Taman Negara Merapoh: introduction

Taman Negara is the oldest national park in Malaysia. It’s established in 1938-39. It was named King George V National Park when it first started. It covers a total area of 4,343 km2 spreading over three states (Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu). The two main entrances to Taman Negara are Kuala Tahan and Merapoh. Taman Negara holds the highest peak in Peninsular Malaysia, Gunung Tahan which is 2,187m above sea level. Here’s the activities you can do:

Jungle trekking – There are 6 trails to choose from: Rentis Interpretif (535m), Rentis Palas (1.6 km), Rentis Gajah (5.5km), Rentis Negeram (4.1 km), Rentis Bunian and Rentis Berjalan Malam (nightwalk). Rentis Interpretif and Rentis Palas are short and located near the campsite. Suitable for the kids' education purposes because the trees on the path are labeled. Thanks to iClub members plant labeling effort. Rentis Gajah is more challenging. This trail will bring you to Gua Gajah and it takes at least 2 hours. to get there It’s forbidden to go without a guide!



Ikan Kelah fish sanctuary – Take a 4WD to Kuala Juram (14 km away from main campsite) to reach Sungai Juram where Ikah Kelah awaits you. Here, you can feed Ikan Kelah or Malaysian Mahseer (Tor Tambra) . If the water is clear, you can see the ikan Kelah swimming against the current with their mouths wide open. In addition, you can see the fish up close at the Ikan Kelah Breeding Centre at the main campsite.


Cave exploration – Two limestone caves can be found in Taman Negara Merapoh: Gua Gajah and Gua Peningat. Gua Gajah is a small cave often visited by the elephants. Along the trail, you can see elephant footprints and droppings. Follow the tunnel in the cave and you will find yourself surrounded by thousands of bats in the dark. Don’t forget to bring torchlight! Gua Peningat is much more larger than Gua Gajah. It’s located further away from the main campsite.

Gua Gajah

Wildlife watching - There are a few watch towers to observe wildlife such as Bukit Seraya (see picture below) and Bumbun Rimau. Menara Tinjau Bukit Seraya is situated on the way to Kuala Juram. It offers a scenic view of Tahan moutain range (picture showed at the bottom). It is restricted to 20 people on the tower at one time. On the other hand, Bumbun Rimau is a popular spot for nightlife watching. It's located just in front of a hangout place for animals like tiger, leopard, mouse deer, Asian golden cat and sun bear. If you're lucky, you'l get to see all the animals. If you're not, come again! There are beds where you can spend the night. You need to take a 4WD and follow a short jungle trekking trail (300m) in order to get there.


Climbing Gunung Tahan – Taman Negara Merapoh is the best way to climb up Gunung Tahan (2,183m) because the trip is shorter (4 days) compared to Kuala Tahan way (7 days). Only 48 people per day are allowed to hike the mountain. Hiring guide is compulsory (RM 950 for 12 persons). Other procedure such as luggage examination is required. Alternatively, you can follow the path from Sg Relau (Merapoh) to Kuala Tahan. Many experienced hikers claim that Gunung Tahan as the most difficult track in Malaysia.

Gunung Tahan view from Bukit Seraya

For more information on other activities and how to get to Taman Negara Merapoh, Click here.

Note: All the facts are given by Perhilitan staff unless otherwise stated.