taman negara in 3 days, 2 nights
The classic way in by river boat with a night walk on the first evening, a full day of canopy walkway, hill views and rapids, and a bat cave before the drive home. Go between March and September, when it's drier.
Day 1 Up the river
- Morning
- Leave KL early and drive about 3 hours to the Kuala Tembeling jetty near Jerantut. Many packages include the transfer.
- Lunch
- A simple lunch in Jerantut before the boat.
- Afternoon
- River boat upstream to Kuala Tahan, about 3 hours, past riverbank forest and small villages. Check in when you arrive.
- Evening
- Dinner at one of the floating restaurants on the river.
- Night
- A guided night jungle walk for insects, spiders, sleeping birds and, with luck, something bigger.
Day 2 Canopy and rapids
- Morning
- Cross the river to the park headquarters and get your permits at the park office. Walk to the canopy walkway early, then carry on up Bukit Teresek, a short, steep climb to a lookout over the forest.
- Lunch
- Back down to a floating restaurant for a simple Malay lunch.
- Afternoon
- Boat up the Tahan River to Lata Berkoh for the rapids, and a swim if the water is calm.
- Evening
- Dinner by the river, then an early night.
Day 3 Bat cave and home
- Morning
- With a guide, crawl and squeeze through Gua Telinga, a bat cave you follow on a rope. If you don't like tight spaces, take a slow walk on the trails near headquarters instead.
- Lunch
- Last lunch at Kuala Tahan.
- Afternoon
- Drive back to KL, about 4 hours via Jerantut, or take the boat downstream if your package includes it.
Good to know
- Wear leech socks or long socks, and bring insect repellent.
- You need a park entry permit, plus a camera permit if you're taking photos. Get both at the park office.
- Heavy rain can close trails and raise the river. Ask at the park office before you set out each day.