Kuala Koh canopy walk

Experience trekking through undisturbed tropical rainforest and fishing in the tranquil forest rivers, the Kelantan entrance to Taman Negara at Kuala Koh is much more peaceful and untamed than the more commercialized Pahang entrance at Kuala Tahan. The facilities and activities are similar at the two entry points although it is understandably much more basic and scaled down at Kuala Koh given its fewer visitor numbers.

Tubing down Kuala Koh

Kuala Koh offers activities like Canopy walk, jungle treks, tubing, bamboo rafting and fishing. Being more secluded, the chances of spotting wild animals are higher in this park. Elephants are common just outside the resort area but you are more likely to encounter their footprints and dung than actually seeing one. Leeches are common along the jungle trek just like some treks at the Kuala Tahan entrance. The current at Kuala Koh (river) is slow moving thus tubing down the river is not very exciting. However, bamboo rafting is still challenging for the inexperienced and is worth a try. Fishing is very popular here since there are fewer disturbances in the river.

Accommodation and food selections at Kuala Koh are limited. There is only a resort with chalets in Kuala Koh. The twin sharing chalets come with their own toilet and shower facility. There is also a long house used as a hostel and can accommodate more than 50 residents at a time. Toilet and shower facilities are provided at each end of the long house. However, the rooms in the long house are not as well maintained as the chalet. There is also a camping ground located outside the long house. There are no food stalls and only the resort sells food.

Getting to this secluded place is not easy. There is no public transport that goes to Kuala Koh. A chartered private vehicle is necessary to bring you there. The road meanders and hugs the hillsides, as Kuala Koh is located far from civilization. Bridges made of wood straddles across deep gullies and rivers where the vehicle has to go over. The nearest train station to this remote area is Gua Musang, which is a 2hrs ride to Kuala Koh by car.

For visitors who want to visit Taman Negara but wanted a more secluded and peaceful place than Kuala Tahan, Kuala Koh is a good recommendation. There are some activities available to keep you occupied for a few days of stay. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to late October. Boat ferry service is provided if the bridge is destroyed during monsoon flooding. It is advisable to plan your itinerary and inform the resort about your plans before making your trip down. Guides and boatman may not be readily available in the resort if you have not made prior arrangements.

Damage along the river bank by the flood in 2000.