established as Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the park offers visitors a premium experience, interacting with the endemic and unique creatures of Sabah. The park surrounds the well-known Mount Kinabalu and covers nearly 754 square kilometres.

The park consists of numerous activities for nature lovers and is also the “Centre of Plant Diversity for Southeast Asia”. The dense rainforest is also the home for the world’s largest pitcher plant, Nepenthes Rajah. Although the biggest attraction in this area will surely be the towering Mount Kinabalu, there are still numerous other nature-based activities to enjoy. Eight different trails await jungle-trekking fans, with all trails providing a unique portrayal of the green landscape around the park.

Bako National Park, Sarawak

Bako National Park is the oldest and one of the most frequented attractions in Sarawak, depicting the unrivalled biodiversity of the magnificent Borneo Rainforest. Bako was officially made a national park in 1957 and, spanning only 27 square kilometres, is one of the smallest national parks in Malaysia.

Getting back to real nature
One of the many trails in Bako National Park – a stone’s throw from Kuching in Sarawak

Albeit small in size, the park houses diverse flora and fauna species, including approximately 600 flower species and 267 wildlife species which casually roam the park’s compound such as silver leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques, slow loris, flying lemurs, mouse deer, wild boars, pangolins, and the pinnacle of the park; the rare wild proboscis monkeys. Bako National Park also takes pride in its white sandy beaches, providing a relaxing shift for a short rest throughout your journey in the jungle. 

Royal Belum State Park, Perak

Getting back to real nature
Rafflesia flowers in Royal Belum State Park, Perak.

Deep in the lush greenery of Gerik, Perak, lies 454 sq km of pristine jungle. A destination dedicated to all outdoor enthusiasts, a spot to escape from the hustle of life and get in touch with one’s adventurous side: lo and behold – The Royal Belum State Park!

Surrounded by the Royal Belum Rainforest, Lake Temenggor – Malaysia’s second-largest man-made lake – is a haven for passionate anglers, dotted with countless small islands to visit. By boat, one can venture into and explore all the nooks and crannies of this lake, among which are the Pulau Tujuh Waterfall, Pulau Talikali Lookout Tower, Temenggor Dam, Kampung Chuweh, the White Rocks and the Salt Licks.

Photo: Lata Berkoh, Taman Negara, Pahang