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Eco Zone: North side of the park SAGER AHMAD There’s more than one way to get to Taman Negara. SAGER AHMAD takes the lesser-known route to Kuala Koh NOT many people know of an alternative route to Taman Negara that takes one to the new entry point of Kuala Koh in Kelantan. Taman Negara straddles three States — Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan. The trip to Kuala Koh from Kota Baru, the capital of Kelantan, is in itself an experience as it passes through a cross section of the State, winding through towns and villages, padi fields and hilly roads in Felda Aring, Gua Musang. This is oil palm country surrounded by rolling hills. The vast expanse of green is very soothing and three hours later, one arrives at Taman Negara’s Kelantan headquarters with a refreshed feeling. Jungle Symphony Part of the buildings at the headquarters in Kuala Koh are built of concrete and there are several wooden chalets set in a garden setting next to the Lebir River. At the headquarters, a generator supplies electricity to all the units including air-conditioning for the office, computers and telephone lines. It’s a stark contrast to the jungle setting, especially when one knows that this is the world’s oldest rainforest - about 130 million years old. Nights are cold. Don’t be surprised to be awaken by long hooting sounds in the distance – these are gibbons. In the evenings, there is a natural “orchestra” performance by insects. You can hear the sounds but not see them. The “music” increases as darkness falls. The river is where you can enjoy boating, tubing, bathing and fishing. Though the river is murky with water the colour of teh tarik — the result of logging and land clearing — fishes like kelisa and lampam still thrive there. Jungle trekking, bird watching and visiting the Batek Orang Asli are other activities at the park. If you plan to visit the Batek, do bring along gifts of food and clothes. The Batek are very primitive and shun urban areas. Although they wear modern clothing, they live in makeshift huts of wood and leaves. The children do not go to school while young adults work as labourers in a nearby land scheme. Otherwise they eke out a living from the forest – gathering herbs for traditional medicine that they sell to outsiders. Efforts by the Orang Asli Department to resettle them have not been very successful. Captured On Film At the headquarters, the presentation and video clip on Taman Negara is an eye-opener. Most people know that visitors are not allowed to destroy trees, shrubs or plants and animals in the park. After the presentation, we learn that it is also an offence to bring in new plants or animal species. The documentary on Taman Negara, formerly known as King George V National Park before World War II, is the result of painstaking work by the Parks and Wildlife Department and is of the standard as National Geographic. It shows rare plants and flowers that only bloom at certain times of the year and will be missed if one is not observant or patient. What To Eat The canteen at the headquarters serves excellent Kelantanese delicacies for meals throughout the day like nasi berlauk (rice with a selection of dishes). How To Get There Kuala Koh is about 90kms from Gua Musang. If you are travelling from Kuala Lumpur or Kota Baru, take the Gua Musang-Kuala Krai road. Follow signboards to Kuala Koh. For details and tours to Taman Negara via Kuala Koh, contact local travel agents or the Wildlife Department office in Gua Musang. Tel: 09-912 2940. Email jokiden5@yahoo.com

RELEVANT SITE MILLIONS OF DREAMS, MILLIONS OF SMILES AND MILLIONS OF THRILLS- PLEASE COME TO MALAYSIA

VISIT MALAYSIA YEAR 2007-2008

TAMAN NEGARA (KUALA TAHAN)

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Taman Negara or the National Park boasts of jungles that date back millions of years, making them older than those of the Congo or Amazon. With 4,343 square kilometers of luxuriant tropical min forest, the park is a haven for adventurers. Picturesque trails, giant limestone caves, excellent fishing spots, exciting river trips and jungle g trails offer a multitude of such adventure opportunities. The park's canopy walk which is 25 meters high and over 400 meters long is the world' longest.

As it lies on the top layer vegetation in a forest, you will have an extraordinary view of the and species found there. TRAVEL - JOKISE COOL SITE

Wildlife observation can be done from observation hides built around the many salt-licks. Mountain climbing buffs would enjoy scaling Gunung Tahan, which at 2,187 meters is the highest mountain in Peninsula Malaysia. River are an enjoyable activity within the park, especially those involving shooting the rapids. For the less stalwart, there are meandering cruises that let you enjoy the surrounding scenery leisurely pace. Fishing is best done in February, March, July and August, and it takes two days to reach the best fishing areas located along Sungai Tahan near Lata Berkoh and Sungai Kenyam. Camping grounds in verdant surroundings are to be found in the park is available in the Rest House, chalets and a hotel, all fitted with basic utilities.

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Eco Zone: North side of the park

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