Flora diversity at Taman Negeri Rompin Pahang

Welcome to Taman Negeri Rompin

Welcome to Rompin State Park,

Selendang Entrance, Pahang

Rompin State Park, or Taman Negeri Rompin (TNR) is located in the district of Rompin, Pahang. It was gazetted by the Pahang State Government as Permanent Reserved Forest, under functional class of State Park Forest in the year 2000. Covering an area of 31,797 hectares, this protected forest is sustainably managed by Pahang State Forestry Department.

TNR is a forest area that is blessed with interesting features of flora and fauna, geology and history. It has a unique natural beauty and pristine forests that are hard to find elsewhere. Among the natural resources available in TNR include 253 species of birds recorded in TNR along with 83 species of mammals including bats, 14 species of snakes, 9 lizards and 3 turtles. In addition, the forest is also famous for tourist attractions such as Seri Mahkota waterfall, a 50-metre cascading fall with a natural pool at the bottom where visitors can enjoy a unique swimming experience. Another attraction but accessible by hiking trail only is Padang Tujuh, a unique forest with three different types of vegetation and endemic flora diversity. The three main rivers of Sungai Kinchin, Ulu Kemapan and Sungai Kernam situated within the state park allow visitors to kayak in clear waters amongst pristine wilderness surroundings.

Lubuk Siku river at Taman Negeri Rompin Pahang

Park Highlights

Rompin State Park is located at the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia in the state of Pahang and is a part of Endau-Rompin Forest Reserve. It was previously known as Taman Negeri Endau-Rompin until the year 2020 where the name was later changed to Taman Negeri Rompin or Rompin State Park. The Endau-Rompin Forest Reserve includes both Taman Negeri Rompin, Pahang and Taman Negara Endau Rompin in Johor which is managed by Johor National Parks Corporation.

Rompin State Park is among the forests with the highest diversity of flora and fauna in Malaysia and is the second largest park in Pahang after Taman Negara. Taman Negara is Malaysia’s largest national park spread across the states of Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu. Together, these two forests contribute to Malaysia’s rich biodiversity and high forest coverage.

Strategically located at the South-East of Peninsular Malaysia, within the Rompin District, Rompin State Park is in the middle of the route from Kuantan, Pahang to Mersing,Johor. The time taken to reach there is approximately two and a half hours from Kuantan, and one and a half hours from Mersing. Visitors who would like to travel with public transport can take the bus to the Kuala Rompin bus station and take a taxi afterwards as the distance from Kuala Rompin to Rompin State Park is 37 kilometre, approximately around thirty to forty minutes of journey. Visitors who are likely to explore the place by their own transportation or vehicle can plan their own journey and use Google Maps and search for Taman Negeri Rompin. From the rainforest to the reef, visitors can select both experience and exploring nature from the lush green jungle of the Pahang state park to the island’s idyllic white sand beach with blue turquoise waters as Rompin district is also the getaway to famous Tioman Island. This makes Rompin as the great eco-tourism destination for both local and foreign tourists.

The key to the uniqueness of Rompin State Park is the different types of forest found within the park which contribute to the rich diversity of rare plant species some of which are and endemic only to the park. The forest types consist of lowland dipterocarp forest, hill dipterocarp forest, sub-montane forest and tropical heath forest. Padang Tujuh for example, has been classified as a High Conservation Value Forest (HCVF) type 3 because it is considered rare and infrequent to have the tropical heath forest at the elevation below than 1000 meters. The endemic Livistonia endauensis palm can be found along the hiking trail to Padang Tujuh and once there, visitors will experience a completely different forest consisting of stunted tress and plenty of pitcher pants and wild orchids due to soil properties that affect the vegetation.

Rompin State Park is also known to be a riparian type of forest due to its location which is adjacent to a body of water. Riparian areas are important as the areas provide food and water for a large diversity of animals and serve as a migration routes for a variety of wildlife.

Malaysia is one of only 12 countries in the world with the mega-biodiversity of unique and endemic species found nowhere else in the world. One of the forests that contributes into making Malaysia as one of the hotspots for biodiversity in the world is the Endau-Rompin Forest Reserve, a forest blessed with rich flora and fauna.

Rompin State Park is part of Endau-Rompin Forest Reserve and together with the Kluang Wildlife Reserve is one of the four parts of Central Forest Spine along with the Titiwangsa Range –Bintang Range –Nakawan Range, National Park – Eastern Range and South-east Pahang– Tasik Chini and Tasik Bera Wetlands. The Central Forest Spine is a sanctuary for endangered species of animals such as Malayan Tiger, Malayan Sunbear, Malayan Tapir, Asian Elephant and other identified wildlife and plants that makes Malaysia earns its megadiverse status.

The Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) is an area identified as important for the conservation of bird populations. Rompin State Park, being a part of Endau-Rompin Forest Reserve is one of the 55 IBA sites in Malaysia and has recorded 253 species of birds including some globally endangered species such as the Lesser Fish-eagle (Icthyophaga humilis) and the less frequently sighted nomadic Black-and-White Bulbul (Pycnonotus melanoleucos). Rompin State Park is also known as a biome-restricted species area where it holds a significant assemblage of bird species whose breeding distributions are largely or wholly confined to one biome. The other globally threatened bird species found in Rompin State Park includes the Wrinkled Hornbill (Aceros corrugatus), Crested Partridge (Rollulus rouloul), Great Slaty Woodpecker (Mulleripicus pulverulentus) and Malay Blue-banded Kingfisher (Alcedo peninsulae). Rompin State Park is among the key bird habitat in Pahang that supports the IBA status and makes it one of the states with the highest number of IBAs in Malaysia along with Sarawak, Sabah and Perak.

In terms of geological rock formations, there are three major rock types found within the area of Endau-Rompin. These are volcanic, igneous intrusion and sedimentary sequences that include granite, rhyolite, tuff, sandstone, shale and mudstone. The age of the rock at Endau-Rompin is estimated to be around 248 million years’ old which dates back to the Permian-Carboniferous age. Waters flowing at the ledge of rock formations have form waterfalls. The most prominent waterfall in Rompin State Park is the majestic Seri Mahkota Waterfall, a must-see for visitors to the park.

Location

Find Us

Direction

Coordinates: 2.624042, 103.331108

Located within the district of Rompin, Rompin State Park is located along the east coast between Kuantan, Pahang and Mersing, Johor. The travelling time by car from Kuantan is approximately two and a half hours and one and a half hours from Mersing. Visitors travelling via public transportation can take the bus to Kuala Rompin bus station and take a taxi afterwards straight to Rompin State Park. The distance from Kuala Rompin town to the State Park is 37 kilometres and takes approximately 30 minutes. For stress-free travel, our booking office is able to arrange door-to-door private vehicle transfers from your chosen pick-up location (including Singapore) directly to the park.

For visitors who prefer to travel with their own vehicles, they can just simply search for Taman Negeri Rompin with Waze or Google Maps. Vehicular access is available all the way by tarmac road into Kinchin Base Camp and no special vehicles (e.g. 4WD) are required. Within easy access from Kuala Rompin town are the island paradises of Tioman Island and Rawa Island which are accessible by ferry or speedboat from Mersing. This makes Rompin as a perfect eco-tourism destination for both local and foreign tourists.

TNR Things to Do

Rompin

Rainforest Lodge

The accommodation facilities located within the Kinchin Base Camp offer guests the best opportunity to enjoy the natural flora and fauna of Rompin State Park. Challenge yourself with our guided nature activities experience during the day and relax overnight in the comfort of our room facilities under the rainforest canopy.

TNR Things to Do

Rainforest

Discovery Centre

Getting close to nature has never been this fun and interactive! The Rainforest Discovery Centre offers visitors an educational experience to learn about the Park’s unique biodiversity and natural highlights.

TNR Things to Do

Canopy Walkway &

Watch Tower

Cross the flowing waters of the Kinchin River via the 80-metre long suspension bridge. Once across the river, visitors have the option of climbing to the top of the 15-metre high Kinchin Watch Tower where they will be rewarded with a scenic view of the rainforest canopy and fresh air.

TNR Things to Do

Mahkota Waterfall

Mahkota waterfall is a 50-metre high cascading waterfall located within easy access from the front entrance of Rompin State Park. It is a natural sight to behold for all waterfall lovers and attracts visitors from afar. A visit to the waterfall is not complete without a swim at the naturally shallow pool at the base of the waterfall.

TNR Things to Do

Padang Tujuh

The hike to Padang Tujuh takes you to unique scenery with different vegetations starting with tall dipterocarp tree species dominated by the Pokok Kapur that looks like broccoli from afar. Going further up, the trail leads us to the spectacular palm forest including the endemic species; Livistona endauensis. Upon reaching Padang Tujuh, the dry heath forest welcomes you with stunted bonsai trees, pitcher plants and wild orchids.

Facilities

Kinchin Base Camp

Facilities at Kinchin Base Camp were recently refurbished and these include the Kinchin Rainforest Dicovery Centre, Cafeteria, Multi-purpose Hall, Canopy Walkway, Watch Tower and Camping Ground.

Accommodation

Where To Stay

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Hidden charms of the South, an enchanting tropical rainforest with its own treasure, Rompin State Park is a perfect place for a nature escape. Formerly known as the Taman Negeri Endau Rompin (TNER), Rompin State Park keeps the valuable secret of flourishing nature, awaiting to be discovered by enthusiast explorers. It is part of the Endau-Rompin forest reserve that includes both Pahang and Johor where there other part is Taman Negara Endau Rompin (Johor) and managed by Johor National Park Corporation.

Rompin State Park is the only state park in Pahang which is also the second largest park in the state after Taman Negara. Taman Negara is Malaysia’s largest national park and comprises the states of Kelantan and Terengganu. Both the Rompin state park and National park are nestled in the deep tropical rainforest where it will make their visitors captivated with its natural beauty.

Strategically located at the South-East of Peninsular Malaysia, within the Rompin District, Rompin State Park is in the middle of the route from Kuantan, Pahang to Mersing,Johor. The time taken to reach there is approximately two and a half hours from Kuantan, and one and a half hours from Mersing. Visitors who would like to travel with public transport can take the bus to the Kuala Rompin bus station and take a taxi afterwards as the distance from Kuala Rompin to Rompin State Park is 37 kilometre, approximately around thirty to forty minutes of journey. Visitors who are likely to explore the place by their own transportation or vehicle can plan their own journey and use Google Maps and search for Taman Negeri Rompin. From the rainforest to the reef, visitors can select both experience and exploring nature from the lush green jungle of the Pahang state park to the island’s idyllic white sand beach with blue turquoise waters as Rompin district is also the getaway to famous Tioman Island. This makes Rompin as the great eco-tourism destination for both local and foreign tourists.

The past studies, research and scientific expedition of Endau-Rompin, have discovered that the state park is home to many unique and rare species of plants, mammals, birds and herpetofauna. It was once home to the Sumatran rhinos which was believed to be extinct in the wild and nowadays, Malayan Tiger, Asian Elephant, Clouded Leopard, Binturong, Leopard and Malayan Sunbear call Rompin State Park as home and without doubt are very important in the ecosystem and must be protected at all cost.

In terms of plant species, the Endau-Rompin forest type consists of Lowland forest, hill forest, sub-montane forest, tropical heath forest. Some part of Rompin State Park which is Padang Tujuh area has been classified as the High Conservation Value Forest (HCVF) type 3 where it is considered a rare, threatened or endangered ecosystem. This is due to the existence of heath forest that is hard to find because of its ecosystem biodiversity and unique landscape.

Malaysia is listed as among the 12 mega-biodiversity countries in the world. It is richly blessed with flourishing biodiversity of flora and fauna that call it home. Some species are endemic and found nowhere else in the world.

The major forest complexes in Peninsular Malaysia are divided into four parts of Central Forest Spine (CFS) which are Banjaran Titiwangsa-Banjaran Timur, South East Pahang, Chini and Bera Wetlands also Endau Rompin Park- Kluang Wildlife Reserves. The term Central Forest Spine is used to describe the sensitive forest complexes in Malaysia Peninsular due to its importance and cruciality not only for wildlife but also humans.

Endau-Rompin park includes both Pahang and Johor state where it is the only large forest reserve remaining in the south of peninsular Malaysia. It is rich with biodiversity, geology, myth and culture of indigeneous people or Orang Asal (OA) that live in the forest.

The type of forest at Endau-Rompin is Lowland forest, hill forest, sub-montane forest and tropical heath forest. Each of the forest types combined have formed an ecosystem which the species evolved is high in value. For example, the tropical heath forest at Endau-Rompin State Park (Padang Tujuh area) is located at an elevation of less than 1000 metre which is scarce and infrequent to be found. The plant vegetations are also unique cause not only the plant diameter is small but the vegetation is also like a bonsai which is believed to be influenced by the factor of soil acidity. Usually, the kind of bonsai vegetation is found at higher elevation such as Gunung Tahan. Plenty of pitcher plant, wild orchid and endemic palm species Livistona Endauensis are found here too.Thus, Padang Tujuh has been classified as a type 3 High Conservation Value Forest (HCVF) due to the existence of heath forest which is hard to find considering its ecosystem biodiversity and unique landscape.

Besides the uniqueness of the plant species, Endau-Rompin is also classified as an Important Bird Area (IBA). There are 55 sites that were chosen as IBA in Malaysia. Malaysia’s IBA program is coordinated by Malaysia Nature Society (MNS) as part of the effort to promote the conservation of birds and biodiversity in Malaysia. The states of Sarawak, Sabah, Pahang and Perak have the highest number of IBAs in Malaysia. Large numbers of bird species are dependent upon this delicate habitat. Jambu Fruit Dove (Ramphiculus Jambu), Scarlet-rumped Trogon (Harpactes duvaucelii), Great Hornbill (buceros bicornis) and Lesser Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus humilis) are among the Near Threatened bird found in Endau-Rompin which need to be protected.

In terms of geological rock formation, there are three major rock types which dominated the area of Endau-Rompin. These are volcanics, igneous intrusion and sedimentary sequences that include granite, rhyolite, tuff,sandstone, shale and mudstone . The age of the rock at Endau-Rompin is estimated to be around 248 million years old which is Permian-Carboniferous age. Water flowing at the ledge of rock formations have formed a beautiful waterfall such as Seri Mahkota Waterfall, where visitors can see that the layer of rocks bedding looks like the layer of cake.

Rompin State Park.

This is Pahang.

EnglishMalay