Siti of Stars #10

February 2019 - Taman Negara (National Park), Malaysia

The sensational views and tranquillity of the 2-3 hour boat across the Tembeling River made the journey to the north-east of Malaysia well worth the trip, before even stepping foot in the 130 million-year-old Taman Negara (Malay for National Park). It was formerly known as the King George V National Park until the country's independence on 31 August 1957 and entry has remained at just a mere RM 1 (18p) - and RM 5 (90p) for a camera - to visit this place of true natural beauty.

Tembeling River

We were given a wake-up call once we had completed our first four-hour trek to Bukit Terisek and realized we perhaps weren’t as fit as we first thought. The humidity of the jungle was overbearing but our survival despite the blood (leech bites), sweat and tears was proof that we had what it took in the most challenging of circumstances. We even somehow upped our game the next day and mightily fought our way to the great heights of Bukit Indah.

The much-anticipated world's longest canopy walkway was closed for maintenance due to safety reasons, much to our dismay. The 530m-long bridge is 40m above ground level and from our view it did, in fact, look a bit worse for wear.

Taman Negara

The night jungle walk - at a haggled rate of RM 25 (£4.65) - is highly recommended, but is all dependent on the guide given. The enthusiastic and comical Pizzan (great name) clearly loved his work and passionately walked us through the jungle, impressively pointing out the hard-to-spot creatures; including scorpions marvellously glowing in the UV light. The evening was complete when a large ‘winged-devil’ - as described by Bex - smacked into her chest, causing her to almost comically fall into the river.

Taman Negara

Whilst triumphantly returning down from our more impressive hike, Bex almost tripped over - what looked like at first - a dinosaur! After inspection, I dismissed this ridiculousness and came to the conclusion that it was a massive lizard - by far the biggest ever seen by a man (specifically, by this man). We watched from afar as it attempted to dig through holes - presumably for food - but I knew it’s game, and that food was not going to be me today. A wild boar soon happily trotted across our path, as well as a small, black and red snake which disappeared instantly. And I do mean a real snake, not like the apparent serpent-looking curvy line of ants seen by Bex...

Taman Negara

Siti - or ‘The Lovely Woman’ - welcomed us with open arms and became the latest addition to our growing family of lovely hosts. The small, friendly and sociable hostel was the ideal home for us in the village of Kuala Tehan, just a RM 1 and 30-second boat ride away from the National Park itself. Unfortunately, a poor range of restaurants, few social spaces and very little alcohol on sale made evenings feel very limited. Despite this, the people, nature, landscapes and journey meant the adventure was worth every Ringit.