For a truly back-to-nature experience, or rather to really get up close with the wilderness that is the Malaysian rainforest, take a trip to Taman Negara (National Park). Located mostly in the state of Pahang, the 4,343 km² Taman Negara was established in 1939 as the King George V National Park. Following the country's independence from British rule in 1957, it assumed the Bahasa Malaysia name of Taman Negara. 

Taman Negara covers three states, Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu. Each portion of the the park within the respective state boundaries is governed by a special legislation. The Pahang portion, which covers an area of 2,477 km² is under the Taman Negara Enactment (Pahang) No. 2 of 1939.

The park is a famous ecotourism destination in Malaysia. Gunung Tahan, which is accessible from within the park, is the highest point in the Malay peninsula. Climbers can use Kuala Tahan or Sungai Relau, Merapoh, near Kuala Lipis as their departure points. Taman Negara is home to some of the region's rarest mammals, such as the Indochinese Tiger, Sumatran Rhinoceros, Malayan Gaur (Seladang) and Asian elephant. Visitors can view the wildlife from tree hides near salt licks and grassy clearings. The Sungai Tahan (Tahan River) is the popular domain of one of Malaysia's most protected freshwater fish, the Malaysian Mahseer (ikan kelah).

Other attractions found near Kuala Tahan (Park headquarters for Pahang) include what has been claimed as the world's longest canopy walkway, Gua Telinga (cave system), Lata Berkoh (rapids). Visitors can enjoy the many uniqueness of tropical rainforest while indulging in bird watching or jungle trekking.

All visitors to the park must get permits from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks; Perhilitan.

GETTING THERE :
The nearest town is Jerantut, Pahang. The journey from Kuala Lumpur or Kuantan by car or public transport takes about 3 hours via the East-Coast Expressway. From Jerantut town, visitors can either take a bus or taxi to the Kuala Tembeling Jetty, which is another 16 km journey. Visitors from Singapore can take the KTM night express, which stops at the Kuala Tembeling Train Station. From the Kuala Tembeling Jetty visitors need to take a boat-ride along Sungai Tembeling for a 2 ½ hours to 3 hours journey to reach Kuala Tahan. The boat fare is RM25.00 per person. Boats leave at 9.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. daily. Visitor also can drive from Jerantut to Kuala Tahan via Jerantut Ferry. It takes about 1 hour to reach Kuala Tahan from here.
ACCOMMODATION:
Accommodation at Kuala Tahan consists of bungalows, suites, chalets and hostels. There is also a camping site, which is managed by the Taman Negara Resort and the local entrepreneurs around Kuala Tahan.
ACTIVITIES :
Wildlife Observation Hides	Stay overnight at hides and observe wildlife visiting the salt licks nearby
Canopy Walkway	See Taman Negara from the longest canopy walkway in the world (550m), suspended 40 metres above ground.
Cave Exploration	Explore the unspoilt limestone forest comprising some of the most beautiful caves such as Gua Peningat, Gua Telinga, Gua Daun Menari and Gua Besar.
River Exploration	A boat trip up Sungai Tembeling from Kuala Tahan is one of the most exciting activities, encountering numerous rapids.
Fishing	Check out the cool fishing spots at Sungai Keniam. Camp out or stay overnight at Kuala Perkai fishing lodge.
Bird Watching	It's a bird watching galore with 54 per cent of the 650 species of Malaysian birds found in Taman Negara
Climb Gunung Tahan	The highest peak in Peninsular Malaysia takes at least 7days to scale, conquering its steep slopes and tricky rivers.
Visit Orang Asli Settlements	Visit the Orang Asli or Aboriginal village to learn more about their culture and way of life.
Rapids shooting and white-water rafting	Experience the white water of Sungai Tembeling.
PERMITS & LICENCE :
Visitor must obtain an entrance permit at RM1.00 per person. Fishing licence costs RM10.00 each while camera licence is RM5.00 per camera. Do ask about the deal with camera phones!)
Department of Wildlife & National Parks (PERHILITAN)
Taman Negara Kuala Tahan 27020 Jerantut, Pahang Tel : +609-266 1122/09-266 4152 Fax : +609-266 4110 E-mail: penguasa@tm.net.my	Taman Negara Sungai Relau, Merapoh, 27210 Kuala Lipis, Pahang Darul Makmur. Tel/Fax : +609-912 4894
Kuala Lumpur, Tel  : +603-9075 2872 Fax : +603-9075 2873	Kuala Tahan: Tel : +609 266 1122