Pahang Nature Activities - Kenong Rimba Park

Kenong Rimba Park

Covering an area of 121 sq kilometres in the Kenong valley, Kenong Rimba Park sits at the south-west of Taman Negara. This scenic valley, traversed by rippling mountain streams, is home to the Batek aboriginal tribe. Within the park are the magnificent limestone caves. The sense of tranquility and quiet solitude is broken only by the chirping of birds and the cascading waterfalls. The almost magical quality of the surroundings inspires intriguing myths such as the mango tree that bears luscious fruits. Legend has it that you may eat as much as your heart desires but you are forbidden from taking home as you will be blighted with a curse.

Kenong Rimba Park: Flora and Fauna

Within the shade of the cool green forests, nature lovers are bound to spot a variety of wild orchids and Tualang (koompasia excelsa), the tallest tree in the tropical rain forest. Also in abundance is the gigantic ficus tree "Pokok Ara", popularly featured in many local folklore, proverbs and rhymes. A profusion of pink and white water lilies floats on the still green waters.

The area is home to birds such as dove (Chalcophaps indica) "merpati", merbah red eye (Pycnonothus Prunneus) "merbah mata merah" and Copsychus malabaricus "murai batu", which are prized by bird lovers for their singing ability. Mammals such as prickly porcupines, deers (Tragulus javanicas) "pelanduk", Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) or "tenuk" and elephants (Elephas maximus) "gajah" are found within the park.

Kenong Rimba Park: Planning an Itinerary

Climbing
If you have a head for heights, scale the steep rocky face of Gunung Kesung and Gunung Putih. Chances are you might be lucky enough to see the footprints of the rare Kamping Gurun (mountain goat). Local folklore believes that the animal is reared by makhluk halus (fairies).

Caves Galore
The park boasts a complex network of caves, each with its own unique geological formation and fascinating legend. The most beautiful is Gua Batu Tinggi, the habitat of a variety of orchids. It is also the home to some beautiful birds, perfect for nature lovers and bird watchers. According to legend, the Sultan's messenger and the sampan (dug-out-boat) were changed into stone because of a curse.

Another notable cave is Gua Batu Tangga, where the rock formation bears an uncanny resemblance to a flight of stairs. Other caves include, Gua Batu Tangkup and Gua Batu Telahup. Within the interior of Gunung Kesung are several attractive caves, including Gua Kesung, Gua Hijau, Gua Buta and Gua Harimau. All these names are derived from the unique geological formation that suggests an intriguing set of fascinating legends.

Jungle Trekking
Nature lovers will appreciate the natural beauty of the park by venturing along the jungle trails. Experienced guides will make the trip more interesting as they'll share with you local folklores and invaluable information. Trekking varies from two to six days.

More Leisure Activities
Air Terjun Tujuh Tingkat (Seven step waterfalls) is a vision of frothy white water tumbling down into a clear rocky pool. The spot is ideal for swimming and picnics. It is also a good place to cast your line and reel in your catch.

Kenong Rimba Park: Facilities

At present, there are 4 units of wooden huts at the park to cater for overnight stays. Each chalet is fitted with 2 double-deckers.

A campsite is also available within the park.

Enquiries and reservations for accommodation may be directed to:

Persona Rimba Resort Kenong, Kuala Lipis
Phone: 09-312 5032
Fax: 09-312 1421

Kenong Rimba Park: Park Regulations

All visitors are required to obtain a permit in order to enter the park.

Visitors are only allowed to enter the park if they are accompanied by a registered local guide who will be responsible for their safety.

It is an offence to:

• Enter the park without a permit
• Willfully or negligently deface, damage or destroy any object that has zoological, botanical, geological, ethnic, scientific or aesthetic value
• Bring any weapon, explosive, trap, net, poison or any other object intended or calculated to cause injury to any animal living within the park
• Disturb any nest, kill, injure, capture or molest animals
• Deface or destroy notices, boundary marks, or any material belonging to the park authorities
• Use or occupy any building without authorization
• Leave or bury within the park area any trash and non biodegradable disposables, bottles, cans, plastics, which may pollute the floor area of the park.

Kenong Rimba Park: Contact

Kuala Lipis District Forest Office
Government Office Complex
27200 Kuala Lipis,
Pahang.

Phone: 09-3121273, 09-3124106 (Direct)
Fax: 09-3123745

Kenong Rimba Park: How to Get There

Transportation such as buses and taxis are available from Kuala Lumpur, Kuantan, Kota Bharu and Kuala Lipis. Kuala Lipis is also accessible by train from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Kota Bharu.

For 4-wheeler adventurous, you may opt for a 2-hour overland trip using Felda Kechau. Visitors are advised to get a special permit from District Forest Officer.