Putrajaya and Taman Negara offer eco-visitors a fascinating time, writes Syahirah Mokhtazar
I’M ashamed to say that although my father’s home-state is Pahang where Taman Negara is located, I have not explored the area.
So I am happy to be joining a group of journalists on a 5D/4N familiarisation trip organised by Tourism Malaysia, to several popular attractions in Pahang.
PUTRAJAYA
But first, we make a pitstop in Putrajaya, also known as the Intelligent Garden City; it’s just 40 minutes from Kuala Lumpur by car.
First stop is Botanical Garden Putrajaya, dubbed Mother Of All Gardens. With over 700 species of plants from various continents, it also functions as a conservation area for all kinds of trees.
At Sun Garden is a plant called cycas, which has been in existence for 230 million years; this used to be food for herbivore dinosaurs.
We then make our way to the Moroccan Pavilion. I am amazed by the intricate craftsmanship on the walls, pillars and floor, which is spread across three grand courtyards, the entrance courtyard, King’s Court and Granada Court. Though it’s an empty boutique and could do with some maintenance, it’s an attraction nonetheless and makes for a great photo location. The rooms in the courtyard have remarkable interiors and are named Rabat Gallery, VIP Gallery and Marrakesh Gallery.
TANAH AINA FARRAH SORAYA
Then we head for Tanah Aina Farrah Soraya, in Raub, Pahang. This ecotourism resort can only be accessed by 4x4 vehicles.
The bumpy ride to the resort takes about 10 minutes from the bottom of the hill. Our large group has to be transported by lorry. The resort is surrounded by a river and verdant trees with cozy campsites, and chalets. This is a pleasant environment for those who love greenery and yet want comfortable accommodation. Though I don’t mind roughing it out a comfortable bed is such an indulgence after a long day’s travel.
At the resort, you can do multiple activities including Leap Of Faith. I am afraid of heights but surely jumping off a 4.6m-high platform is not difficult? After all, you only live once.
Getting to Leap Of Faith is no walk in the park either as we have to trek and cross two rivers which takes 20 minutes. Bring a dry-bag to store valuable belongings during river crossings.
The platform stands above a waterfall. I stand on the edge of the platform, butterflies in my stomach and legs shaking. I close my eyes and jump.
Another fear conquered.
KUALA GANDAH
One word comes to mind when Kuala Gandah is mentioned: Elephant.
Kuala Gandah is synonymous with its elephant sanctuary. It is about two hours from KL to the town of Lanchang, where the conservation centre lies. Established in 1989 and managed by the Malaysian Department of Wildlife and National Parks, the sanctuary is home to displaced elephants and orphaned calves.
What’s special about this place is that it allows animal lovers to interact with the jumbos. You can feed and bathe them if you like. Of course, I went for both. The elephants are so friendly.
I guess they’re accustomed to their daily routine, feeding, performing, and bathing sessions with visitors in the river. Given the scorching weather, playing in the murky waters of the river is probably the highlight of their day. It is for me too.
TAMAN NEGARA
Finally, I am in one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, 130 million years old and covering 4,343 sq kms.
Getting there is quite easy. Drive from Kuala Lumpur for three and a half hours to Kuala Tahan Jetty, the launch point of Taman Negara, or take a bus ride followed by a 2.5-hour boat ride along Tembeling river.
For the next two nights, Mutiara Taman Negara (the only resort in Taman Negara) will be our home. It overlooks the Tembeling and Tahan rivers, surrounded by lush greenery and the sound of nature is music.
It has a row of chalets and animals are free to roam its grounds. But it’s unlikely that you’ll find a tiger lingering outside your chalet. At most, wild boars, monkeys and tapirs, if you’re lucky, will make an appearance.
We trek to the much-talked-about canopy walk, said to be the longest at 530m and 40m high. I have never felt more at peace with Nature as now, walking in the tropical rainforest. There’s so much to see and so much to do.
Initially, the canopy walk was built for research purposes but it soon attracted tourists. To reach the peak of the canopy walk, visitors will have to cross a few shorter ones. Up there, you may be lucky enough to see wild animals in their natural habitat, including monkeys.
We visit an Orang Asli Village, accessible by a 15-minute boat ride from Mutiara Resort. The Batek tribe leads a simple life. This is my first time interacting with the aboriginals.
I am awed by their simple lifestyle, undisturbed by technology or connection with the outside world, apart from frequent visits from tourists.
The village is in a small area up on a hill, near the river bank and comprises a few palm-thatched shelters. It amazes me further to find out that while they can choose to stay in villages such as the Kuala Tahan village, they prefer their humble abodes in the jungle.
In the morning, the men go out to hunt while the women catch fish in the river and collect fruit. For the children, the jungle is their playground.
During our short visit, we manage to squeeze in a short session to teach the kids to draw trees, stars and simple English words. This experience has touched my heart the most.
I love the boat ride to the Kelah Fish Sanctuary in Lubok Tunor, Tahan River. This river flows from Gunung Tahan, the peninsula’s highest mountain.
We board a powered four-seater boat from Kuala Tahan to Lubok Tunor which takes about 40 minutes, depending on the water level. As it’s a fish sanctuary, fishing is prohibited in this area but you can swim and feed the fish.
Unfortunately, the water isn’t as clear as I am hoping it will be.
If you go to Taman Negara, don’t leave without visiting the Tualang Tree. We stop there on the way back from the Kelah Fish Sanctuary. The tree, standing at 65m, is just a short walk from the small jetty. I’ve never felt so small standing next to a tree. The buttress roots are so broad, it takes about 18 people to circle it, hand in hand. Be careful of leeches near the tree.