Johor - Nature & Eco

Endau - Rompin National Park

This park that sits between Johor and Pahang encompasses the watershed of rivers in Endau, Johor and Rompin, Pahang, which comprises some 488 sq km of forest.

Lush and relatively untouched, it is one of the few remaining lowland tropical rainforest in the country and the last refuge of the Sumatran rhinoceros.

It is a major conservation area due to the diversity of flora and fauna found within. Its rocks and hills are estimated to be nearly 250 million years old.

Getting There
From Kuala Lumpur or Johor Bahru, take the North-South Expressway and exit at Kluang. Then take a detour to Kahang town, where a four-wheel drive vehicle will take you to Kampung Peta, the entry point to the National Park.

It is also possible to reach the park by boat from the Endau River, a 3-hour journey from Felda Nitar II.

Attractions
A great place for nature lovers, there are many activities that can be pursued such as botany, nature study, bird watching, photography and jungle trekking. For nature study, the unusual flora that can be found include the famous fan palm of the 'Livistona endauensis' variety; climbing bamboo; the walking stick palm; toadstools; and orchids.

Wildlife include tigers, elephants, deer, Sumatran rhinoceros, binturong or bear cats (Arctictis binturong), chirping drongos, hornbills, argus pheasants, and white handed gibbons, the only ape species in the region.

Planning an Itinerary
Staying at the park for 4D/3N would be ideal as you'll have enough time to immerse in the park's activities and attractions. Special tours may be arranged to cater to a variety of interest such as botany, nature study, and bird-watching. Photographers will enjoy the challenging activities carried out here.

Jungle Trekking
There are some 26 km of jungle trails within the park, the most well- trodden path being the gruelling 16 km trail from Kuala Jasin to Batu Hampar and Buaya Sangkut, with numerous rapids crossings. At Buaya Sangkut, be enchanted by the beautifual sight of a waterfall.

Jungle Streams
Swim or take a refreshing bath kampung style in the clear and cool rivers amidst the tranquillity of the forest. When you've had enough of frolicking in the water, try your luck at fishing and reel in your catch for a delicious meal.

Camping
Ground your tent and spend your nights in the wild, under the stars. The merry, chirping birds and cicadas will make your simple dinner feel like a feast.

Orang Asli Village
Endau Rompin is also home to the Orang Asli of the Jakun tribe. Drop by Kampung Peta near the park entry point to gain valuable insight on Orang Asli culture. Find out how they survive in the wilderness and protect themselves from danger with their hunting and tracking skills. Get to know their recreational activities and listen to their mesmerising tales about the jungle.

Nature Study
Given the diverse variety of species and habitats in the area, this can be a very interesting activity. Learn about 'Mussaendra mutabilis', a woody climbing plant with fragrant flowers that is used in traditional scents for clothes and hair; observe how the famous pitcher plant traps the unwary insect with its enticing water-filled sacs; or see how millions of ants make their homes in tiny chambers within the Ant Plant.

Bird-Watchers Paradise
If you have the patience to keep still in utter silence, bird-watching proves to be rewarding, as you may encounter some of the most beautiful birds in the world.

Facilities
Facilities within the park are extremely limited.

Camping
There are four campsites catering for 250-300 visitors. They are located at Kuala Jasin, Batu Hampar, Upeh Guling and Kuala Marong.

Useful Information / Guidelines for Visitors

• The park is closed during the rainy season from November to March.
• No fishing is allowed during the spawning season from September to October.
• Entry permits are required for visits to the park and these may be obtained from:
  National Parks (Johor) Corporation
  JKR 475 Bukit Timbalan
  80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
  In addition, additional charges are also levied for entry into specific zones within the park.
• Charges are levied for filming and fishing equipment, and insurance.

Park Regulations

1. All visitors are required to report to the officer on duty at the Registration Centre in Kampung Peta.
2. There will be a short briefing at the Registration Centre. Entrance and other prescribed fees are collected. All items and belongings are inspected by the officer on duty.
3. Visitors are not allowed to overstay beyond the specified period.
4. All visitors are required to engage the registered guides of the National Parks Corporation.
5. Visitors who wish to hire boat services can inquire from the officer on duty.
6. Visitors are prohibited to make unnecessary noise while in the park to avoid disturbance to the wildlife.
7. All empty cans, surplus food and rubbish have to be taken out of the park, and disposed at designated disposal areas.
8. Entry into the park is only allowed through the specified entrances as determined by the National Park.
9. No fishing or angling is allowed in the park except at specified areas and time period.
10. Bathing and swimming are only allowed at specified areas - swimmers must be in decent swimming attire.
11. The National Parks Corporation disclaims responsibility for any mishap, accident or loss of belongings of any visitor while in the park.
12. Visitors are strictly forbidden from :
1. Bringing into the park any machinery, weapon, explosive, trap, poison or dangerous item.
2. Hunting, killing, hurting, trapping, or disturbing any flora/fauna, habitat or destroying birds' nests and eggs.
3. Chopping, hurting, destroying or burning plants and objects that have geological, archaeological, historical or scientific importance.
4. Carrying into or purposely allowing reared animals to enter the park.
5. Displacing or moving any animals or plants, dead or alive, out of the park.
6. Displacing or moving out of the park any minerals or objects of geological, archaeological, historical or scientific importance.
7. Erecting any building in the park.

Visitors to the park are warned that they are liable to be prosecuted in the event they are found to have contravened any of the park regulations.

Contact
National Parks (Johor) Corporation
JKR 475, Bukit Timbalan, Johor, Malaysia
Phone : +607-223 7471
Fax : +607-223 1033
1st Floor, Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim

Ulu Tiram Estate

This is a working plantation open to visitors. It is situated about 26km north-east of Johor Bahru on the road to Mersing. Visitors can view the rubber trees and observe how latex is tapped and processed for export. They can also discover the workings of a palm oil factory and see how the oil is extracted and refined to form the base for products like margarine, soap and cosmetics.

Kota Tinggi Waterfall

Also popular is the waterfall in Kota Tinggi, 62km away from Johor Bahru. Originating from the top of Gunung Panti, the waterfall cascades from a height of 36m down a steep precipice into a pool deep enough for swimming.

It is a good spot to take in the fresh mountain air, but can get especially busy during the weekends. There are Swiss style chalets equipped with cooking facilities. At the base of the fall, there are also public changing rooms, camping grounds and a restaurant.

For the more adventurous, trek up to the summit of Gunung Muntahak or Muntahak Mountain.

Johor River

The Johor River was once of great importance to the Johor Sultanate as several locations along its banks served as capitals for the sultanate. Today, visitors flock here to experience close encounters with thousands of glowing fireflies.

These fascinating insects are found in abundance amidst the berembang trees that line the banks of the Johor River. At the riverbank near Jalan Tepi Sungai, watch the fireflies' playful mating dance of flickering lights.

Visitors can also watch groups of locals throng the riverbank to catch tiger prawns, which are found in abundance in the Johor River, in the evenings. The more adventurous can rent a small boat to try catching the prawns.

Grisek Hot Spring

The Grisek Hot Spring is a natural hot spring in the district of Muar. Situated about 10km south-east of Parit Jawa, the Grisek Hot Spring is a popular destination for visitors who believe in the healing powers of hot mineral water to soothe muscle aches and provide some relief for certain skin ailments.

Other facilities include chalets, a children's playground, shops, showers and parking.

Aquaculture (Arowana) Centre

Located along Jalan Zahir, this tropical fish centre specialises in Arowana fish and is reputed to be one of the largest in then world. The Arowana fish is referred to as the 'Golden Dragon Fish' among the Chinese community. It is believed that the majestic looking fish brings good luck.

Tanjung Piai

Tanjung Piai is an environmental sanctuary, where the earth, sea, plant and animal life exist in harmony. Tanjung Piai is made up of coastal mangroves and is home to many species of birds and mangrove dwellers like mangrove crabs, beady-eyed mudskippers and crab-eating macaques.

Located 90km south from Johor Bahru's city centre, Tanjung Piai also features a National Park that gives visitors a glimpse into the mangrove dweller's natural habitat. Entrance fees are RM3 for Malaysians and RM5 for foreign visitors. These entry fees are payable at Tanjung Piai's visitors' complex.