Taman Negara Kelantan

Taman Negara Kelantan is a protected area in Malaysia.

Taman Negara Kelantan at a Glance

Location
Eastern Peninsular Malaysia, Malaysia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
4.771870, 102.347520
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
March to October for Peninsular Malaysia parks. Year-round for Borneo.

Getting to Taman Negara Kelantan

Nearest airport: Sungai Tiang Airport (SXT), 49 km away.

Nearest international airport: Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KUL), 237 km away.

Big Five in Taman Negara Kelantan

3 of the Big Five can be found here: Rhinoceros Hornbill, Leopard, Mainland Clouded Leopard.

Weather & Climate in Taman Negara Kelantan

The warmest temperatures in Taman Negara Kelantan occur in May, averaging 25.6°C (up to 30.3°C). The coolest conditions are in December at 23.1°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in March with average rainfall of 151.9mm. Average humidity: 83.5%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 23.1°C (rainfall: 237.3mm)
  • February: 23.5°C (rainfall: 161.0mm)
  • March: 24.6°C (rainfall: 151.9mm)
  • April: 25.2°C (rainfall: 221.9mm)
  • May: 25.6°C (rainfall: 251.7mm)
  • June: 25.0°C (rainfall: 318.4mm)
  • July: 25.4°C (rainfall: 216.2mm)
  • August: 24.8°C (rainfall: 358.8mm)
  • September: 24.7°C (rainfall: 328.5mm)
  • October: 24.6°C (rainfall: 339.0mm)
  • November: 23.6°C (rainfall: 438.1mm)
  • December: 23.1°C (rainfall: 470.6mm)

Best Time to Visit Taman Negara Kelantan

The best months to visit Taman Negara Kelantan are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 23.05°C, rainfall 237.3mm, sunshine 8.5 hrs, humidity 88.1%
  • February: Good, temperature 23.51°C, rainfall 161mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 85.8%
  • March: Good, temperature 24.59°C, rainfall 151.9mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 83.5%
  • April: Good, temperature 25.2°C, rainfall 221.9mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 85.4%
  • May: Good, temperature 25.55°C, rainfall 251.7mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 86.9%
  • June: Good, temperature 25°C, rainfall 318.4mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 87.5%
  • July: Good, temperature 25.35°C, rainfall 216.2mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 84%
  • August: Good, temperature 24.77°C, rainfall 358.8mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 88.2%
  • September: Good, temperature 24.71°C, rainfall 328.5mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 88%
  • October: Good, temperature 24.59°C, rainfall 339mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 88.6%
  • November: Poor, temperature 23.63°C, rainfall 438.1mm, sunshine 6.8 hrs, humidity 92.4%
  • December: Poor, temperature 23.05°C, rainfall 470.6mm, sunshine 7.1 hrs, humidity 91.9%

Wildlife in Taman Negara Kelantan

Home to 81 recorded species including 36 iconic birds, 14 waterbirds, 12 birds of prey, 10 tropical birds, 3 big herbivores, 2 predators.

Recommended Packing List for Taman Negara Kelantan

Based on average temperature of 24.4°C, typical conditions, humidity 88%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 24°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Taman Negara Kelantan

1 safari lodges available.

budget

Similar Parks in Eastern Peninsular Malaysia

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Malaysia

Travel advisory for Malaysia

Taman Negara Kelantan FAQs

When is the best time to visit Taman Negara Kelantan to avoid heavy rainfall and maximize wildlife spotting opportunities?

The optimal time to visit Taman Negara Kelantan is generally during the dry season, from March to September, to avoid the heavy monsoon rains that affect Malaysia's east coast. During this period, river levels are lower, making activities like jungle trekking and river cruises more accessible and enjoyable.

What unique activities or experiences can I expect at Taman Negara Kelantan beyond typical jungle trekking?

Taman Negara Kelantan offers a range of immersive activities, including challenging jungle treks to remote waterfalls and the opportunity to explore ancient limestone caves like Gua Telinga. You can also experience river cruises along the Tembeling River, which often provide chances to spot diverse birdlife and other riparian wildlife.

What are the typical entry fees and potential costs for guided activities within Taman Negara Kelantan?

Entry to Taman Negara Kelantan typically involves a small permit fee, which is separate from camera permits if you plan to take photos. Guided activities, such as treks with a park ranger or boat trips, usually incur additional charges, so it's advisable to budget for these if you wish to maximize your exploration.

Beyond malaria, what specific safety precautions should I take when exploring the remote areas of Taman Negara Kelantan?

When venturing into Taman Negara Kelantan's dense jungle, it's crucial to hire a licensed guide, especially for longer treks, to navigate safely and avoid getting lost. Be prepared for leeches, slippery terrain, and potential encounters with wildlife by wearing appropriate clothing and footwear, and always carry sufficient water and a first-aid kit.

What specific and elusive wildlife species might I hope to encounter in Taman Negara Kelantan, given its protected status?

Taman Negara Kelantan is home to a rich array of wildlife, though many species are elusive due to the dense jungle. Lucky visitors might spot tapirs, various species of deer like the sambar, or even the rare Malayan tiger and Asian elephant, particularly near water sources or during early morning and late evening hours.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.