Taman Negara, which translates to "National Park" in English, is recognized as one of the world's oldest rainforests, with a history spanning 130 million years. The majority of the park is situated between 75m and 300m altitude, surrounding the central highland core that ascends to Mount Tahan, the highest peak in Peninsular Malaysia at 2187 meters.

Originally named King George V National Park, Taman Negara was established in 1938 by the Sultans of Kelantan, Pahang, and Terengganu. It was renamed Taman Negara after Malaysia gained independence in 1957. Covering 4,343 sq km, it is the largest protected area in Peninsular Malaysia.

Taman Negara boasts an impressive biodiversity, with an estimated 10,000 plants, 150,000 insects, 25,000 invertebrates, 675 birds, 270 reptiles, 250 freshwater fish, and 200 mammals. New species continue to be discovered. A wide variety of plant species, including palms, rattans, mosses, ferns, fungi, lichens, gingers, parasites, and orchids dominate the forest.

Visitors can engage in various activities such as canopy walks, jungle trekking, rapid shooting, cave exploration, swimming, fishing, bird watching, mountain climbing, night jungle walks, and night safaris.

The park is also home to the Batek (Bateq) people, one of the Negrito tribes who live a semi-traditional life in Taman Negara. About 500 Orang Asli live in the park at any one time. Visitors can visit their communities with a recognized guide.

Taman Negara is about a 3-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur to Jerantut, the nearest town. From Jerantut, it’s about an hour’s journey to Kuala Tahan or a three-hour boat trip upriver from Kuala Tembeling Jetty.