The Orang Asli (native aborigines) were the first inhabitants of the Malay Peninsula, and many of them were traditionally nomadic or semi-nomadic. Semi-nomadic Orang Asli can be found today on the islands of Temenggor. They live in their traditional way in bamboo huts, hunting small mammals using blowpipes, fishing and gathering plants and honey from the forest.

As with all of Malaysia's rainforest, government sanctioned deforestation for logging and agriculture is one of the main contributors to environmental decline in Belum-Temenggor. The Malay peninsula has lost over half of its natural forest cover since 1950.

The comparably small amount of forest left in the Malay peninsula is still being cut down by government approved logging companies. Illegal logging also persists adding to an already problematic situation. It is anticipated that, at present rates of deforestation, more than 50% of Malaysian forest species will become extinct, many of them endemic to this area. When the depleted areas are replanted it is usually with exotic commercial species in monocultures.

There are many NGOs and lobby groups trying to educate the Malay people and influence government policies, focusing on short term gains and destroying the ecosystem is detrimental not only to our environment but to future economic development.

Poaching activity continues in the area with arrests made and poaching camps and snares uncovered frequently.

Due to the relatively low numbers of local residents and tourists, litter is not too prevalent. When visiting this beautiful forest, please help with conservation by leaving nothing behind other than footprints.

Belum-Temengor is centred by Tasik Temengor (Temengor Lake), stretching 75 km, the lake is surrounded by dense rainforest, mountains, waterfalls and dotted with hundreds of islands.

Fauna

Belum-Temenggor's relatively untouched forest is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna including 14 of world's most threatened mammals including the Malaysian tiger, Asiatic elephant, Sumatran rhinoceros, white handed gibbon, Malaysian sun bear and tapir. Other animals that also roam freely include seladang, wild boars, numerous species of deer, pythons and cobras.

Belum Temengor is ideal for bird watcher with over 300 avian species including the hornbill. It is the only existing forest where you can spot all 10 species of hornbill that inhabit Malaysia consisting of the white-crowned hornbill, bushy-crested hornbill, wrinkled hornbill, wreathed hornbill, plain-pouched hornbill, black hornbill, Oriental pied hornbill, rhinoceros hornbill, great hornbill and helmeted hornbill.

Flora In the forest you can find 3,000 species of flowering plants, including 3 species of Rafflesia, the world's largest flower.

The temperature in Belum-Temenggor ranges from 20°C to 35°C depending on the time of year, peaking between July and August. The rainy season lasts from mid-November until January. There are cool breezes from the lake and intermittent showers almost all year round.

Buses run from Kuala Lumpur to Gerik where you can get a fixed rate taxi to Pulau Banding public jetty for RM 50. Alternatively if coming from Ipoh, Penang, Kota Bharu or any other destinations using the East West Highway you can ask the bus driver to stop at the Pulau Banding jetty, though you will have to pay the full fare for the journey.

Belum Eco Resort – located on a secluded island. Offering accommodation options to suit all budgets, including private chalets, shared dormitories and houseboat. 3-day, 2-night packages and à la carte pricing is available. ^{[dead link]} Tel: +60 5 281 0834 Email: [sales@belumecoresort.com.my]