Taman Negara; Back to the nature weekend.

Taman Negara, one of the national parks in Malaysia boasted as old as 130 million years. Apparently this part of the world was not affected by the ice age. One of the oldest and largest forest in Malaysia, 7 times the size of my state MELAKA!. So, it definitely a must when a friend of mine decided to organize a trip to Taman Negara for 3 days & 2 nights.

DAY 1

I was up even before the sun has risen or the LRT service at my place has started. Car pooled with Jusrup, Kast & Jaspal to Kinrara R&R, meeting point for the convoy to Taman Negara.  Lunch at a restaurant mamak in Jerantut,  before heading off to Kuala Tahan, Sungai Tembeling Resort

Met by Laili and the cool guides, Ijol (hunk) & Awang (hero). After settling down at our chalets (very basic- bed with a fan &common bathroom), we started off to our 1st activity- Caving in Gua Telinga. Everyone got drenched in the boat journey to Taman Negara.

 In the evening, we had some play time in  Sg tembeling. After dinner, we were brought to Taman Negara, again for Night Jungle Trekking. We were separated into 2 groups. Jusrup & me stuck ourself to Dhena because he had the biggest & brightest torchlight so it was a good idea keeping in mind my talent to slip plus Jusrup didnt bring along her headlight(Oh yah! I wasn't involved in any accident/incidents minus the salty oreos). Along the way we were shown many different night crawlers. We even had the chance to catch a glimpse of wild deers at the watch tower.

DAY 2

First thing in the morning, we jungle trekked and climb Bukit Teresek (380 meters above the sea level). I was freaking proud of myself, I don't really enjoy sweating up but it felt great trekking between the greens plus it had just rained the night before. Everything was so fresh. At one point, the mist hanged around the forest which was preety awesome. When you reach on top the hill, its worth all the sweats & pain. The view of Gunung Tahan &Tahan River flowing between the forest are unexpressable.

Next was Canopy Walk but it was a shame since half the hanging bridge is under renovation. After lunch, we took the boat ride; as promised by the guides, we were 120% wet  and had a great time splashing water at the other boats. We head off to the Batek Tribes village. The aborigines who still value their nomadic lifestyle. We saw first hand how fire was induced from rattan & meranti wood, experienced sumpit the Scooby doo and the walked around the village.

Before calling it a day, we were given some leisure time to swim in the river which was really fun & a new experience. Then the race between our two boats were resumed. Our guides were a cool duo who were hilarious as hell. I'm seriously going to miss their antics.

In the evening after another round of goofing in the river & we had the night for fun leisure time to ourself. Ijol stopped by later in the night and shared some stories with us to the wee of night.

DAY 3

Its time to leave the green haven that has become so close to my heart in just 2 days. I will come back again to experience the other activities that is impossible to fit in our itinenary this time around and who knows may be to climb Gunung Tahan(I wish=P).

On the way back, we decided to stop by Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary & Deerland. Followed by Briyani at Raub's famous Ratha Kepala Kari Ikan Restaurant. Then we shot back to the concrete jungle KL. This time its not the usual aching body or tired limbs(Guess all the walking & climbing stairs to my 9th storey apartment finally payed off) but more of aching heart leaving such a lovely place & bunch of people.

*some of the picturesque images are courtesy of Dhenagaran who seems to have a knack for taking pictures as well as feeding ppl extremely salty oreos & crackers.