The State of Perak has designated the Belum–Temenggor forest complex as a permanent protected nature reserve, dedicated to conservation, research, and the preservation of one of Southeast Asia’s oldest tropical rainforests.
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN)
Tel: +605-527 3411
PERHILITAN Perak: +605-791 1164
GETTING THERE
The nearest towns to Royal Belum State Park are Gerik (Perak) and Jeli (Kelantan), connected by the scenic East–West Highway. The drive from Kuala Lumpur takes approximately six hours via the North–South Expressway, exiting at Kuala Kangsar before continuing to Gerik and Pulau Banding.
The park is also accessible from the north via Baling (Kedah) through Pengkalan Hulu. From Kota Bharu, the journey takes approximately three hours by road. The nearest railway station is Kuala Kangsar; from there, onward travel involves road transport followed by a boat transfer to designated access points or campsites.
THE ROYAL PARK AT A GLANCE
Size: 117,500 hectares
Activities: Fishing, kayaking, jungle trekking, birdwatching, wildlife observation, and camping.
Flora & Fauna: Royal Belum’s forests are renowned for their ancient rainforest hardwoods, including Meranti, Cengal, Keruing, and Merbau—some estimated to be between 150 and 600 years old, thriving despite nutrient-poor soils and changing climatic conditions. The flora reflects northern Peninsular Malaysia influences, with strong Myanmar–Thai elements. Notable plant species include Rafflesia, wild gingers, orchids, forest wildflowers, and Tongkat Ali.
The park is also home to rare and endemic species, including approximately 25 uncommon freshwater fish species and several endemic prawns found nowhere else in Malaysia. Royal Belum supports an exceptional diversity of wildlife, making it one of the country’s most important conservation landscapes.
Wildlife in the area includes Malayan tigers, seladang (gaur), tapirs, Asian elephants, binturongs, Malayan sun bears, serows, fishing cats, leopard cats, clouded leopards, black panthers, otters, porcupines, reptiles, dholes, and over 200 recorded bird species. Many of these animals rely on the park’s extensive network of natural salt licks, which play a crucial role in maintaining healthy wildlife populations.
It is estimated that more than 60 salt licks are scattered throughout Royal Belum. These sites are frequented by species such as sambar deer, barking deer, tapirs, elephants, wild boar, gaur, and, historically, Sumatran rhinoceros. Animals visit these mineral-rich areas primarily at night, using mud to regulate body temperature, remove parasites, and protect wounds.
The forest also faces ongoing conservation challenges, including illegal poaching and habitat pressure. Wildlife trafficking—particularly for meat and the exotic pet trade—remains a significant threat, underscoring the importance of continued protection and responsible visitation.
Geology: The limestone formations around Temenggor Lake are estimated to be between 220 and 400 million years old, predating the Jurassic period. These ancient outcrops are among the oldest geological formations in Malaysia and contribute to the park’s dramatic landscape.
Access to remote features such as Terhong Waterfall typically involves a boat journey to Post Chiong, followed by a multi-hour forest trek passing salt licks and areas where Rafflesia may occasionally be found.
