TAMAN NEGARA - Sungei Relau

Taman Negara itself is a very protected park. You would be able to see the many fauna and flora available in the Malaysian jungle. Therefore this part of the forest ins no exceptional. Given the skills and knowledge, the jungle will satisfy the most demanding visitor. The latest band of hobbyist to discover this place and this fact was the birders.

Today, the ambience in the park and its road conditions was perfect for birders trying to catch a glimpse of those "not-so-common" quality birds. They added on to the list after the hikers to Gunong Tahan. Another fact the we found out was, the facilities in the Park was so good that many traveling Government servants too, used the Chalet for their overnight stay.

On non-working days, this park attracted  crowd from the nearby villages. Groups of family members were seen having their picnic, in the garden or down by the river banks. To me, it was lucky, that those seeking accommodation here and those coming to enjoy the ambience within the garden area. They do not venture beyond this point of the bridge where the picture immediately below refers.

That leaves the 15 kilometers of jungle road very deserted. The benefits - the fauna uninhibited. I can see the scenario of two types of visitors would travel this far to see the jungle. The gung-ho adventurous type who are constantly looking for challenges and second, the real nature lover. Then this road that I wrote so much about, is definitely ideal for the later.

 

This is the main sign post at the compound of the Park. It was posted just before the Sungei Relau River, where this destination gets its name.

Then there was this connecting bridge. A signboard to warn of "No Entry" to private vehicles. I suppose that those staying in guests and registered with the Park authority are exempted. The Bar in the picture would be lowered after 6.00 pm. All entry in the night would only be allowed on application.

Please note that the road is especially interesting at night for "Night Safari".

The road would passed over 3 tributaries. Here is a picture of a crossing over one Sungei Cheraui. It was frequent at these points, the river runs deep in a ravine, the place humid and dark that life was in abundance.

The road as you can see is narrow, good enough for one vehicle breadth. However, need not be concerned. It is open and in most sections, there were shoulders on both sides..

But cannot help you, if you feel the steep slopes are intimidating. Nothing to fear as most conventional car would not help any problem with the gradients. Only those walking, may find it tough.

Another tributary running parallel to the road. peep behind the foliage. See the absolutely clear water and perhaps some animals on the bank.

 Some highlights of the Park.

At the end of this road, there was this Kuala Juram Camps and the camping compound. Besides the existence of the camp, it was also at the vicinity the river took a big bend and creating one of the largest pool.

The Park authority without hesitation converted the place as a sanctuary/

The river exposing a bed of river rock during the dry seasons.

Below:- The big pool as sanctuary.

The fishes were fed at 2.00 pm by an outside contractor. One interesting feature, these fishes weighing in up to 4 kilograms each were very tame. You could filled a plastic water bottle with feeds and water, have a small orifice at the cap. Then you sit waste deep at the edge of the pool with the bottle in the water. These gigantic fishes would suck the bottle out of your hands.

The forest accessible from the park were untouched rain forest.

There were many trees which were large and tall. On 15 selected trees each over 100 feet high. Ladders as shown in this picture were mounted. Taking the height into consideration, these tree acting as vantage points could only be official uses. While it is out of bound to ordinary folks like you and me, they certainly help in a varieties of research and control functions.

For example, on one tree, the Hornbill was nesting on it.

 

Overall, each part of the National Park opened to the public, has its unique specialty. For me, walking the jungle alone most of the time. I would definitely choose Sungei Relau as compared to the Terasek Trail of Kuala Tahan. Both offers equal opportunity of seeing rare birds. But this one in Sungei Relau, I could also rest in my car on a whole days type outings.

So it all boils down to, what are you expecting? After having driven such great distances. For those coming from the north, Sungei Relau is much nearer.

 

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