The Tembeling River is both the gateway to Taman Negara and one of its great attractions. The three-hour longboat journey from Kuala Tembeling to Kuala Tahan is an experience in itself — narrow wooden boats powered by outboard engines threading between rocky shallows and overhanging forest, with the trees closing in as you go deeper into the park.
From Kuala Tahan, the river system opens into the park interior. River trips by boat can be arranged to access more remote areas, including rapids for swimming at Lata Berkoh and fishing spots upstream. Night trips on the river give a chance to spot animals coming to drink at the banks — tapir, deer, and occasionally elephants. The river also connects to the Tahan River, which leads to the trails toward Gunung Tahan.