Sunday 4th February Taman Negara

So the night bus isn't so great! I felt like I didn't sleep a wink but the nine hours passed so fast that I must have. If I did it was the most broken sleep of all time! We got to Jerantaut at 7am and left the bus there to wait for another connecting one to Kaman Negara.

I felt awful when I first woke but the minute we stepped off the bus all was good. It was the freshest morning we've seen since leaving Ireland. Jerantut is surrounded by jungle so each direction we looked we could see low lying mist hanging over luscious palm trees, it was so refreshing.

 
Our bus arrived an hour later and we set off for Taman Negara. The drive lasted about an hour and a half on an ancient handcrafted bus! The road on either side was surrounded by jungle the entire way and as the sun rose the real beauty of the land became apparent.

Before we knew it we were in Taman Negara. There isn't even a real village, just a couple of small shops that the locals use, no 7/11's, no Mc Donalds, it is worlds apart from where we had just come.
We followed a small road and came upon random signs for guesthouses along the way. We kept searching until we found somewhere vacant and cheap, setting up in the Durian Challet. Nice hut, basic as we have become accustomed to but as this stage as long as there are clean sheets and a roof over our head we're happy!

Had a little nap then set off for the rainforest. Taman Negara is the oldest rainforest in the world and we are staying on its doorstep, it's crazy! We registered with the park Marshall, got our permit and went in to explore. There are lots of huge trails you can do but we decided to take it easy today because we're still like zombies!

We headed straight for the canopy walk. Towering above the jungle at 40m high and 540m long, Its the highest and longest canopy walk in the world. We walked for 2km, passing by towering trees and treading over enormous leaves that paved the floor, this was a walk like no other. We got to the beginning of the canopy walk and climbed the steps until we were almost level with the tallest trees. Taking that first step out onto the rope bridge was pretty scary! Walking one person at a time, the elevated path shakes and rocks with every step. I became comfortable with it pretty quick and really enjoyed this exploration, on another level!

We made our way back to the village then and had food in the floating restaurant. Noodles for breakfast, noodles for dinner...think we will turn into noodles soon! We are both completely zapped of all energy so make our way slowly back to our chalet in the outskirts of the jungle. Sitting outside writing this being harassed by mosquitoes..couldn't think of a better place to be right now.

we watched this local man fishing as we ate

night falling over the rainforest

The journey here was difficult but absolutely worth it. I'm happy we're getting to see this flip side to Malaysia, it will definitely make us leave with a greater appreciation of the country.