Kuantan – Jurantut to Taman Negara then beyond to Kota Bharu
Jerantut: Quirky Stays & Café Surprises
Our accommodation in Jerantut was… let’s just say, “basic.” No Wi-Fi, patchy air conditioning, and not much space to stretch out. But travel is all about the unexpected, and it didn’t take us long to stumble upon a hidden gem: The Gypsy Café.
Run by a wonderfully laid-back, hippy-style family, this spot served up rustic European fare in the quirkiest of settings—mismatched furniture, string lights, bookshelves full of random treasures, and a vibe that made you want to stay for hours. The kids explored every corner while we tucked into some seriously comforting food.
Into the Wild: Exploring Taman Negara
The real reason we came to Jerantut? To head deep into Taman Negara National Park—Malaysia’s famed tropical rainforest. True to its name, the skies opened up shortly after we arrived. Of course, we’d forgotten our raincoats, so a quick pit stop for plastic ponchos was essential.
We climbed aboard a traditional longboat with our guide and cruised upriver, the jungle closing in around us. The scenery was stunning—dense green everywhere, the occasional monkey in the trees, and the rhythmic sound of the river lapping at the boat’s sides.
A hike through the jungle led to some unforgettable moments. We spotted a tarantula tucked away in the boardwalk shadows, and then, in a heart-stopping moment, I found myself face-to-face with a small, bright green snake—only to later learn it was a deadly viper. Definitely a lesson in jungle awareness!
Culture & Connection on the River
On the return journey, we stopped for lunch at a floating restaurant—a peaceful pause with delicious food and river views. Afterwards, we visited an indigenous village, where we learned about traditional fire-starting techniques, how to make darts, and even had a go at using a blowpipe. Safe to say, we won’t be hunting dinner anytime soon—but it was a blast trying!
The rain returned in full force on the way back—our boat rocking gently as the downpour fell all around us. Wet, tired, and completely thrilled, we headed back to town.
Gypsy Vibes & Jungle Trains
That night, we returned to The Gypsy Garden (the café’s evening transformation) for another round of delicious food and relaxed conversation. The owners were kind enough to help us get to our train at 4:30 AM, already awake themselves for Ramadan breakfast prep. They packed us (and our bags) into their tiny car while the kids and I walked through the quiet, pre-dawn streets with Kat catching a lift.
Onward: The Jungle Train to Kota Bharu
The jungle train to Kota Bharu was a 7-hour scenic ride—slow and steady, winding through palm plantations, dense rainforest, limestone cliffs, and sleepy rural villages. Compared to the buses we’d taken, this was a dream.
We spent just one night in Kota Bharu—a quick pause before heading to our next destination: the beautiful Perhentian Islands.
