Royal Belum State Park

About this place

Royal Belum State Park is a protected rainforest in northern Perak, part of the Belum-Temengor complex, the largest continuous forest in Peninsular Malaysia. This forest is believed to be more than 130 million years old, making it one of the world's oldest. Visitors reach it by boat across a broad lake dotted with islands, on a trip that takes at least a day. Part of the Belum reserve was gazetted as a state park on 3 May 2007, covering 1,175 sq km, after years of lobbying by environmental groups. The complex stretches to the Thai border. Temengor Lake, a man-made lake of 15,200 hectares at the heart of the forest, is the route into the park. The forest holds 14 of the world's most threatened mammals, among them the Malayan tiger, Asian elephant, tapir and sun bear, though sightings are rare. Birds number more than 300 species, and it is the only known forest where all ten Malaysian hornbill species live. Trips usually include a jungle walk, a waterfall, a Rafflesia site and an Orang Asli village, and a houseboat or lake resort is the usual way to stay. Be respectful in the village, and ask before taking photos. Trips start from the Banding Island jetty, about 45 km from Gerik. Sources say entry needs a permit applied for two to three weeks ahead with a passport copy, and that independent entry is generally not allowed, so book with a registered operator. Bring insect repellent and clothes suited to the forest.