Climb Bukit Teresek
If you do not have much time on your hands, then a fantastic and relatively quick hike or climb you can do is to the summit of Bukit Teresek, which lies around 340 meters above sea level. From the main Wildlife Headquarters located in the park not far from the river, the hike starts off quite flat and meanders its way through some absolutely gorgeous rainforest.
After taking you through one of the best parts of Taman Negara for birdwatching, the trail slowly climbs until it becomes quite steep. After a while, you will reach the first of two lovely viewpoints. From both of these, you will be able to enjoy fantastic views out over the rainforest canopy. On good days, you will be able to see Gunung Perlis and Gunung Tahan, the highest peak in Peninsular Malaysia, rising in the distance.
Visit the Kampung Orang Asli
Kampung Orang Asli is the settlement of the indigenous people of Taman Negara who are known in Malay as the Orang Asli (Original People). If you want to see how the Orang Asli have lived and hunted in the forest for centuries, then this is the place to come and the main camp is set up close to the river.
The Orang Asli in Taman Negara National Park are made up of two different groups called the Batek and the Semokberi. On the trip to the village, you can learn how they have hunted for centuries using blow pipes and you will even be shown how to make fire.
Go bird watching
As its lush jungle is home to over 380 different species of bird, Taman Negara is undoubtedly the best place to go bird watching in Peninsular Malaysia. You do not even have to go far to see lots of brightly-colored birds.
The paths and trails around Wildlife Headquarters at Kuala Tahan, for instance, boast the Asian Fairy bluebird, Rhinoceros Hornbill, and Yellow-vented Flowerpecker, among many others. From May to August is one of the best times of year to visit the national park, as many fruits are in season, and lots of birds can be found feasting on figs around the headquarters.
Have rapid shooting
One of the most exhilarating activities on offer in Taman Negara is rapid shooting, and it certainly promises to be an unforgettable experience. Starting at either Kuala Tahan or Kuala Terengganu, the journey sees you speed off down Sungai Tembeling, the main tributary of the Pahang River, with thick rainforest lining the banks to either side of you.
Your guide will navigate the small, wooden boat through seven rocky rapids. As you are liable to get quite wet and shaken about, you are better off leaving any valuables at the camp. While shooting the rapids is loads of fun, the scenery on show is no less stunning, with amazing views of the river and jungle greeting you wherever you go. Once you disembark, you can either hike or catch a ride back to whichever jetty you started from.
Grab a drink at Lia Restaurant
One of the nicest floating rafts in Taman Negara National Park is Lia Restaurant which is known for its roti canai which is a kind of Indian flatbread which is served with a curry dipping sauce on the side.
This makes a great snack before you head off on a hike and you can also get some delicious fresh juices here which are the perfect choice if you have just got back from a hot and sweaty hike.