HIKE TO TAMAN NEGARA

The best season is from March to May, the driest period. Taman Negara offers several trails ranging in difficulty from 2 hours to 7 days. The options are vast, and it's best to look at a map in detail before preparing your itinerary according to your desires and abilities. Nevertheless, here are five classics:

Royal trekking: Gunung Tahan. It takes 9 days round trip to reach the summit (2,187 m), 53 km from HQ. Most treks start from Merapoh and begin with a river descent and a short 4x4 transfer. You'll then have 30 km to climb, which takes 4 days. Wherever you go, you'll need to bring your own camping gear, food and water bottles. The presence of a guide is mandatory. Water and firewood are available in the camps provided for rest stops. The climb is difficult and only suitable for those in perfect physical and psychological condition. Extraordinary jungle views are the reward.

Wild trekking: Gunung Gagau. Situated in the north-east of the park, this peak rises to 1,376 m. It's a trek that's all the more rugged for the fact that it's a seldom-visited area. Accompaniment by a certified guide is compulsory. A full briefing with essential safety instructions will be given at HQ. The hike begins with a full-day trip up the Sungei Sat River. Allow 6 to 7 days in all. You'll need to bring your own camping gear, food and cooking supplies, as well as water for the first day.

Lazy trekking: the Yong trail, most of which is flat, takes 4 hours, ideal for short stays. Along the way, you'll pass 1 or 2 aboriginal villages. Beware of the small path - it won't take you anywhere. Always follow the main path.

Intermediate trekking: Kuala Trenggan trail is a 7-hour walk along 9.5 km of the Sungai Tembeling River. A popular trail for those heading towards Bumbun Kumbang. It is normally possible to charter a boat up Kuala Trenggan and walk back to HQ.

Bathing trekking: the Lata Berkoh trail, along the Tahan River, with two bathing spots on the trail, Lata Berkoh and Lubok Simpon. You'll need to charter a boat to go upriver and return on foot in 5 hours. Before starting the trek, check the water level with HQ.