If you are planning an outdoor trip to Taman Negara Pahang, you may be interested to know that there is another entrance to the world famous national park. You may be quite familiar with Kuala Tahan and the journey from Kuala Tembeling to the National Park.
But, there is another entrance. The name of the place is called Sungai Relau or its full name is Taman Negara Pahang Sungai Relau. This entrance is located on the western side of Taman Negara. The entrance was only opened to the general public in the early 1990′s. To get here, from the town of Merapoh it is a 7km journey to the park’s office at Sungai Relau. To get to Merapoh, one has to travel a 30km journey southwards by road from Gua Musang or a 100km journey from Kuala Lipis.
Taman Negara Sungai Relau is the popular point for mountain climbing to Gunung Tahan. Hikers attempting the climb from this route to Gunung Tahan will take a mere 2 days as compared to the longer trek of 5 days from Kuala Tahan. A 14-km road links Sungai Relau to Kuala Juram, the foot hill for climbing Gunung Tahan where climbers will be dropped off for their climb up the highest peak on Peninsula Malaysia.
In this park, there are many forest trails. Among the popular trails are the Interpretive Trail, Negeram Trail, Palas Trail and Gua Gajah Trail. The 0.5km Interpretive Trail provides introduction to the rainforest and the ecosystem. The Negeram Trail follows the Sg Relau river and end at Pasir Gelanggang passing through the lowland and swampy forest. The Palas Trail is about 1.6km long. This trail has some hilly terrain, peat swamp and lowland forest.
The trail to Gua Gajah is about 5km long. Gua Gajah is a limestone outcrop and provides shelter for elephants during the monsoon. Inside Gua Gajah, there is a bats chamber where guano and bats are found. The low number of visitors has makes Taman Negara Sungai Relau a heaven for wildlife observation. A newly discovered cave called Gua Jinjang Pelamin is open only to a select few. To attempt this cave exploration with its varied chambers and halls, one has to get in touch with us for the exclusive arrangement.
Taman Negara is considered one of the most extensive protected area consisting of pristine, lowland, evergreen rainforest in Malaysia. For those that loves the outdoors, there are many activities which they can take part in.
Highlights include cave exploration, waterfalls, rivers, streams, night walks, bird watching, panning for gold and more. This area is suitable for independent and group travellers, and also suitable for families with small children. Do contact us if you require further information or wish to make a booking.
Planning a trip to Taman Negara? Here are 2 types of programs to consider. We have put together a 3 day / 2 night FREE & EASY package. This is basic, so you can plan your own program or you can choose the 3 day / 2 night guided program.
If you feel, the duration is too short, you can always opt to extend it to the number of days you wish. Just let us know when you are making the reservation.
1. Visitors are reminded that, as protected National Park, nothing is to be damaged in or taken out of Taman Negara.
2. When jungle trekking, find out and choose a trail that you can complete before dark. Do not stray off the trail-the rainforest is dense and you can easily lose your orientation away from paths.
3. Always let a responsible person know of your plans for the day especially if going alone.
4. Enter the jungle with a sense of respect and humility. Be as quiet as possible to avoid alarming other beings.
5. Take plenty of water and some snacks. Unless trekking with a day guide, it is not advisable to eat jungle fruits or drink from any water source.
6. Wear light, loose clothing, comfortable long sleeved shirts and long pants for protection from insects, leeches, thorny plants and abrasions.
7. Wear roomy, light but sturdy footwear with good ankle support and traction, and two pairs of socks to prevent blister for long treks.
8. A hat with a wide brim to shade again intense sunshine and light rain is advisable. For longer treks pack a poncho or other rain gear.
9. When going camping, pack as light as possible. Use a comfortable rucksack with padded shoulder straps, hop belt and internal frame.
10.Bring a map and compass for navigating deeper jungle trails-under some dense jungle canopies the sun might not be clearly seen. A whistle is a useful tool for attracting attention in emergencies.
11. In certain conditions, the forest can get very cold-bring a waterproof jacket for comfort.
12. A basic first aid kit for treatment of wounds and bites is advisable.
13. For longer trips, bring extra batteries for your torchlight; candles and matches.
14. Choose a clear camping site free of debris and away from rotting trees. During rainy periods, do not camp too near a river-pick a higher spot.
15. Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories!!
Taman Negara Sungai Relau is the popular point for mountain climbing to Gunung Tahan. Hikers attempting the climb from this route to Gunung Tahan will take a mere 2 days as compared to the longer trek of 5 days from Kuala Tahan. A 14-km road links Sungai Relau to Kuala Juram, the foot hill for climbing Gunung Tahan where climbers will be dropped off for their climb up the highest peak on Peninsula Malaysia.
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