Taman Negara, Kuala Tahan, Pahang

LittleSnake, originally uploaded by AZG.

Recently the family went to Taman Negara, Kuala Tahan for a two night stay. Twas fun. Journey from KL started around 11 am on Saturday. We arrived Jerantut town at 1 pm for lunch and rest. Departed Jerantut around 4 pm and arrived Kuala Tahan just before 5 pm. The journey was uneventful and the road condition was good.

On the second day we trekked the Terasek Trail to the Canopy Walkway. Encountered a small brown snake about 2 feet long that ran across our path. We chased and cornered it at the base of a huge tree. In its attempt to run away, it climbed up my leg! I maintained my cool and didnt move a muscle. It felt a bit ticklish. Eventhough its small and may not be poisonous, but Im willing to bet its teeth can still give me a nasty wound and very painful. That was the motivation not to move.

CanopyWalk, originally uploaded by AZG.

The Canopy Walkway was about a 45 minute trek in. If not mistaken, there were 9 platforms with 8 suspended bridges. The highest spanned 150 meters above ground. It swayed a bit but fun. Enjoyed the "birds-eye-view". I even say a Perah tree, where its fruit is used to make asam rong, a delicious ingredient to make a deliciously thermonuclear spicy dish.

After the Canopy Walk, we trekked up Bukit Terasek (Terasek Hill) that stands tall facing Gunung Tahan (Tahan Mountain). However, only on a clear day Gunung Tahan can be seen. Otherwise, the valley that lays in between is constantly misty.

Climbing the hill was a great challenge, since I had to carry Mikhail on my back throughout the whole trek. At the end of the trek, he complained that it was tiring. Bertuah betul.

RapidShooting, originally uploaded by AZG.

We went rapid shooting the following day - Monday morning, before we left. The boat took us towards Kuala Trenggan. We passed through several rapids. Nothing scary but exciting enough. On the way back, we stopped by Jeram Nusa (Nusa Rapid) for a dip in the refreshingly cold clear creek. Heavenly.

AgohFamilyRoom, originally uploaded by AZG.

At Kuala Tahan we stayed at Agoh Chalet. The rooms are clean and comfortable. All air-conditioned. Some battle with the mosquitoes but we finally prevailed with the aid of mosquito coils. Hahaha... I highly recommend this place. Family room chalet costs only RM100 per night. Single room chalet costs RM50 and a 4-person (twin double-deckers) costs RM80 per night. All are air-conditioned with attached bathroom. You can call Wan Ahmad Fakharuddin at mobile 019-928 0414 or tel/fax 09-266 9570 for reservation.

Restaurants and eateries are near-by. A medical clinic is available. Except for Digi (coming soon), all cellular carriers are available. I could get full bars at the Canopy Walk and at the top of Bukit Terasek.

It is unfortunate that the Tembeling River itself is brownish muddy in color. We were told its due to logging up river. We hope this will stop.

After checking out, we stopped by Jerantut town again for lunch. This time, we managed to locate Gulai Asam Rong Ikan Kenerak. I do not know how to exactly describe it but for those who enjoy fresh water fish dish, this is one you should try. I forgot to take a picture of that dish. Guess my stomach was doing the thinking at that time.

So Fahroe, Man, Nale, TJ, Aida... bila lagi? Jom!!!