Birding in Taman Negara
Taman Negara is the most famous national park in Malaysia. It attracts thousands of tourists every year. Most visitors do not come here specifically for birds but for multi-day explorations in the jungle. Despite its high visitor numbers, the park remains an excellent place for birdwatching. I recommend spending at least two or three days here to make the most of the different trails.
The vegetation here is quite dense, so early in the morning, during the peak of bird activity, it can be rather dark along the trails. This makes it challenging to identify all the species. To maximize your sightings, the easiest approach is to look for mixed flocks in fruiting trees located in more open areas.
Note: Between October and February, it is the rainy season.
Where to find birds in Taman Negara National Park ?
First of all, here is a simplified map of the accessible zones in Taman Negara. The trails open to visitors are not always the same, as regulations change over the years. For example, hides 9 and 10 are now only accessible with a guide. The other trails, however, can be explored independently, without a guide.
Tahan observation tower & Swamp Loop
The Forest Loop Trail (3) and the Swamp Loop (2) are paths made up of elevated wooden boardwalks. They are easily accessible and located behind the Mutiara Resort. They present no difficulty since they are fairly flat. The Forest Loop Trail is not very interesting as it is quite short. It is better to spend time on the Swamp Loop Trail and at the observation tower (4), also called the Tahan Hide.
From the tower, it is possible to observe various species such as Scarlet-rumped Trogon (Harpactes duvaucelii), Maroon Woodpecker (Blythipicus rubiginosus), and Black-thighed Falconet (Microhierax fringillarius). In the meadow below the tower, you may also see Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis) and perhaps Lesser Coucal (Centropus bengalensis) feeding on the ground. This vantage point over the treetops and canopy also allows sightings of Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike (Coracina striata), Chestnut-breasted Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus curvirostris), Red-billed Malkoha (Zanclostomus javanicus), and Black-bellied Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus diardi).
At the treetops of fruiting trees, look for Little Green Pigeon (Treron olax), Thick-billed Green Pigeon (Treron curvirostra), and Large Green Pigeon (Treron capellei).
While walking along the Swamp Loop, pay attention to the sound of footsteps on dry leaves on the ground. Indeed, several pairs of Malayan Crested Fireback (Lophura rufa) often wander in this area. You may also find Rufous-winged Philentoma (Philentoma pyrhoptera) hiding among the tree branches.
Finally, with a bit of luck, a few mammals may make an appearance around the meadow at the forest edge. 🦌
Around Mutiara
The surroundings of the Mutiara Resort (1) and the national park offices are also interesting. These areas are mainly open habitats, which makes it easier to observe and identify birds.
With some luck, you may find nocturnal raptors such as Barred Eagle-Owl (Ketupa sumatrana), Large-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus), and Collared Scops Owl (Otus lettia). The many fruit trees also attract various bulbul species and even the Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot (Loriculus galgulus).
Tahan trail to Lubuk Simpon
This section runs between the entrance of the national park (1) and Lubuk Simpon (5).
At the beginning of this trail, near the park facilities, numerous fruit trees attract many species such as Hairy-backed Bulbul (Tricholestes criniger), Spectacled Bulbul (Ixodia erythropthalmos), Cream-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus simplex), Buff-vented Bulbul (Iole crypta), Black-headed Bulbul (Brachypodius melanocephalos), and Grey-cheeked Bulbul (Alophoixus tephrogenys). In this relatively open area, Blue-throated Bee-eaters (Merops viridis) can also be seen flying or perched at the treetops.
If you look high up in the trees, you may spot Indian Cuckoo (Cuculus micropterus) and Dark-throated Oriole (Oriolus xanthonotus).
Finally, if you continue further along this trail, after crossing the river and near the Lubuk Simpon beach, you will reach an area where I observed many hornbills. It is possible to see Rhinoceros Hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros), Bushy-crested Hornbill (Anorrhinus galeritus), Black Hornbill (Anthracoceros malayanus), Wreathed Hornbill (Rhyticeros undulatus), and the splendid White-crowned Hornbill (Berenicornis comatus).
Big loop (Lubuk Simpon, Jenut Muda & canopy walkway)
This large loop begins at the entrance of the park (1). Head first towards Lubuk Simpon (5), then Jenut Muda (6). After some time on the trail, the wooden boardwalk ends and you will need to continue on a regular path. You can use the MapsMe app if you are unsure of the way. It is then possible to make a round trip to Teresek Hill (8), before returning via the Canopy Walkway (7) and finally following the boardwalk along the river until the end of the loop.
Listen carefully and try to spot the drumming of several woodpecker species, including Buff-necked Woodpecker (Meiglyptes tukki), Great Slaty Woodpecker (Mulleripicus pulverulentus), Crimson-winged Woodpecker (Picus puniceus), Banded Woodpecker (Chrysophlegma miniaceum), and White-bellied Woodpecker (Dryocopus javensis).
With a lot of luck, you may also hear the song of the Garnet Pitta (Erythropitta granatina) or the equally beautiful Green Broadbill (Calyptomena viridis).
If you scan the lower level of the vegetation with binoculars, you may find Sooty-capped Babbler (Malacopteron affine), Moustached Babbler (Malacopteron magnirostre), Rufous-crowned Babbler (Malacopteron magnum), and Malayan Black-capped Babbler (Pellorneum nigrocapitatum).
The luckiest birders may have the privilege of observing the rare Great Argus (Argusianus argus) and perhaps even the Rail-babbler (Eupetes macrocerus).
How to get to Taman Negara ?
The main entrance to the park is located across the river from the village of Kuala Tahan.
There are several ways to reach the park:
- 🚤 By boat
- 🚌 By bus
- 🚕 By taxi
Before arriving at Taman Negara, you must first get to the town of Jerantut. To do this, you can take a bus of about 3 hours and 15 minutes from Kuala Lumpur’s terminal. You can also reach Jerantut by KTM train from Kuala Lipis.
How to get to Taman Negara by boat ?
This is probably the most pleasant option to arrive at the entrance of the national park. Once you reach Jerantut, you need to look for agents of the NKS company in the terminals, who will take you to their office.
Note: Google reviews are rather poor, but they mostly concern their jungle excursions and not the transport itself.
Once at the agency, ask for the minibus + boat option to reach the park. It is a bit more expensive (80–100 RM) but worth it. First, a minibus will take you to the Kuala Tembeling jetty. From there, you will travel upriver by boat to Kuala Tahan. The journey is much longer (about 3h30), but it is more enjoyable and already gives you the chance to spot some birds along the river !
How to get to Taman Negara by bus ?
You can reach Taman Negara by bus via the NKS shuttle (around 30 – 50 RM) from their office at the address mentioned above. Two other operators also handle transfers from the bus station: Bas Latif and Pahang Lin Siong. The trip takes between 1h and 1h30.
How to get to Taman Negara by taxi ?
This is the most expensive option and not really necessary, given the ease of finding shared shuttles to Kuala Tahan. If you still prefer a private taxi, you can go to the bus station or KTM station in Jerantut and hire a taxi to Kuala Tahan.
How to get from Kuala Tahan to Taman Negara National Park ?
To reach the national park from the village of Kuala Tahan, you must cross the Tembeling River. Swimming across is a very bad idea. To cross, you first need to go to the Kuala Tahan jetty.
You will then find many small boats that cross to the park from sunrise until sunset. The cost is 1 RM per person and the crossing takes only a few minutes.
Once inside the park, you must pay the national park entrance fee of 1 RM, plus an additional 5 RM if you carry a camera or phone. This fee is paid at the park’s visitor center and is valid for 30 days.
Where to stay in Taman Negara ?
The cheapest option is to stay in the village of Kuala Tahan, on the opposite side of the river, and cross over to the park each day. There are many accommodation options here at all price levels, from luxury stays to youth hostels. For a good mid-range option at a reasonable budget, I recommend Abot Guest House.
The most comfortable (but also the most expensive) option is the Mutiara Taman Negara Resort, located directly inside the park. Most birders choose to stay here, as it allows you to be close to the birds and to join night outings.
