Introduction
The Endau Rompin National Park encompasses the watershed of the rivers Endau in Johor and Rompin in Pahang. It covers some 488 sq. kilometres of forest and is gazetted as the country’s second national park. Lush and virtually untouched, it is one of the few remaining lowland forest in the country and possibly the oldest.
The diversity ofthe habitats and species found here is of a major conservation significance. In 1985 and 1986, a scientific expedition identified 25 new species of plants within the area and its rocks and hills have been estimated to be 248 million years old. Scientific interest aside, Endau Rompin National Park is the perfect haven for adventure seekers. Its numerous legends and myths handed down through the years add up to its overall appeal.
How to go there
From Kuala Lumpur or Johor Bahru by the North South highway, on reaching Kluang detour to the Kahang town. There, a four wheel drive vehicle will take you for a 56km jungle track to Kampung Peta, the visitors centre and the point of entry to the National Parks or 3 hours journey by boat from Felda Nitar II.
Flora and Fauna
Lowland Dipterocarp Forest
The forest abounds with the famous fan palm of the ‘Livistona endauensis’ variety which is indigenous to the region. Other interesting plants include the ‘Rhopa Coblaste’, more commonly known as the climbing bamboo, and the walking stick palm or ‘Phychorapis Singaporensis’, identified by its slender stems and feather like leaf fronds, there are also many varieties of toadstools and orchids.
Wildlife
Tigers, elephants and wildboar are some of the animals to be found here. The largest surviving population of Sumatran rhinoceros in Peninsular Malaysia is also found within the park. Others include the binturong or bear cat (Arctictis Binturong) and the white handed gibbon, the only ape species in the region.
Birds And Butterflies
The forest is also home to the chirping drongos, hornbills and argus pheasant. Butterflies and the fruit piercing months of the genus ‘Othreis’ can be seen flitting through the trees.
Planning an Itinerary
Jungle Trekking
A minimum stay of four days / three nights is ideal in order to cover the many activities and attractions in the park. Special tours may be arranged to cater to a variety of interest such as botany, nature study, and bird watching. Photography adventure seekers would enjoy the challenge of some of the activities to be carried ou here.
Irresistible Jungle Streams
There are some 26km of jungle trails within the park, the most well trodden path being the grueling 16km trail from the base camp at Kuala Jasin to Batu Hampar and Buaya Sangkut with numerous crossings of fast flowing rivers. At Buaya Sangkut, a waterfall cascading down through five levels presents a spectacular visual delight.
For futher information:
Johor Tourism Department Malaysia http://www.johortourism.com.my/
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