Royal Belum State Park - Royal Forest

The Royal Belum State Park is a huge park in the northern parts of Peninsular Malaysia. It is part of the even bigger Belum-Temengor Forest Complex (BTFC) that is shared with Thailand. Together with Taman Negara National Park it is one of the oldest rainforest in world, dating back over 130 million years. Belum is a state park and not an official National Park. This means that local government is allowed to use the area for production forest and it is open for future development. There are efforts to get the government to gazette Belum as a national park, though up till now only a part of the huge forest is conserved and protected as state park. Belum has the potential to become one of Malaysia's premier eco-tourism destinations, if managed well.

The Royal Belum is composed mainly of pristine tropical rainforest, with many river systems, and small grassland areas, some abandoned agricultural plots, and Tasik Temengor, a large man-made lake. Forests found here include lowland dipterocarp, hill dipterocarp and lower montane types with a distinctive northern element as the area borders Thailand. The Royal Belum is part of the larger Belum-Temengor forest landscape, one of the largest blocks of forest in Peninsular Malaysia.

Wildlife surveys show that Royal Belum is an important habitat for large mammals like the seladang (Bos gaurus), Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) and Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni). The area is also home to the endangered Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis), one of very few left in Peninsular Malaysia. Belum-Temengor is the only forest in Malaysia with all 10 species of Malaysian hornbills including large flocks of the plain-pouched hornbill (Rhyticeros subruficollis). 

Getting There
Getting to the lush Rainforest of Belum which situated about 300km from Kuala Lumpur, is to head overland via Kuala Kangsar (TR 1) and Grik (TR 76), and then onto the east-west highway (TR 4) to Banding Island (on Temenggor lake).

Visitor's Info :

Accommodation

There are quite a few decent resorts nearby Royal Belum State Park, the resorts are usually located at the shores of Lake Temenggoh. As most resorts are at a distance apart it is not easy to stay at one resort and eat at another resort, you are basicly limited to what the resort has to offer. Rule of thumb is that locals meals are of much better quality than western styled meals. Most popular resorts around Royal Belum State Park are; Belum Rainforest Resort (offers free WIFI in public areas), Belum Eco Resort and the Banding Lake Side Inn. The great thing about the resorts at Belum is that you can easily book a package deal that includes a 3D/2N or 4D/3N stay, breakfast and also all daily activities and tours. This means no difficulties finding a suitable tour up front (which is somewhat of a problem at Lake Kenyir, as there you can only participate in tours if there are enough people that are interested in that tour).

Facility

• Camp site
• Jetty
• Hanging Bridge
• Toilets
• Bathrooms
• Gazebo
• Open Hall
• Open Kitchen
• Wildlife Hide

Activity

• Jungle Trekking
• Overnight Stay at Wildlife Observation Hide (Bumbun)
• Visiting Orang Asli (aborigines) Settlement
• Angling / Fishing
• Bird Watching
• Boating
• Camping
• Swimming
• Waterfalls
• Traditional Bamboo Rafting

For further information, please contact :

Perak State Park Corporation
Tingkat 1, Kompleks Kerajaan Negeri
Daerah Hulu Perak
33300 Gerik, Perak Darul Ridzuan

Tel: 605-791 4543
Fax:605-791 2641

         

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Taman Negara Kelantan,National Park Kuala Koh, Kelantan

Taman Negara Kelantan ( Kelantan National Park), Kuala Koh is the only official entry point in the state of Kelantan to Taman Negara. Located at the end of an oil palm estate, Kuala Koh is unique as compared to the more populous Taman Negara Kuala Tahan. Kuala Koh is situated at the conference of Sungai Lebir and Sungai Koh. Taman Negara Kuala Koh is part of the Peninsular National Park covering 4343 sq km which includes the state of Kelantan, Trengganu and Pahang. It is home to many unique species of flora and fauna.

  

Visitor's Info : 

  

Recreational Activities
Bird Watching	There are over 300 species of birds in Taman Negara. Experienced bird watchers may be able to spot more than 150 species within a few days.
Fishing	There are some great fishing spots here. However, take note that fishing is prohibited in certain rivers, as these rivers are designated breeding grounds for certain species of fish.
Photography	A photographer's paradise, Taman Negara is blessed with exquisite beauty. Explore the limitless possibilities with a variety of flora and fauna.
Jungle Trails	Several interpretive trails are available around Kuala Koh. One of them is located across the river, where visitors have to make their way across a suspended bridge.
Kayaking	The crystal-clear rivers around Kuala Koh provide the perfect spots for kayaking.

Permit and License
Each visitor must obtain an entrance permit at RM1 per person. Fishing license costs RM10 each while camera license is RM5 per camera.

Accommodation
Since February 2006, accommodation, food and activities are managed by a private operator. There are chalets, hostels as well as a campsite available for overnight stay.

For further information, please contact :

Pejabat PERHILITAN
Jajahan Gua Musang
Wisma Persekutuan
18300 Gua Musang
Kelantan
Tel/Fax: 09-912 2940

Taman Negara Kelantan, Kuala Koh
18300 Gua Musang, Kelantan
Tel: 09-928 2952

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Gunung Benum,Krau Wildlife Reserve, Pahang

Background

Krau Wildlife Reserve, where lies the Mount Benum is the oldest protected areas in Malaysia. It was gazetted on 9 June 1923 with an area covering 62,395 hectares. This reserve is the second largest wildlife refuge in Peninsular Malaysia after Taman Negara. 

Gunung Benum is the tenth highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia with a height 2107 meters (6916 feet) above sea level and is the second highest mountain in the Peninsular Malaysia after Gunung Tahan. Gunung Benum located between the borders of three districts of Jerantut, Temerloh and Raub. The topography of this area covers hilly with a flat low-lying marshy areas in several parts of the reserve. In addition, the area is covered by dipterocarp forest up to the mountain forests.

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Climbing Gunung Benum
 

Climbing to the summit of Gunung Benum is an experience you will not be forgotten by the climbers. The trails can be categorized as hard or hardcore trail and have panoramic views with the rapids and cascades at the foot of the mountain along the way back. Water sources in several camping sites can only obtained from the catchment tank and the climbers should bring along the water needed during their trip.

Day 1:

Registration, appoint guide and climbing equipments inspection. Distance to the first campsite at Jeneruh Camp is about 9 km. Water source available from Sungai Jeneruh.

Day 2:

The distance from first campsite to second campsite at Gunung Lilin is about 4.5 km. Water source are from water catchment tank and climbers are advisable to bring extra water supply.

Day 3:

Journey to the third camp site at Permatang Angin. Water resources are from catchment tanks. Distance from second camp site to Permatang Angin is about 5 km.

Day 4:

Journey to the summit is about 3.5 km and the distance to Permatang Gunung Cermin camp site is about 7.5 km. The climbers are required to bring water to be used at the fourth camp site.

Day 5:

Journey to the 5th base camp at Lata Bujang. Water source are from nearby river with a panoramic view of 6 steps waterfalls. Distance to Kem Lata Bujang is about 6 km and climbers will continue another 8.5 km before exit at Perlok Office. 

GUNUNG BENUM CLIMBING TRAIL	DISTANCE (KM)
Pos Perlok – Jeneruh Camp	9
Jeneruh Camp – Gunung Lilin	4.5
Gunung Lilin – Permatang Angin	5
Permatang Angin – G. Benom summit – Permatang Gunung Cermin	11
Permatang Gunung Cermin – Lata Bujang Camp	6
Lata Bujang Camp – Post Perlok	2.5

For more information, please contact:
 

Director

Krau Wildlife Reserve Management Unit

Department of Wildlife and National Parks

Bukit Rengit, 28500 Lanchang, Pahang

Tel: 609-2790585

Faks/ Fax: 609-2790586

Email: rezabkrau@wildlife.gov.my

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National Elephant Conservation Centre, Kuala Gandah, Pahang

National Elephant Conservation Centre, Kuala Gandah, Pahang 

The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) established National Elephant Conservation Centre in 1989. The centre is a base for the Elephant Relocation Team, which began the elephant translocation programme in 1974.

The only one of its kind in Malaysia, the team is dedicated to locating, subduing and then translocation problem elephants from areas where their habitats are constantly being encroached by plantations, to other suitable habitats throughout Peninsular, including Taman Negara National Park. Over the past 30 years the 24 strong team has helped to prevent the further decline of the elephant population by relocating more than 450 wild elephants.

In addition of being the home to the translocation team and a herd of resident elephants, the centre also carries out public awareness activities related to the conservation issues of elephants in Malaysia. It also supports research activities on elephant translocation and conservation. The centre is open to visitors throughout the year. Visitors can ride the elephant within the centre; assist in bathing and feeding them.

The awareness activities strive to educate the public about the importance of the species and habitat protection. Visitors are encouraged to view a video presentation on elephant translocation at the centre. Upon request special programme can be arranged for school groups. A scheduled visitor’s programme is available, which could be referred under the “Visitor Timetable” below.

The Resident Elephants at the Centre
The centre houses a number of resident elephants which were brought in from Thailand and Myanmar. These elephants are trained and used in translocation exercise of catching problem wild elephants in throughout Peninsular Malaysia. The centre also looks after orphaned elephants to ensure their continued survival.

The Asian Elephants
The Peninsular Malaysian elephants belong to the Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) is listed as a critically endangered species, with less than 40,000 wild elephants in Asia, including a maximum of 1,200 wild elephants in Peninsular Malaysia. Protecting the Asian elephants help safeguard thousands of other species within its habitat. The elephant creates vital natural pathways by knocking over trees, allowing smaller species to feed, as well as dispersing plant seeds in its dung. However, due to habitat loss, elephants are forced to hunt for food in convert areas surrounding forest such as plantations, where they raid crops on a massive scale. This is why the translocation team has such a dire responsibility to move these elephants, to prevent them from otherwise being shot by farmers, or simply dying of starvation.

Image Source:http://www.myelephants.org

Visitor Timetable at the Centre
Visitors are encouraged to participate in activities from 2.00 pm onwards.

Time	Activities
2.15 pm	ELEPHANT RIDE Visitors are invited to ride and elephant around the centre.
2.30 pm	BATHING Visitors can join the elephants as they bathe and swim in the river under staff supervision.
3.30 pm	FEEDING Visitors can participate in feeding the elephants, their dinner of banana, carrot, papaya etc.
3.45 pm	VIDEO SHOW Visitors may view a video on issues surrounding wild elephants, diminishing habitat and translocation

Here you’re not only able to watch elephants in the wild, but also feed, ride and swim with them

How to Get There
Visitors are encouraged to contact the centre to facilitate arrangements and to determine whether the centre can accommodate your visit especially if you are coming in a big group. Visitors are advised to bring with them additional clothing should they wish to participate in bathing activities with the elephants in the river. The centre welcomes visitors to the National Elephant Conservation Centre with the aim of educating with outdoor activities.

No admission fees but donations can be contributed to the elephant trust fund. www.myelephants.org

Your Support and Contribution Needed
The National Elephant Conservation Centre at Kuala Gandah is managed by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia. Continuous efforts are being undertaken to enhance the existing facilities either for research and development or visitors to the centre. The Department strives to make this centre as the region’s most outstanding elephant training and conservation centre. We welcome any form of assistance and support.

Enquiries pertaining to assistance and contribution can be forwarded to the staff at the centre. The Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia has established the Elephant Trust Fund to facilitate donation from the public. You can also forward your enquiries by writing to the following address:

Head
National Elephant Conservation Centre (NECC)
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP/PERHILITAN)
Kuala Gandah, 28500 Lanchang
Pahang Darul Makmur
Tel: 09-2790391

 THIS ELEPHANTS NEED YOUR DONATIONS

For more info, go to Donation pages

 

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