Taman Negera

Had an excellent time at Taman Negera, first day caught a long boat up the river for 3 hours to get to the national park entrance, was such a nice ride, the river was surrounded by dense forest. We saw a few monkeys, some cows and some water buffalo along the river bank. Arrived in park found a dorm to sleep in unloaded my stuff and headed back to the floating resturant where you eat, book tours and catch boat across to park entrance for 1RM. Caught boat over to park entrance went on a long hike to the top of a hill called Bukit Teresek was quite difficult at times having to use a rope to pull up steep muddy paths. Were unable to climb the canopy walkway as a tree had fallen, however was fixed by the next day, was pretty scary at times getting up to 300 M and the walkway was quite shaky. Also Went for a guided walk through one of the caves Gua Telinga was pretty tight at some points, pitch black and smelt so strong from the bats! On the way to caves our guide took us through his village to take photos, I didnt feel comfortable taking photos so I took only 1 of our guide making a blow pipe for hunting. Was nice sitting in the village with the Orang Asli people, except the girl who I was with was taking lots of photos like they were animals on show. This made me feel uncomfortable, but they didnt seem to mind, families were busy eating, children were naked and running and playing. We were told it was possible to hike out a hide where we could stay over night and watch for animals, a hide is a shelter which is built in a clearing where animals usually come to eat grass or drink. So we set off allowing enough time to get there before dark, we managed to get lost as some signs were broken and others missing. Was starting to get dark so I was getting a little nervous and started thinking what would Bear Grills do and where were we going to sleep to avoid the leeches which were stuck all over my boots and socks. We took another turn and reached the Hide both were so happy we hugged each other and admitted how scared we were. We sat and listened and waited for an elephant or tiger but didnt see anything but the sounds of the animals were incredible! Had an amazing night just listening to the sounds, on our way back to base camp we saw a big herd or wild pigs, lots of birds frogs and heaps of leaches!!!! Back at base camp we collected out backpacks, returned sleeping mats and jumped straight on bus back to Jerantut. Was about 1 1/2 hours trip, we got some lunch, water and I said goodbye to Dita who was heading off to Cameron Highlands, I will make my way there eventually but wanted to check out Kuala Lumpur first.




In order of posting: Travelling up river towards national park by boat, My guide Guanni for cave exploration, Micro bats covering the roof of cave, My other guide Limon showing how the Orang Asli people make blow pipes for hunting, The Canopy walkway up to heights of 300 M, Cheeky monkey came out of the bush to steal my lunch, Swimming in one of the clear water rivers, New Years Eve in the Hide out in the jungle.