Endau-Rompin National Park

Endau-Rompin National Park (Taman Negara Endau-Rompin) is a protected rainforest area straddling the Johor-Pahang border in southern Peninsular Malaysia, covering approximately 80,000 hectares. It is one of the oldest rainforest complexes in the world, estimated to be 248 million years old — even older than the well-known Taman Negara. Designated a national park in 1993, it protects the watersheds of the Endau and Rompin rivers.

The park is notable for its exceptional biodiversity: it hosts populations of the critically endangered Sumatran rhinoceros (possibly functionally extinct in the wild in Malaysia), the Asian elephant, Malayan tiger, tapir, and countless bird and insect species. The forest is dominated by giant dipterocarp trees, bamboo groves, and pitcher plants. The park has two main entry points: the Selai entrance from Johor (near Bekok) and the Kampung Peta entrance from the east (near Kahang). The park offers jungle trekking, river swimming, waterfall visits, and wildlife observation. The climate is tropical rainforest — hot and humid by day, cooler at night. The best visiting period is March–September; the northeast monsoon (November–February) brings heavy rain and some trails close.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Senai International Airport (JHB IATA) in Johor Bahru, about 150 km south (3 hours by car). Tioman Airport is closer as the crow flies but requires water and road crossings.

By Train

For the Selai entrance: Bekok Railway Station is on the KTM West Coast Line (KOMUTER from Johor Bahru). For Kampung Peta: Kluang Station is the nearest, then taxi to Kahang.

By Car / Road

To Selai entrance: From Johor Bahru, take the E2 north to Segamat, then Route 1 to Bekok, then follow the park road (30 km unpaved, 4WD recommended). From Kuala Lumpur, take the E8 to Karak, then Route 9 to Route 12 to Bekok. To Kampung Peta entrance: Drive from Johor Bahru to Kluang, then east on Route 50 to Kahang, then north (4WD required). The park is only accessible by 4WD for the last leg. Register and arrange transport at the park offices in Bekok (Selai) or Kahang (Peta).

The park is explored on foot via marked jungle trails, or by river in some areas. 4WD transfers between the park entrance and the base camps are usually arranged by the park office. Walking distances between camps are 1–5 hours.

• Buaya Sangkut Waterfall — A stunning multi-tiered waterfall in the Kampung Peta section, with a large pool for swimming. A 3-hour hike from the Peta base camp.

• Tajung Batu Perak — A rocky viewpoint along the Endau River offering panoramic forest views.

• Selai Waterfall — A beautiful cascade in the Selai section, accessible by a 30-minute walk from the Selai base camp.

• Gua Kucing (Cat Cave) — A limestone cave in the Peta area, accessible by a short boat ride and walk.

• Endau River — The park's main river, with clear, brown-tinted water ideal for swimming and tubing.

• Giant bamboo groves — Stands of enormous bamboo trees, some reaching 30 m in height.

• Canopy of dipterocarp trees — The park's primary lowland dipterocarp forest is magnificent, with trees over 50 m tall.

• Pitcher plant colonies — Several species of Nepenthes are found along the trails.

• Jungle trekking — Trails range from easy 1-hour walks to multi-day expeditions. The classic trek is the 3-day Peta–Selai traverse across the park, which requires a guide.

• River tubing — Float down the Endau River past the rainforest (available at Peta).

• Swimming — Natural pools at Buaya Sangkut, Selai, and other waterfalls provide refreshing swims.

• Wildlife spotting — Early morning and dusk walks increase your chances of seeing elephants, tapirs, and birds. Birdwatching is excellent — look for hornbills, broadbills, and pitas.

• Camping — Designated campsites are available at both the Selai and Peta sections.

• Night walks — Spot nocturnal wildlife with a torch and guide.

Meals are served at the park base camps (Selai and Peta) as part of accommodation packages — typically Malay-style rice dishes with vegetables, fish or chicken, and fruit. Simple and wholesome. You may bring additional snacks. No restaurants exist within the park.

Water from the park's rivers is clean (locals drink it), but bring bottled water or purification tablets. Coffee and tea are provided at camp kitchens.

Accommodation is basic and must be booked through the Johor National Parks Corporation.

• Selai base camp: Chalets (from RM100/night) and dormitory (from RM40/person).
• Kampung Peta base camp: Dormitory-style accommodation (from RM40/person).
• Camping: Bring your own tent (permit required, RM5/person).
• All accommodation includes basic bedding and mosquito nets. Booking in advance is essential, especially on weekends and public holidays.

There are no shops inside the park. Buy all supplies (water, snacks, insect repellent) before entering at Bekok or Kluang. The park office sells basic souvenir T-shirts.

• Bekok — 30 km south. Gateway town with railway station and supplies.
• Kahang — 50 km south. Eastern gateway village.
• Kluang — 100 km southwest. Town with kopitiam and Gunung Lambak.
• Mersing — 100 km east. Ferry to Tioman Island.
• Segamat — 60 km west. Hot springs and waterfalls.
• Johor Bahru — 180 km south. Shopping and Singapore.