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 of the 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.
Getting to Endau Rompin
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 & 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, horn bills and argus pheasant. Butterflies and the fruit piercing months of the genus ‘Othreis’ can be seen flitting through the trees.
What to do? What to see? What not to miss?
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 out here.
Jungle Trekking
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.
Irresistible Jungle Streams
Swim or take a refreshing bath ‘kampung style’ in the clear cool rivers and streams amidst the tranquility and serenity of the forest. When you’ve had enough of frolicking in the water, try your luck at a spot of fishing and reel in your catch for lunch or dinner.
Camping
Pitch your tents and spend your nights out in the wilds under the stars. The merry chirping of the birds and cicadas in the twilight will make your simple dinner seem like a feast.
Orang Asli Village
Endau Rompin is also home to the Orang Asli of the Jakun tribe. Drop by at Kampung Peta near the park entry point and gain valuable insights on Orang Asli culture. Find out how they survive in the wilderness and protect themselves from danger with their hunting and tracking skills. See their recreational activities and listen to their mesmerising yarns about the myths of the surrounding jungle.
Nature Study
Given the diverse variety of species and habitats in the area, this can be a very absorbing activity indeed. Inhale the heady perfume of the ‘Mussaendra mutabilis’, a woody climbing plant with fragrant flowers, used in traditional scents for the hair and clothes. Observe how the famous pitcher plant traps the unwary insect within its enticing waterfilled sacs. See how millions of ants make their homes in tiny chambers within the ‘ant’
Bird Watchers Paradise
Bird watching can be another fascinating activity. If you have the patience and endurance to keep still in utter silence, for hours on end, the reward of seeing some beautiful varieties of bird life can be a joyful experience.
Volcanic Crystals
Quartz crystal ignimbrite can be seen on the surfaced at many points along the rapids of Sungai Endau. Ignimbrite has a spectacular genesis as it is volcanic but not of the lava kind. The formation is known as “ash flow eruption”. This is the most violent type of volcanic convulsion. During an eruption, hot gas is released from the earth.
The high temperature gas carries sand-sized crystals of quartz and shards of glass, fragments of pumice and larger pieces of pre-existing rock. Eventually the heavier particles would begun to settle, after retaining enough heat to weld themselves together.
