In the Malaysian Language (Bahasa Melayu) Taman Negara means National Park. While there are several national parks in Malaysia, when people refer to Taman Negara, they are usually referring to the oldest and largest in the country. This park is a large protected area in the central northern region of the country.

The park is approximately 4343 square kilometers that spans three Malaysian states - Terengganu, Pahang and Kelantan. The park is nearly all primary jungle and is provides an excellent way to understand the jungle ecosystem up close.

Our trip to Taman Negara began in Kuala Lumpur. One of the best ways to get there from the city is to take a bus. We caught the bus at the Crown Plaza Mutiara Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. The bus trip takes about 4 hours and ends at Kuala Tembeling Jetty, a dock just outside the park. Here you will board a small river boat. These boats are very long and shallow, and are the primary mode of transportation up and down the Pahang River. The Pahang River is the main artery of the park. The journey from the dock to the center of the park takes about 3 hours, but it is spectacular and one of the highlights of the trip. On our journey we saw all kinds of wildlife, including water buffalo, lizards and myriad birds. Rain is always a factor in the jungle, so make sure that both you and your belongings are water tight. You should also avoid using airplane luggage and opt for a back page. Even though you might not be hiking very far with your things, you will be moving on and off boats, walking up stairs and otherwise being in a jungle.

The boats that you will ride up the river to your hotel. The boats are carved out of wood and are shallow enough to traverse the rocky bottom of the river.

Water Buffalo along the Pahang River.

There are a number of options for lodging inside the park at various points. We were looking for something simple and budget oriented and chose the Nusa Holiday Village. http://www.impression.com.my/Taman_Negara_Resort/tmn-packges_Nusa.htm

Our package was for 3 days and 2 nights. We had our own small cabin, and the package included:
* 2 ways wooden boat transfers from/to Kuala Tembeling Jetty.
* 2 nights accommodation @ 02 Units Malay House (twin sharing).
* Entry permit to Taman Negara
* Canopy Walk entrance fee.
* 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 2 dinners.
* Guided Activities (SIC Tour) : Night Jungle Walk, Track-up Bukit Warisan, Canopy Walkway & Rapid Shooting.

We went to the park as a group of 4 and had our own guide for all of the excursions. He spoke English, Malay and a local dialect, and we found him very friendly. He was also in amazing shape!

The cabins were rustic, but overall clean and had hot water. One of the best things about these cabins is that they protect you from the elements, yet you still feel like you're sleeping outside. Once the sun goes down, everything goes black. Whatever moonlight might exist is completely hidden by the canopy of the jungle. However, the real treat is the sound of the insects, who create a drone so loud you can barely speak over it. They call it the music of the jungle, and it's amazing.

Here are a few reviews of the experiences we had:

Canopy Walk
The canopy walk was about 30 minutes up-river from our cabin. The walkway is really high up, and can be quite scary for those with a fear of heights, but it is secure and stable. The major gripe we had with it was that you couldn't go at your own pace. Since you can only cross single file, you have to keep going so people behind you can go. This makes sense of course, but I was really hoping for more time to look out into the jungle canopy and look for wildlife.

Night Hike
The night hike occurred right at our hotel. It is basically walking through a trail in the jungle in pitch black. The guides will look into the darkness and point out whatever they can find. It was really fascinating to look out into the darkness of the jungle and see the outlines of glowing insects. The highlight of our trip was unknowingly walking right under a white python that was hanging from a limb. Since it was dark we didn't see it, but when the guide pointed the flashlight behind it, we all saw it hanging only inches from where our heads had just walked.

Rapid Shooting
This is a fancy way of saying boat ride. You get back into a boat similar to the one you arrived on and go up and down the river. The boat driving makes an attempt to go up and down the areas of rapids to make it more excited. The boat also stopped along the way to look at wildlife and to get out and actually swim in the river.

A fisherman along the river.

Trekking
After the canopy walk we took at hike to the top of Bukit Warisan (Warisan Hill). I would rate the hike at intermediate, meaning that if your not in shape at all, you probably won't make it. Aside from being a very steep climb - the trail is often stairs - the heat and humidity will wipe you out. You must bring your own water, so plan ahead.

Overall, Taman Negara is highly recommended. There is a lot to do there that we didn't have time for. For example, I would have loved a full day of hiking along the river, or a chance to go further up and maybe fish. Here are a few things to consider for your trip:

• Take rain clothes for both yourself and luggage. Your things will not be protected from rain on the boats.
• Pack plenty of bug repellent. There are a lots of things that can bite you.
• Wear long pants and socks. Leeches are very common and they will get on you if you don't plan for it. They are harmless, but still, they are leaches after all.
• Respect the forest, it is a home to all sorts of life, including humans.
• Pack light, you don't want the burden of a lot of things as you get on and off the boats.