Discover rich natural diversity in a pristine ancient tropical rainforest of Johor, and experience the cultural heritage of indigenous Jakun people.
Endau-Rompin Johor National Park
Endau-Rompin Johor National Park (JNP), which was established in 1993, has an area of 48,905 hectares and is considered to be among the oldest rainforest in the world. The Mixed Dipterocarp Forest, which dominates the park, is renowned for its species richness and layered canopies with an astounding variety of fungi, orchids, mosses, and ferns. Other forest types within the park are the Hill Dipterocarp Forest, Riverine Forest, Lower Montane Forest, and patches of Kerangas, each with its own distinctive species. So far more than 120 species of orchids have been found here.
These forests are an important refuge for endangered species such as the Malayan Tiger, Malayan Tapir, Sun Bear, the Asian Elephant, and Panther. A total of 95 mammal species have been observed here, including the elusive Golden Cat. The upper streams of the Sungai Endau and its tributaries are breeding grounds for rare freshwater fish, including the famed Green Arowana.
Additionally, Endau-Rompin JNP has been classified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by Birdlife International with around 253 species recorded thus far. The indigenous people (Orang Asli) of this region are from the Jakun ethnic group. They have resided in this region for generations. The park is significant for the preservation of their cultural heritage and also contributes to local livelihoods.
Explore Endau-Rompin from Kampung Peta
Peta is the Eastern gateway to Endau-Rompin JNP. A visit to Peta is an opportunity to step into one of the few truly pristine places in Malaysia. A landscape of ancient forests, sandstone plateaus, towering waterfalls, and roaring rivers untouched by development. Peta can be accessed from the small town of Kahang at the northeast boundary of the park. It gets its name from Kampung Peta, the Orang Asli village located at this entrance. Here you will find a Visitors’ Complex for general accommodations and facilities. The Nature Education and Research Centre (NERC), Kelah fish sanctuary, and forest campsites sit further upstream.
Top TEN things to do around Peta:
- Appreciate nature on a river cruise along Sungai Endau
- Feed the fish at Kuala Marong Kelah Sanctuary
- Walk among the endemic fan palms of Livistonia endauensis
- Chat and explore with the locals at Kampung Peta
- Experience the Tasik Air Biru, or Blue Lake, at Kuala Marong
- Marvel at the naturally-sculptured rock of Upeh Guling
- Sleep under the stars at the campsites of Peta, Kuala Marong, or Kuala Jasin
- Go kayaking or tube-rafting on Sungai Jasin or Sungai Endau
- Trek to the legendary Buaya Sangkut waterfall
- Expedition to the enigmatic Kerangas Forest of Padang Tenambong plateau
WHEN TO VISIT: The Southwest monsoon between April and May usually brings showers to Endau-Rompin. A major flowering season follows with fruits ripening in July and August and attracting wildlife (as well as human fruit connoisseurs). The park is closed to visitors during the Northwest monsoon between December and January
WHERE TO STAY: You could stay in the chalets or dormitory at the Park headquarters, or in the Peta kampung-stay – a campsite with traditional house chalets and stretcher hammock-beds run by the indigenous community, or at the campsites of Kuala Marong, or Kuala Jasin during multiple-day expedition.
GET A GUIDE: It is compulsory to have a guide for most trails within the park to help you navigate the sometimes complicated terrain. A guide will enrich your experience by highlighting signs of wildlife and interesting plants. You can also learn about some of the ancient legends of this region.
GET IN TOUCH today to discover this ancient rainforest of Johor, together with its indigenous Jakun people.
(Extracted from the welcome brochure of Endau-Rompin Johor National Park – Peta Entrance; all photos and adaptation by M.S. Khoo, unless otherwise stated)