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 Taman Negara National Park
Peninsular Malaysia's great national park covers 4343 sq km and sprawl across the states of
Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu. Taman Taman Negara is one of the world's oldest tropical rain forests. The diversity of its fauna and flora is a result of undisturbed evolution over 130 million years. There are over 10,000 species of plants and 250 kinds of birds. Local mammals include mouse deer, barking deer, wild ox, and numerous monkey species. Tapir, elephant, leopard and tiger are also present, though not easy to spot.
The jungle here is claimed to be the oldest in the world, having existed largely as is for the past 130 million years. None of the ice ages affected this part of the world, and it has also been free of volcanic activity and other geological upheavals. 
Taman Negara is a particularly favorable destination for trekking, as the park's remarkable biodiversity is matched by a good network of jungle trails and the availability of expert guides. The park is also noted for fishing, especially along the upper reaches of the Tahan or Kenyam rivers, and for rafting the rapids of Sungai
Tembeling.
Peninsular Malaysia's highest mountain, Gunung Tahan (2,187 meters), is located in Taman
Negara, and climbing the mountain is an unforgettable experience. Due to the scarcity of water along the route, the journey must be done in two stages, and an experienced guide is compulsory. At least three days are required for the journey to the summit and back.
On the southern edge is Kuala Tahan, the park's headquarters, linked to the outside world by river. A three-hour river trip is the only overland route; an alternative is to take a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Taman
Negara.
Endau Rompin National Park
This park encompasses the watershed of the rivers Endau in Johor and Rompin in Pahang and comprises some 488 sq. kilometers of forest. Lush and relatively untouched, it is one of the few remaining lowland forests in the country. It is of major conservation significance due to the diversity of the habitats and species found within. It is also a haven for adventure seekers.
The forest abounds with the famous fan palm of the “Livistona endauensis’ variety which is indigenous to the region. Other interesting plants include the “Rhopa coblaste’, more commonly known as the climbing bamboo, and the walking stick palm or ‘ Phychorapis singaporensis’, identified by its slender stems and feather like leaf fronds, there are also many varieties of toadstools and orchids.
Tigers, elephants and wild boar are some of the animals to be found here. The largest surviving population of Sumatran rhinoceros in Peninsular Malaysia is also found within the park. Others include the binturong or bear cat
(Arctictis binturong) and the white handed gibbon, the only ape species in the region.
The forest is also home to the chirping drongos, hornbills and argus pheasant. Butterflies and the fruit piercing months of the genus ‘Othreis’ can be seen flitting through the trees.
There are some 26km of jungle trails within the park, the most well trodden path being the grueling 16 km trail from the base camp at Kuala Jasin to Batu Hampar and Buaya Sangkut with numerous crossings of fast flowing rivers. At Buaya
Sangkut, a waterfall cascading down through five levels presents a spectacular visual delight.
Bird watching can be another fascinating activity. If you have the patience and endurance to keep still in utter silence, for hours on end, the reward of seeing some beautiful varieties of birdlife can be a joyful experience.
Facilities within the park are extremely limited at present. There are four campsites catering to between 250-300 visitors. These are located at Kuala
Jasin, Batu Hamper, Upeh Guling and Kuala Marong. The park is closed during the rainy season i.e. from November to March.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park comprises a group of 5 islands located between 3 to 8 km off
Kinabalu. The park is spread over 4,929 hectares, two thirds of which cover the sea. The beauty of its natural environment combined with its close proximity to the mainland makes the island group a favorite among picnickers, divers and nature lovers.
The park is home to the bearded pig, scaly pangolin, rats, squirrels and monkeys. Snakes and monitor lizards make up the reptile population. Large birds such as the white breasted sea eagle, pied hornbill and green heron are found in large numbers. Smaller varieties such as the sandpiper, the pink-necked green pigeon, bulbul, flycatcher, sunbird and swiftlets also flourish within the tranquil park environment. One of the most intriguing birds around is the Megapode or Burung
Tambun, a ‘chicken look-alike’, with large feet and which meows like a cat!
The best coral reefs are those between Pulau Sapi and Pulau Gaya. The colourful and delicately beautiful corals are living organisms which feed on the plankton floating in the sea. The reefs is home to many different kinds of fish, in all shapes and colors of the rainbow-the butterfly fish, parrot fish, clown fish in stripes of bright yellow and white, and dragon fish: and, those of the bigger variety such as the red grouper, barracuda and catfish. Other marine life include mollusks, giant clams, sea cucumbers, the beautiful feather starfish, sea urchins in brilliant hues, cowrie shells and scorpion shells.
The park was created for the protection of the natural environment, including the coral reefs, marine life and the flora and fauna. Certain guidelines have therefore been created to ensure the conservation of those natural treasures and visitors are advised to observe the regulations, which are prominently displayed on all the islands.
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