Malaysian Jungles

'Taman Negara' means 'National Park' or 'National Forest Reserve'
If literally translated 'taman' means 'garden' or 'park',
and 'negara' means 'country' or 'nation'.

Despite heavy development, particularly in the West Coast regions, most of Malaysia is covered with rainforest.Being located close to the Equator, Malaysian Jungles are tropical and evergreen.
Malaysia's rainforest is one of its best tourist attractions, with large tracts of virgin forest just waiting to be discovered, filled with unique plants, lush green valleys and interesting wildlife.

Visiting the Taman Negara (National Parks) would be the best way to experience Malaysia's Jungle.
You can go on eco-treks, jungle-trekking, watch birds and other wildlife, camp outdoors and enjoy the cool, forest air.

Before you go Jungle Trekking, check:

1.) You have a map of the local area.

2.) Have a trained Guide / Forest Warden to take you around.

3.) Stock-up on mineral water.

4.) You have adequate food rations to last you for the duration of your stay, plus for 3 extra days, in case of emergency.

5.) Use mosquito-repellants.

6.) Bring along a Compass.

7.) Have a torchlight / flashlight with new batteries.

8.) Have a camera (preferably waterproof).

9.) Wear a hat / cap (in case small animals, insects, leaves, etc falls on your head).

10.) Bring a small medical / emergency kit in case of minor injuries or bruises.

11.) Check with the local authorities / Forest Warden whether a Jungle is unsafe / off-limits / has areas to be avoided.

PLEASE:

1.)DO NOT go into the jungle by yourself. No matter how many times you've visited a Taman Negara. No matter if you're the second cousin to Tarzan or the Orangutan's uncle. There have been many cases of trekkers losing their way. Sudden rain, fog, haze and/or darkness can occur anytime whilst you're in the forest. There ARE dangerous creatures in the Malaysian rainforest - snakes, tigers, wild boars (and recently, the Malaysian Bigfoot!)

2.)DO NOT disturb/touch the creatures that you encounter. Touching and disturbing certain animals and insects will distress them, and they may attack you (they will sting, bite, spit venom, spray poison or scratch your eyes out). Let them live in peace in their natural habitat. Take extra care not to disturb their young (their babies!) and nesting areas.

3.)DO NOT drink alcohol or become drunk whilst in the Jungle. DO NOT bring cans or bottles of alcoholic beverages. You have to be sober in case of emergencies such as injuries, attacks by wild animals, snakes or insects (bees, etc). Being drunk is not a safe way to cross ravines, swim rapids and climb trees. Anyway, how can you enjoy your trek if you can't remember it the next day?!

4.)DO NOT smoke cigars or cigarettes in the Jungle. Dried leaves on the forest floor are highly flammable. One spark from your cigarette can create a forest fire. Leave your cigarettes at home.

5.)DO NOT throw rubbish (cans, bottles, food wrappers, plastic bags, etc) in the Jungle. Bring all of it back with you. You will be endangering the local wildlife that may accidently eat your rubbish or injure itself on tin edges and broken bottles.

6.)DO NOT take flowers, plants, insects, animals, rocks, fossils or anything that you find. Other trekkers will also want to enjoy the unique sights along the trail. Remember: some flora and fauna are an endangered species. Hence if you've taken a wild flower or a butterfly, you'll be depriving others of the Malaysian Jungle experience and probably killed a species in the process!

Remember:

Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints.

West Coast Malaysia

State: Perak
1.) Hutan Belum (State Forest Reserve)

State: Perlis
1.)Taman Negeri Perlis

Central Region Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur
1.)Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)

State: Selangor
1.)Taman Templer (Forest Reserve)
2.)Bukit Melawati (Forest Reserve)
3.)Paya Indah Wetland (not exactly a 'jungle', it's a 'wetland', but has many interesting flora and fauna).

South Region Malaysia

State: Johor
1.)Taman Negara Endau-Rompin - this was where the Malaysian Bigfoot was claimed to be seen.
2.)Taman Negara Tanjung Piai

State: Melaka
1.)Hutan Rekreasi Ayer Keroh (Recreational Forest)

East Coast Malaysia

State: Kelantan
1.)Taman Negara Berkoh, Kuala Koh

State: Terengganu
1.)Kenyir Lake Forest Reserve
2.)Labuhan Hill, Terengganu State Forest Reserve

State: Pahang
1.)Kuala Gandah Elephant Reserve (Tempat Perlindungan Gajah Kuala Gandah)
2.)Taman Negara Pahang (National Park)
3.)Taman Kenong Rimba
4.)Taman Negeri Rompin (also borders with Endau-Rompin National Park in Johor).

Jungles in East Malaysia (Borneo)

State: Sabah
1.)Taman Negara Kinabalu (National Park)

State: Sarawak
1.)Taman Negara Bako
2.)Taman Negara Batang Ai
3.)Taman Negara Gunung Mulu
4.)Taman Negara Niah
5.)Taman Negara Simalajau