Taman Negara (National Park) was declared for conservation by the Malaysian government in 1938. It is the premier national park as well as being the largest in the country. The area covers 4,343 sq/km and stretches across three states; Kelantan, Terengganu & Pahang
It is also the oldest rainforest in the world. In its literal sense, for the past 130 million years from the time of the dinosaurs, animals and plants have lived and died peacefully in this stunning landscape. Uninterrupted. Neither by human nor nature. Even during the ice age, Taman Negara remains unharmed by the ice-flow.
The abundance and diversity of nature is phenomenal here. It is indeed one of the world's most and rich ecological system, a veritable treasure of our planet. Thus, it is not uncommon for visitors to encounter rare species of animals such as Indo-Chinese Tiger, Sumatran Rhinoceros, Malaysian Gaur (an antelope like species) to name a few. It is said to host 10,000 plant species, 150,000 types of insects, 700 types of birds, 350 reptile, 250 fresh water fish and 200 species of mammals.
Eventhough there are certainly many other eco-system throughout the world, Taman Negara remains timeless in the pinnacle. Nothing compares to it. The jungle commands respect and humility from us mortal.
So, get out there... Set up your camp. Understand, appreciate and marvel at this magnificent treasure the world has to offer.
