Park Headquaters

This place is right the border of Kelantan and Pahang. By car, it is about 2 hours to Raub and then another 2 hours from Raub to Kuala Lipis and then Merapoh. The total journey is about 300 kilometers. The road system is mono-carriage. Most stretches are very straight for kilometers on end, but there is speed limit on all these roads. The terrain that you would be passing through after Raub, would be Palm Oil and later part, secondary jungle.

First, a little bit about Merapoh. This little settlement came to lights after words that this destination could be the "Back door" to climb Gunong Tahan. The hiking days could be shortened by at least 2 days or more. So most visitors to this entry point of Taman Negara would be for the sole purpose of borrowing the set-up here as a steeping stone. 

The beautiful terrain and the 15 kilometers road through pristine jungle, prompted the Wild Life Department to promote visits here, dedicated to viewing life in tropical forest. That was a fantastic concept for those who loves the jungle, plus the chance to be able to experience the chances of seeing wild life in tropical jungle. At the onset, the track was not suitable for visitors to move around on their own. A Ranger with a 4X4 vehicle was imperative. But today, the whole 15 kilometers, was paved. This brought about a new ambience and a new possibilities in the park. Visitors now have the choice to walk a paved road through a pristine jungle. Or, use your own vehicle to cover certain stretch of road. No dangerous animals to be concerned with and little risk of getting lost in the forest. Of course, for those hard core, who wants to go jungle trekking the authentic style, then it is back to situation available in Kuala Tahan. There can choose. But if you are bent on doing real jungle trekking here, then the trail to Gunong Tahan could also be considered.

It is all within your personal preferences. The main difference between Sungei Relau and Kuala Tahan, is that you have to come to Sungei Relau prepared. Mentally prepared for your own objectives. While in Kuala Tahan, you could be there, then decide how you could use the facilities to your best enjoyment.

With that short introduction, the pictures here will give some ideas of what you can expect.

Another 5 kilometers to the border with Kelantan state, the road bends. One of the very few on this stretch. The small cluster of buildings, if you can call them settlement, is on the left. See more pictures of Merapoh here.

From that junction on the Main Trunk Road, take the right turn, if you are north bound. Then the small winding road of 5 kilometers, first went through some orchards and right into open country land. At that time of my visit, the hills of Palm Oil trees were cleared for replanting. It was rather shocking and disappointing. We expect complete wilderness. From there, a gate and a manicured compound. The offices and chalets of Taman Negara in Sungei Relau.

Now most of the chalets in the compound are in view. All chalet can accommodate 3 adults. The prevailing prices then in 2005, was air-conditioned chalet was charged Rgt 50/. While those without air-conditioning was going for Rgt 30.

This picture shows the original park office in Kuala Juram. It is the place mentioned earlier as 15 kilometers away. The place is very tidy and well maintained. Used to be the base camp, for those hiking up to Gunong Tahan. Now that better facilities are available further out, we did not see any use or any activities in this area.

Back to the main office and my write up. Please take note that there was no facilities in the park for food. You have to bring your own. As you can see from my other sites, there would be some difficulties in getting prepared food in Merapoh as well. The nearest possibilities would be Gua Musang, 28 kilometers away.

Beside having Chalets and offices in this compound, there was also a garden and appropriates trails leading from the garden.

To entice city folks like us, a river Sungei Relau itself flowed at the perimeter. In it, the river were stocked with fair size River Carps -Ikan Kelah.

This is the first page on Sungei Relau, it focus on the way into the park and the accommodation. For more pictures as to the other areas inside the park, make sure you also log on to the next page.

Please take note that the Park was managed by a skeleton staff. They started work as early as 7.00 am and have their usual meals and prayer breaks. The phone contacts that you are given! Please take note of their working habits. Very often, when you needed reservation, you may get through but could not get any response. I found that the best time would be before 9.30 am.