Daily Daydream: Taman Negara, Malaysia

Malaysia’s Taman Negara National Park is almost the land before time, as it is estimated to be around 130 million years old. The huge park is more than 4,300-square-kilometers, and is home to more wildlife and fauna than you can imagine. Exotic animals like elephants, tigers, and rhinos live in the forest, but the brush is so dense it’s unlikely you’ll catch a glimpse of any big game (unless they catch you first?). You’re almost guaranteed to spot the numerous bird species that live here, however.

The entire park is too big to explore, so make sure you leave time for the main highlights. Start at the top—literally—with a canopy walk 90 feet above ground. Then head to the bottom with a dip in the Lata Berkoh and Waterfall Cascades.

Although the forest is great for trekking and hiking, you can cover the most ground by boat on a river tour.

Where is it? Malaysia, about 18 kilometersfrom Jerantut. Taman Negara has its own airport of the same name (check prices).

Where to Stay? The somewhat rustic Mutiara Taman Negara has the best location, at the jungle’s entrance.

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What Else Should I Know? Try to visit during the dry season, which runs February through September.

Who’s it For? Hikers, bird-watchers, ecologists, trekkers.

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• Malaysia Travel Guide

Photo: Shutterstock/faberfoto)