On the 8th of June, 2004(Tuesday), we started our journey from Bukit Mertajam of Penang state at around 9.30 pm, via Karak Highway, and reached Jerantut, Pahang the next morning at 7.00 am. We took a breakfast at a Chinese stall and headed for Taman Negara Kuala Tahan at 7.50am. We arrived at the destination by 9.15 am. The whole journey took almost 12 hours.
As we were following a budget tour (RM 330 per head), it was unlikely that the organizer would house us in Mutiara Taman Negara Resort. Instead, we had to check in Agoh Chalet, which was situated on the opposite bank of Sungai Tembeling, which is running adjacent to Sungai Tahan. Boat service across the river to Taman Negara was provided by Liaya Restaurant owner, Mr. Yaakub, free of charge, because he catered all our six meals during our two-night stay. The food provided by Mr. Yaakub was tolerable so long as one did not bother to compare to food at Sheraton in Autocity, Juru. In fact Mr. Yaakub was quite accommodative with our additional demands during our stay there.
The tough part of the trip was a total of no less than 8 hours of hiking and jungle trekking within a span of 28 hours interval. This is an experience, which I fear no one of sane mind would like to have a second try.
Of course, most of us enjoyed the shooting of rapids in Sungai Tembeling and walking along the world’s longest canopy walkway (450 m), which was installed 30 m above the ground.
The sole activity I missed was the cave exploration to Gua Telinga where thousands of Dracula offspring are supposed to live. My family members did not follow this excursion for the fear of coming into contact with the droppings of the animal.
The trip would not be so successful if not for the expert guidance of our two tour guides, Mr. Forest Ang and Mr. Jungle Leong from Penang. They have provided us with an excellence service. Thanks to both of them.
This is a good and remarkable experience. If you ask me whether I would like to revisit Taman Negara, my answer is, I shall, if we follow any of the other three entrances to Taman Negara.
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