It was gazetted to preserve this valuable natural environment. The mountains have a fascinating geological history, taking ‘just’ a million years to form. The mighty Mount Kinabalu is actually a granite massif that was later thrust upwards through the crust of the surface.

Subsequent erosion removed thousands of feet of the overlying sand and mud stone, exposing this massif. During the Ice Age, glaciers running across the summit smoothed it out, but the jagged peaks that stood out above the ice surface remained unaffected, retaining the extremely ragged surfaces. This rugged mountain is the focal point of the National Park.

How to get there

By Taxi

Car rentals can be arranged through major hotels in Kota Kinabalu. Taxis go to Park HQ at Ranau and take a maximum of four passengers. You can negotiate for the taxi to pick you up from Park HQ for your return if you hire the whole taxi.

Gazetted in 1978, it covers 7,064 hectares of virgin coastal forest, starting from Sungai Likau in the south to Similajau River in the north. Spanning 30km, it is abundant in flora and fauna and offers you a wonderful experience exploring miles and miles of empty beach.

The terrestrial fauna of the park boasts 24 recorded species of mammals, such as gibbons, banded langurs and long-tailed macaques. A very noteworthy reptile found here is the Saltwater Crocodile.

The Park has also recorded 230 species of birds, which include hornbills and migratory water birds like Storms Stork. If you’re lucky, you might be able to see dolphins out amongst the waves. Occasionally, green turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.

How to get there

By Road

A public bus service operated by Syarikat Bus Bintulu Sdn Bhd. (SBBS) plies between Bintulu town and the junction of the road leading to the Park (RH Jarau). The junction is called Sungai Plant Lot. You need additional transport for the last 9km to the Park Office. Hailing a ride is your best bet. Alternatively, a chartered boat takes you there from Bintulu town. However your best bet – by far – is to either charter a taxi for the day or hire a car.

In 1958, archeologists discovered evidence of human occupation of the caves dating back some 40,000 years. Rock paintings were found in what has become known as the Painted Cave, and the discovery of several small canoe-like coffins (death ships) indicate that this site was once used as a burial ground.

How to get there

By Road and River

The Park is accessible by road from Miri or Bintulu. It takes about 2 hours from Miri and 3 hours from Bintulu to Batu Niah. From Batu Niah, it is a short boat trip to the Park Headquarters.

There are around 1,173 tree species in the park alone, with 286 genera and 81 tree families making Lambir one of the more diversified forests in Malaysia. Wild animals can also be found in the deeper parts of the park, especially monkeys, sun bear, pangolin and bats.

It is best to visit the park in the morning, as there would be ample time to go along the various trails in the park. The main attraction of the park is its beautiful waterfalls, the nearest just a mere 0.18 km is Latak Waterfall. It is a 20 minutes walk from the Park office. If you stop to look at the wonderful forest flora and fauna along the way, it would probably take longer.

Before entering the park, register yourself at the Park office where the guide will explain some necessary safety rules before entering the park. If you are going to the waterfalls further ahead, it is best to go early in the morning as the journey will take several hours.The guide will also advise that visitors to the park exit the park grounds by 5 pm as the gates to the park will be closed at this time.

Other waterfalls in the park are ones on the Pantu trail such as the Pantu and Nibong waterfalls. It takes up to two hours journey to reach the falls. Then there are the Pancur, Tengkorong and Dinding waterfalls along the Bakam Trail.The other primary trails are Main and Lepoh-Ridan. There are other trails in the park, of which further information can be obtained from the park office.

There is even a 22-metre Tree Tower is situated on the Pantu Trail, about a kilometre from the Park Office. Visitors can climb and view the scenic Dipterocarp forest profile. It is also an excellent place for bird watching.

Come visit Lambir Hills National Park and experience one of natures best natural wonders!

How to get there

Air

Malaysia Airlines dan Air Asia flies to Miri on a daily basis.

Road

Lambir Hills National Park is about a 30 minutes drive from Miri Town, via the Miri-Bintulu road. There are public transportations to the park from the city. Visitors can also opt to take the commercial buses en-route to Batu Niah, Bintulu, Tinjar, Bakong or Bekenu bazaars. The buses depart from Wisma Pelita Tunku in Miri. Visitors may opt to join organised trips from travel agents departing Miri city early in the morning, and returning to Miri after lunch.

Its most significant features are secluded coves and rugged rocky headlands with magnificent steep cliffs that overlook the South China Sea.

The sea spray, wave action and the wind have also carved out magnificent sea arches and sea stacks at the base of the cliffs, some rearing above the waves like a mighty serpent’s head.

The attractive sandstone formations appear pink with iron patterns on the cliff. Further inland, waterfalls tumble down into freshwater pools in a tranquil and idyllic jungle setting.

Bako contains an incredible variety of plant species and vegetation types, and this is one of the parks great attractions. At Bako it is possible to see almost every type of vegetation found in Borneo.

Bako is also home to approximately 275 rare proboscis monkeys, found only in Borneo. The best times for seeing wildlife at Bako are just after dawn and just before dusk, when the animals are at their most active. Bako is a fascinating place for bird watching, as over 150 species have been recorded here.

Bakos extensive trail system is made up of 16 colour-coded jungle trails which offer a range of walking and hiking options. The fit and adventurous can opt for full-day jungle hikes or overnight camping expeditions, whilst those who prefer to take it easy can opt for a relaxing forest walk.

How to get there

Road

Petra Jaya Bus No.6 and regular minibuses go from Kuching to Kampung Bako, a picturesque fishing village. Alternatively, taxis also go to Kampung Bako (Bako Village).

By boat.

From there you have to charter a boat to the Park. The boat ride is an adventure in itself, with the skilled and experienced boatmen riding the surf at high speed, to the delight of most visitors.

The rugged landscape of GSSP offers many exciting adventures for anyone who loves nature and the great outdoors. GSSP not only has important eco-tourism values but also serves as a significant conservation area with richflora and fauna diversity.

Animals such as the Asian elephant, seladang, great argus pheasant, Malayan tiger, serow and tapir are known to roam the forest in Stong. With the assistance of a qualified and knowledgeable trekking guide, your exploration of GSSP will be made more meaningful as interesting aspects about the biodiversity of the area are pointed out.

There is a few places of interest at Gunung Stong State Park like the Jelawang Waterfall, an impressive seven-tier waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in Malaysia. Bogo Rock Shelter, a cave-like formation, is a suitable resting point on the way to the summit of Gunung Stong, which can be reached within four hours of trekking.

Gunung Ayam, the highest peak in the area, standing at 1,504m is the ideal spot to watch both sunset and sunrise. A campsite is available for overnight stays. Visit the breathtaking 225 million year-old limestone caves at Dabong that house several bat species and rare flora, including an endemic balsam.

Getting There

By road
From Kuala Lumpur (KL), take the North-South Expressway heading north and exit at Kuala Kangsar.From the exit, head towards Gerik and then proceed
along the East-West highway towards Jeli. At Jeli town, follow Route 66 leading to Dabong. Alternately, take the East Coast Expressway from KL towards Bentong. From there, follow Route 8 to Gua Musang, and then get on Route D29 to Dabong.

By train
From the KL Sentral Station, the northbound express train to Kota Bharu will take you through several small settlements including Dabong. From there, youll need to cross Sungei Galas and head to Jelawang which is only 3km away.

By boat
Take a boat at Kuala Krai to Dabong/Jelawang. The boat ride takes about an hour.

Reputed as the oldest jungle, the best kept tropical rainforest and the great natural wonders; Taman Negara is the most extensive protected area of pristine, lowland and evergreen rainforest in Malaysia. This implies that Taman Negara’s flora and fauna has evolved naturally over hundreds of millions of years without any disruption or major calamities.

Taman Negara is situated in the centre of the Peninsular Malaysia. Covering over 4343 square kilometers of primary forest, Taman Negara that spans across three states (Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang) is the largest protected area in the country. Therefore, it has become Malaysia’s premier national park.

Taman Negara is indeed the oldest rainforest in the world as it has been declared for conservation in the year 1938. Biodiversity protection is important to prevent plants and animals being threatened by extinction, to preserve them for future generations. Protection keeps ecological balances and preserves a gene pool of the wide range of species.

Malaysia is one of the 12th mega biodiversity areas in the world and Taman Negara’s tropical rainforest is one of the most complex and rich ecosystem in the world. The national park is home to around 14,000 species of plants and trees more than other forest in the world. Basically, there are over 2,400 species of flowering plant, 200 species of mammals, 350 species of birds, 67 species of snakes, 55 species of frogs, 80 species of bat, 30 species of rats and 109 species freshwater fishes.

The Taman Negara park basin is drained by the Sungai Tahan, Sungai Keniam and Sungai Sepia. Sungai Tahan originates at the foot of Gunung Tahan massif. The waters there range from crystal clear to coffee brown from the natural soil sediments. Rainforest Rivers that flow from peat soil virgin mountain forest catchments with no major human settlement or cultivation alongside are rarely in the world nowadays.

The tualang trees (kompassia excelsea), the tallest tree in South East Asia can be found on the plains along with various types of hardwoods such as meranti (shores spp.) and keruing (dipterocarps spp.). At there, you can find a lot of Epiphytes such as ferns and rare species of orchids. Oaks laurel and conifers can be found on the intermediate slopes.

If you are a nature lover, Taman Negara is a must visit venue. You may enjoy your explorations and protect our Mother Nature’s Treasure there.

Why Not Go

You shouldn’t go to this place for holiday if you are not nature lovers since there is nothing much you can do in the jungle. Please be aware that Taman Negara is far from the town. Do not expect to get high quality of food, accommodations or services at Taman Negara since majority of the local people do not have proper educations and trainings. Therefore, it is our job to educate them.

Why Go

The great lure of Taman Negara is the Canopy Walkway, which is the longest suspension bridge in the world. It is about 530 meters long and strung up to 40 meters high above the forest floor. This canopy walkway consists of 9 bridges and 10 platforms. Originally developed for research purposes, the canopy walkway is now mainly used by nature lovers to see the rainforest from a unique perspective. The Canopy Walkway is open every day from 10am to 2.45pm except on Friday; it is open from 9am to 12pm. However for safety reasons, the canopy walkway was being closed on the spot during windy heavy raining.

The charm of Taman Negara also lies in Gunung Tahan (Tahan Mountain), the most difficult mountain to reach the peak. It might take you 7 days to travel to the top of the mountain. Remember to carry your own food and tent on this 7 day journey to the top.

Taman Negara also famed with its river as the river is plentiful of freshwater fish populations. Fishing at the Sungai Keniam and Lata Berkoh is a famous activity among visitors and the best time for fishing is in February, March, July and August. Known for its speed and agility, the kelah fish can weigh as much as 20lbs and offers an irresistible challenge and terrific fight when being caught by even the experienced angler.

There are many mores to see and do in Taman Negara, hence a trip to Taman Negara is a must.

Best Time to Visit

Taman Negara has a tropical climate with daily temperatures range from 25 to 37 degree Celsius and its humidity is high (more than 80%). At the peak of Gunung Tahan, the temperature may drop to 13°C. Rainfall is heavy throughout the year, especially during the north-east monsoon which is from October to January. In that period, flooding might happen in large tracts of the rainforest.

March is the driest month throughout the year. So, the best time to visit Taman Negara is between March and September. It is not only the drier part of the year, it also main breeding season for most species in Taman Negara.

Where to Stay

Visitors to the park have various choices, from comfortable resort-styled facilities, home stay style to tent camping at various camping grounds. Plenty of accommodations are available in Kuala Tahan. In the park itself there are hides (which you can book at the park headquarters) and camp sites. For luxury, the best is to stay at The Mutiara Resorts. Located inside the park, The Mutiara Resorts are the most expensive and luxuries place to stay with the prices ranging from US$1.50 for hostel to US$350 for a bungalow per night. For budget backers, one of the options is Travelers Home, home stay style accommodation but with new, clean rooms at affordable rates. Normally, food is included, services are excellent and prices are about RM75 per night per person. And please book your accommodations in advance arrival especially during the peak season to avoid disappointment and frustration.

Where & What to Eat

Outside of Kuala Tahan, there is not much restaurant except of the services provided by your respective accommodation. Good floating restaurants are available at the riverside which include Family Restaurant, Wan Cafe and LBK. These restaurants serve local delicacies which include toast bread with kaya jam, fried rice and drinks along with other common things such as sandwich and soups. The toast bread with kaya jam is quite weird but tasty due to its combination of egg and coconut. If you are a first timer, you shouldn’t miss out the toast bread.

Besides that, as visitors, you must try the local drink named “Sirup Bandung”, which is a blend of rose syrup and milk. It can be a tasty concoction to drink after a day’s trek.

Nightlife

If you are not a faint-hearted, you may experience a walk in the jungle at night and enjoy the special atmosphere. You may walk around in the jungle to see the tropical forest nightlife. There are numerous species of insect, flora and fauna available in Taman Negara. This walk will take you about one and half hours. Wear long-sleeved tops, pants and lathering yourself with anti-mosquitoes repellant to repel those damn worms, leeches and mosquitoes.

My to do List

- Bird watching
- Cave Exploration – Gua Telinga (Ear Cave)
- Canopy Walk
- Fishing
- Jungle Trekking
- Mountain Climbing
- Rapids shooting
- Hill Climbing at Bukit Teresek
- Waterfalls cascades at Lata Berkoh
- Stay overnight at Animals Salt Lick Hide

Stay Away From

Leeches are harmless but its bites can become infected. Prevention is better than the cure, so put some insect repellent on your feet, shoes and socks even though it works temporarily. Besides that, loose tobacco in your shoes and socks may also help.

Pulling a leech off by the tail might make it dig in harder, burning leeches with a cigarette, you might burn yourself as well, so the best way is sprinkling salt on leeches, salt will make them run away.

Rules and Regulations

It is not allowed to:

1. Entering the park without an entry permit
2. Fishing or take photographs in any part of the national park without license
3. Possess of any weapon, explosive, trap, net, birdlime, poison or any item used to cause injury to any animal within confinements of the park
4. Disturb animal habitats, injure or kill any animal. Remove any live animal or any part of a dead animal from the park
5. Cut, destroy or cause damage to any tree or plant or clear, break up, dig or cultivate any part of land within the confinements of Taman Negara
6. Remove any tree or plant or even any part of tree or plant
7. Destroy, damage, and deface any object of zoological, botanical, geological, ethnological or other scientific interests or any object of authentic values
8. Destroy, damage, deface, remove any notice or boundary mark, and use any building or vehicle, except with permission granted by the park official who is competent to grant such permission in accordance with the provisions of this enactment.
9. Use any building or vehicle in the park, except with permission granted by a park official who is competent to grant such permission in accordance with the provisions of this enactment.

Getting There

The best way to get there is by boat. The river boat leaves from Kuala Tembling Jetty at 9am and 2pm for Kuala Tahan and it spends about two hours (RM 25). Actually bus services are also available, but the boat ride is likely to be one of the most memorable and the prettiest parts of the trip. Please note that there is no cell phone signal in the estates.

Entrance to Taman Negara

Taman Negara can be accessed either by road or by river boat from 4 main entry point; Kuala Tahan, Sungai Relau, Kuala Koh and Tanjung Mentong, from 3 different states; Pahang, Trengganu and Kelantan.
These four different entrances to Taman Negara will offer you with a unique difference adventure experience.

i) South entrance – Kuala Tahan, Jerantut

Kuala Tahan is located in the Central Pahang of Peninsular Malaysia. It lies about 215 km northwest of Kuantan, the state capital of Pahang, and about 60 km off Jerantut, the closest point of getaway to Taman Negara.
The most popular entry point, either by scenic boat ride via Sungei Tembeling river or driving up the rural road to Kuala Tahan village. This entryway has the most number and choice of accommodation and food, as well as all types of recreational activities and facilities.

ii) West entrance- Sungai Relau, Merapoh

The Sungai Relau entry point, of which Merapoh is the nearest small town, is marked by limestone hills with number of caves. This point is the closest and easiest to conquer Gunung Tahan. Please note that fishing is forbidden here as it is a fish-breeding sanctuary; instead you feed the fish and call them meals by a unique method.
Getting There
You can either drive or take the public transport, passing through the towns of Kuala Lipis by south or Gua Musang by north along the Kuala Lumpur-Kota Bahru road. Those taking the train disembark at Merapoh Stations or Gua Musang Stations.

iii) North entrance- Kuala Koh, Kelantan

The entrance to the Kelantan side of Taman Negara was only opened in 1995. Although it is slope-filled area with many bamboo species, the name “Koh” comes from the local Kelantanese name for a type of palm; known in standard Malays as “palma daun payung” and is seen along the upper estuarues at 1,000m high. Kuala Koh is also a historic area where Mat Kilau, a malay warrior who fought against British occupation, lived in and launched his resistance efforts. This entryway is said to have the best potential for wildlife sightings, maybe due to the denser undisturbed jungle.
Getting There
Visitors can either drive or take the public transport to Kuala Koh from Gua Musang in Kelantan. There is a road connecting this park entrance to the Gua Musang-Kuala Krai main road.

iv) East entrance – Tanjung Mentong, Tasik Kenyir

This entrance into Taman Negara is quite different from the rest as it passes through the Tasik Kenyir, Southeast Asia’s largest man-made lake at 260,000 hectares and a nature recreation are in itself. A southern arm of the lake lies within Taman Negara containing some interesting caves and submerged forest views not found at the other entryways.
Getting There
Visitors can reach Tanjung Mentong through the 2 jetties in Gawi or Jenagor, all in Trengganu. The town of Kuala Berang is the nearest town. The motorboat trip cuts across Tasik Kenyir in about 45 minutes.

Malaysia Nature Parks

Nature Parks

• Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
• Endau Rompin Park
• Johor Nature Parks
• Pulau Kukup
• Gunung Mulu Natural Park

The National Parks of Malaysia are a fascinating mosaic of tropical rainforests, exotic flora and fauna, mountains, wetlands, sandy beaches, and endangered wildlife. Our national parks are a unique and beautiful place, or rather the most spectacular and valued landscapes of Malaysia, a living showcase of Malaysia’s natural treasures.

Among the biggest and best-known tropical flora and fauna here are the Sumatran Rhinoceros, the Sun Bear, the Malayan Tiger, the Orangutan, Rainforest Tarantulas and the Proboscis Monkey. Borneo is especially well known for the world’s biggest flower, the Rafflesia.

The Malaysia National Parks also provide a wide range of outdoor activities, such as white water rafting, rocking climbing, spelunking, 4 x 4 wheel drives, diving and much more.

You are welcome to visit Malaysia National Parks, and discover or reconnect with the nature.

Johor National Parks

• Endau Rompin National Park
• Gunung Ledang Johor National Park
• Tanjung Piai Johor National Park
• Pulau Kukup Johor National Park
• Islands off Mersing Johor National Park

Kelantan National Parks

• Gunung Stong State Park

Pahang National Parks

• Taman Negara National Park
• Krau Wildlife Reserve

Penang National Parks

• Penang National Park

Perak National Parks

• Royal Belum State Park

Perlis National Parks

• Perlis State Park
• Wang Pinang Reserve

Selangor National Parks

• Selangor Heritage Park
• Bukit Cahaya Seri Alam
• Sungai Dusun Wildlife Reserve
• Templer’s Park

Sarawak National Parks

• Bako National Park
• Gunung Mulu National Park
• Niah National Park
• Lambir Hills National Park
• Similajau National Park
• Gunung Gading National Park
• Kubah National Park
• Batang Ai National Park
• Loagan Bunut National Park
• Tanjung Datu National Park
• Talang Satang National Park
• Bukit Tiban National Park
• Maludam National Park
• Rajang Mangroves National Park
• Gunung Buda National Park
• Pulong Tau National Park
• Kuching Wetlands National Park
• Santubong National Park
• Wind Cave Reserve
• Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary
• Stutung Reserve
• Matang Wildlife Center

Sabah National Parks

• Crocker Range Park
• Kinabalu Park
• Pulau Tiga Park
• Tawau Hills Park
• Tun Sakaran Marine Park
• Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
• Turtle Islands Park

Kukup: Kelong

Located South-west of Johor1 km offshore from the quaint little fishing village of Kampung Air Masin in Kukup Laut (Pontian District), Pulau Kukup is an island entirely covered by mangrove forest and surrounded by mudflats – the mudflats extend up to a few kilometres on the West and Northwest of the island. There is currently no human habitation or man made structures on the island.

In order to promote preservation of this unique mangrove habitat, Pulau Kukup is designated as a Ramsar site (or otherwise known as a Wetlands of International Importance) on 31 January 2003, it is also protected as a national park under the Johor State Park Corporation Enactment 1989 since 27 March 1997.

Pulau Kukup is dissected by a few tidal creeks and channels. Six channels/creeks flow through Pulau Kukup: Sungai Ular, Sungai Solok, Sungai Sedang, Sungai Tong Kang, Sungai Merah and Sungai Jempol. Most of the channels are narrow and blind and very picturesque, being fringed by the stilt roots of Rhizophora and breathing roots of Sonneratia and Avicennia.

Pulau Kukup is relatively rich in biological diversity although it is a small isolated island from the mainland. It is home to 27 species of true and associated mangrove species which include common species such as Bakau Minyak Rhizophora apiculata, Bakau Kurap Rhizophora mucronata, Tumu Bruguiera cylindrica, Perepat Sonneratia alba dan Api-api Avicennia spp. So far 12 wildlife species have been recorded on the island include protected species such as the Smooth Otter, Dusky Leaf Monkey, Long tailed Macaque and Wild boars.

The rich diversity of marine aquatic life here which includes the shrimps, crabs, shellfish and marine fishes remain the main source of income for local fishermen. The island provides shelter and nursery grounds for these marine lives. In addition, the island physically protects the cage culture industry which is located along the Straits of Kukup from strong winds and waves. Commercial fish species cultured here include the Sea Bass, Grouper and Mangrove Snapper which are largely destined for overseas market.

Pulau Kukup harbours at least 76 bird species which broadly include forest birds, raptors and waterbirds such as the Lesser Adjutant, Grey Heron, Mangrove Pitta, Collared Kingfisher and Brahminy Kite. It is also one of the important migratory stop-over sites for shorebirds such as Whimbrel, Redshank, Greenshank and Common Sandpiper. These birds are commonly seen at the island from September till February the following year. One can also observe the migration of raptors such as the Oriental Honey Buzzard, which hovers over the sky enroute their travel to Indonesia. This is evident between September and December.

Pulau Kukup National Park Corporation
1319, Mukim Air Masin, 82300 Kukup
Pontian, Johor
Tel: 07-6969355
Fax: 07-6969366
E-mail: pulaukukup@johorpark.com
Website: www.johorpark.com

HOW TO GET THERE
Visitors can access Kukup town from various points: using the North-South Highway, exit at Simpang Renggam toll and turn left towards Benut and proceed to Pontian/Kukup; another route is from Johor Bahru through Skudai and proceed to Pontian; foreign visitors from Singapore and Tanjung Balai (Indonesia) can access the town through ferry services. From Kukup town, visitors can access the island by tourist boats.

Visitors who plan to visit this mangrove island are advised to first register at the Pulau Kukup Johor National Park office located in the town centre in Kukup, before proceeding to the nearby jetty.

Reputedly one of the oldest rainforests in the world the Endau Rompin National Park which covers 50, 000 hectares is a treasure trove of wonders which include fan palms which stand taller than a man, the over 200mil year old rock formations, the legendary 120 metre high Buaya Sangkut waterfalls and the Endau and Rompin rivers. If very lucky you could chance upon the Sumatran Rhinos now so rare in Peninsular Malaysia. To visit the park you need to obtain a permit from the Johor National Park Corporation or the District Office. You will also be guided by forest rangers at all times within the park.

The mystic local folklore and the tales of the supernatural which surrounds the legendary Gunung Ledang or Mount Ophir add to its allure. This majestic work of nature, the highest peak in Johor at 1,267 metres above sea level, is a popular tourist attraction with the magnificence of the Sagil Waterfall drawing picnickers regularly. You may also wish to try the challenge trails to the peak approximately 5 hours of grueling effort will take you through dense jungle and enchanting flora and fauna to glorious vistas from peak.

Stand at the southernmost tip of the Asia Continent at the humble Tanjung Piai and receive a certificate. Set amidst an extensive natural mangrove forest you can enjoy watching the frolics of the stars of the mangrove forest, the multi coloured mangrove crabs, bug eyed mud skippers and crab eating macaques. You could opt for a traditional kampong experience via the Homestay and Agro tourism projects and also indulge in the exceptional seafood in Kukup.

The flicker of firefly colonies like a thousand stars on the boughs of the Berembang trees in Kota Tinggi along the banks of Johor River is a mesmerizing sight. The riverbank is also a popular haunt for prawn fishing which you could experience by hiring a boat to take you to choice spots along the river. Be warned though that skill, patience and luck are necessary ingredients for a good haul!