Rafflesia, orchids, ferns and towering trees abound in the Taman Negara National Park, a protected area that comprises one of the world's oldest tropical rainforests.

More than 300 species of mammals are known to live here, although it can be difficult to spot them. Nevertheless, there's a good chance of glimpsing monkeys, deer, tapirs - and if you're really lucky - even elephants, tigers, leopards and rhinos.

The real joy, however, is simply being in this unspoilt and undisturbed environment, which as well as having fabulous flora and fauna is also home to the nomadic Batek people, one of Malaysia's aboriginal groups.