Pahang’s Gateway to Taman Negara and Forest Heritage
Jerantut District, located in central-northern Pahang, is the largest district in the state by area and known as the main access point to Taman Negara, Malaysia’s oldest and most iconic national park. With rainforests, rivers, indigenous villages, and rich biodiversity, Jerantut blends eco-tourism, agriculture, and cultural depth in a stunning natural setting.
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Name | Jerantut District |
| State | Pahang |
| District Capital | Jerantut Town |
| Area | Approx. 7,563 sq. km (largest in Pahang) |
| Population (2025 est.) | Approx. 105,000 |
| Parliamentary Seat | 1 (Jerantut) |
| Local Authority | Majlis Daerah Jerantut (MDJ) |
Administrative Subdivisions (Mukim)
Jerantut District includes 10 mukims, such as:
- Jerantut Town
- Ulu Cheka
- Pedah
- Kuala Tembeling
- Tembeling Tengah
- Pulau Tawar
- Kuala Tahan (entry to Taman Negara)
- Ulu Tembeling
Key Towns and Areas
- Jerantut Town – Administrative and commercial hub
- Kuala Tahan – Tourist town at the edge of Taman Negara
- Ulu Tembeling – Forest and Orang Asli settlements
- Pulau Tawar – Known for paddy farming and cultural heritage
- Kuala Tembeling – River jetty and boat terminal to national park
Economy & Livelihood
- Agriculture – oil palm, rubber, paddy, tropical fruits
- Eco-tourism via Taman Negara and river lodges
- Forest products, freshwater fishing, and jungle herbs
- Traditional industries: handicrafts, food processing (dodol, dried fish)
Education & Institutions
- Primary and secondary schools across mukims
- Religious schools and pondok/tahfiz centers
- Orang Asli community learning programs
- Agricultural and eco-education via tourism agencies
Healthcare Facilities
- Hospital Jerantut – general medical care
- Klinik Kesihatan in Kuala Tahan, Pulau Tawar, and Ulu Cheka
- Outreach services to rural and forested areas
Transport & Connectivity
- Connected by Federal Route 64 and 98
- Kuala Tembeling Jetty – boat rides to Taman Negara
- Buses and vans available to/from Kuantan, Temerloh, and Kuala Lumpur
- Local 4WD and boat transport for interior rainforest areas
Tourism & Attractions
- Taman Negara National Park (via Kuala Tahan):
- Canopy walk, jungle trekking, river cruises, bird watching, night safaris
- Orang Asli Villages:
- Cultural interaction, traditional crafts, hunting demos
- Gunung Tahan:
- Malaysia’s highest peak in Peninsular region
- Sungai Tembeling River Activities:
- Rafting, kayaking, nature observation
- Lata Meraung Waterfall & Jerantut Hill Trails
Culture & Local Cuisine
- Majority Malay-Muslim, with Orang Asli (Batek, Semai) communities
- Local dishes:
- Ikan Patin Masak Tempoyak, Gulai Lemak Pisang, Lemang Ulu Tembeling, Kuih Lopis
- Crafts: bamboo tools, blowpipes, rattan baskets
- Community values: gotong-royong, tahlil, kenduri, and traditional silat
Summary
Jerantut is Pahang’s green heart and eco-tourism crown jewel—a place where forests whisper history, and rivers nourish tradition. As the main gateway to Taman Negara, this district offers visitors adventure, serenity, and cultural discovery—all rooted in Malaysia’s oldest natural wonder.