Taman Negara (Pahang)

There are 4 entry points to the National Park (Taman Negara in Malay), the most commonly used being Kuala Tahan near Jerantut. But this place has become so developed and crowded that the Malaysian Wildlife Department has promoted the alternate entry point in Sungai Relau, near Merapoh, 30 km South of Gua Musang (Kelantan). We, the P.E.A, and all nature lovers like us, prefer this entry point, because the signs of wildlife are everywhere; in the middle of the marvelous trees of the well preserved rainforest, spotted with huge limestone rocks and caves. For all treks inside the Park, you will be accompanied by a guide of the National Park.

Option 1

• Day 1
  

  You will meet a P.E.A guide in Kuala Lumpur town center at 7.00 AM, in order we reach the small town of Merapoh by lunch time. After lunch, we will go to the nearby Taman Negara Entry Point Camp, where we will register.

  In the afternoon, we will have a 4-5 hour jungle trek to reach the Elephant Cave (Gua Gajah). Some of the rocks inside this cave are ‘polished’ by the elephants while scratching their bodies! There is also a huge chamber full of bats.

  However, the trail itself is filled with signs of wildlife. Elephants leave their mark with footprints and dungs, and hornbills may be heard and sometimes seen, through the canopy. In April 2007 we were lucky enough to hear a tiger 100m from us. But don’t panic, as all these animals are shy and difficult to see. After returning to the Camp, we will be transported by the National Park 4-wheel cars to the Sungai Relau camp, located 14 km deep in the jungle. We will spend the night in the dormitories of this camp, very comfortable and clean; enjoy a barbecue dinner and a good swim in the river if the fishes allow it!! (Sungai Relau is reserved and some parts of the river are full of fishes).No fishing allowed.

• Day 2
  After breakfast, we will do another walk in the jungle, either by following the first part of the trail which leads to Gunung Tahan; the highest mountain of Peninsular Malaysia; at 2,187m above sea level; till some waterfalls, or any other trail you can choose from, or just do bird watching. There are so many possibilities, and the views are so different from one trail to another. In order to be in true contact with the nature, we will spend the whole day and a night here.
• Day 3
  After breakfast, we will return to the Merapoh entry point, and return to Kuala Lumpur, taking time to visit some interesting places, such as the impressive waterfall near Bentong.

Option 2

• Day 1
  In the afternoon, we stay at Merapoh Entry Point, doing only the initiation trail. We could even lounge around the dormitories, very comfortable as well.
• Day 2
  In the morning, we do the trek to Gua Gajah (4-5 hours walk on an easy trail). In the afternoon, we go to Sungai Relau Camp by car to overnight there.
• Day 3
  Same as Option 1.
• Optional: During this trip, a night safari and a night walk can be arranged (not included in the package).

• Transportation from Kuala Lumpur town center
• English speaking guide equipped with first aid kit and CB radio. (French guide available on request)
• All meals with mineral water
• Accomodation (dormitory style)

T-shirts, long and short pants, swimsuit and towel, a small rucksack for the treks, hat, raincoat, hiking shoes, insect repellent, torch light and your personal pharmacy.

Note: Prices in USD for 1 Pax
Validity ; end june 2008
Prices are subjected to change without prior notice

• Insurance is not included (extra cost 15 RM per person)
• An indemnity form will have to be signed before departure.
• Any trip starts by a special safety briefing
• This trek is not advisable for children below 8 years