Malaysia – Getting to know Taman Negara

Taman Negara is one of the oldest rainforests in the world – more ancient than both the Amazon and the Congo. Its primary forest is a haven for endangered species such as the Asian elephant, rhinoceros, clouded leopard and tiger to name a few, although you are more likely to see some of the 350 species of bird, a wide variety of primates, lizards, snakes, and the perhaps the odd leech.

What to do in Taman Negara

Explore the rainforest on a river cruise or jungle trek

The canopy walk is a must-see, offering a fantastic close-up view of the rainforest sprawling out below

Get comfy in an observation hide – another great way to spy on animals in their natural habitats

Visit an Orang Asli village, where you can meet aboriginal tribesmen and witness some of the traditional activities that these hunter gatherers still practise today

Malaysia’s first National Park

Taman Negara was the first officially protected area in Malaysia, and was originally named King George V National Park. Designated in 1938 (during King George’s Silver Jubilee) by the Sultans of Kelantan, Pahang and Terengganu, it was created to preserve the land’s wildlife and indigenous populations. The park was renamed Taman Negara when Malaysia became independent from the British Empire in 1957.

The word ‘taman’ means both ‘park’ and ‘garden’ in Malay, while ‘negara’ means ‘nations’. Together they translate as ‘National Park’, although ‘garden of nations’ would be equally fitting for such a significant habita