Sunday, from Kuala Lumpur we arranged a trip to Taman Negara 'The Nation's Park'. To get there we had to endure a 4 hour bus ride to a little village called Kuala Tembling and then a lovely 3 hour boat ride along the river to Kuala Tahan, which is the local village just across the river from the Taman Negara National Park. The boat ride was so relaxing and it was really interesting to see the little homes built right on the river.

We were staying in the Mutiara Taman Negara Resort, which was on the other side of the river to the local village, actually in the Taman Negara National Park. It was actually quite posh, we felt a little out of place, but we had got a good deal as it is low season and it meant we had air con in our dorm which was a welcome relief as it is so hot and humid here, we are constantly sticky and sweaty!

To get across to and from the local village we had to get a little boat each time! There were several floating restaurants on the river at Kuala Tahan, which was a unique experience, eating our dinner as the restaurant gently bobbed up and down and more so when a boat went zooming by! We shared the dorm with another couple, Lucy and Karl from Brighton. Our travel plans for the next week are very similar so we have got some company which will be really good, especially with Andrew's birthday coming up!

Sunday evening we went for a little walk around the swamp loop, which thankfully was dry! We saw a video all about the flora, fuana and wildlife of the National Park and then went to one of the animal hides Bumbun Tahan, which overlooks a salt lick, with the idea being to entice the animals out for people to see. The most exciting animal we saw were deer but there is time yet!

Monday we went to explore the Taman Negara National Park. First we went on the Canopy Walkway, which is meant to be the longest in the world. This is not one for the faint hearted or for those even slightly scared of heights. We were at times 50m off the ground on very wobbly and rickety bridges and bounced and swayed as we walked across them. Only 4 people were allowed up at a time and we had to stay at least 5m apart at all times on the bridges so we did not put too much strain on them!!! It was great fun though and a good chance to see the trees and wildlife that are usually so high up at close range. Next we climbed up to the top of the hill to the lookout called Bukit Teresik, great views over the National Park, tropical rainforest and jungle as far as the eye can see covered in a haze from the humidity and moisture in the air.

We continued the loop walk through the rainforest, climbing over fallen trees and using the tree roots as steps. We also managed to find a few vines to see who could do the best Tarzan impression! Finally we reached Lubok Simpon where you could go swimming in the river, although there were several boats going by quite fast so Andrew and Karl stuck to paddling! There were loads of fish that Andrew had a good go at feeding them with crisps, although they had a good nibble at his fingers too!

Tomorrow we head to the Cameron Highlands, famous for its tea plantations. We can't wait to have a bit of a cooler climate for a few days and to have a good cup of tea!

Lots of Love

Sarah and Andrew xxx