Who doesn’t love to travel? From going on sightseeing tours by the coastlines of Lombok, admiring city lights of the skyscrapers of Singapore, and trying out local dishes in Bangkok, Southeast Asia boasts many options worth trying for your next holiday trip.
Nature tourism can also be a good choice, considering Southeast Asia's boundless list of endemic flora and fauna. Recently established in July 2023, Malaysia’s Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve is a splendid choice for those who want to try out nature tourism.
Here are 5 fun facts about the reserve so you can plan your holidays and make them more worthwhile!
1. It's the First Tiger Reserve in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia has many national parks and conservation sites, but only one tiger reserve, and that just so happens to be Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve. Located in the heart of Pahang, the reserve spans over 1,340 square kilometers, compromising Malaysia's last rainforests in Gunung Aais and Tekai-Tembeling.
The reserve's "main character" is the Malayan tiger, but it also protects another five out of seven wild cat species in Malaysia. They are the Melanistic leopard, Clouded leopard, Marbled cat, Golden cat, and Leopard cat. This focus on wild felines and apex predators is why Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve is a groundbreaking effort in Southeast Asian conservation initiatives.
Known for its notable quartz ridge formations, the reserve is located near Taman Negara National Park, which takes pride in being one of the world's oldest rainforests. Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve is about a quarter of the size of Taman Negara, which means it significantly adds to the total area of Malaysia's conservation sites.
The reserve was built to improve awareness on biodiversity in Malaysia and Southeast Asia in general. Pioneering initiatives to protect endangered species, the establishment of this reserve is poised to become a vital hub for nature tourism as well.
2. It Protects Southeast Asia's Smallest Tiger
The main star of Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve is the Malayan tiger, Malaysia's national animal. Not only is it the country's pride, the Malayan tiger is also the smallest tiger subspecies in Southeast Asia. It weighs an approximate of 140 kilograms and measures 2,5 meters in length.
The Mandai Wildlife Group notes that Malayan tigers are endemic to Peninsular Malaysia – which comprises regions such as Kelantan, Pahang, and Johor – and also South Thailand. These majestic cats are exceptional swimmers and can live up to 22 years under human care.
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List categorizes the Malayan tiger as a critically endangered species. A main reason of this significant decline is poaching. Malayan tigers are illegally hunted as they are falsely believed to have medicinal properties.
Agricultural expansion and development also causes habitat destruction, putting these tigers’ lives in danger. From 3,000 tigers in the wild in the 1950s, there are less than 150 living in the wild now, highlighting the urgency of a conservation site aimed to protect these eccentric creatures.
3. It is Home to Many Other Species, Too
Aside from the Malayan tiger, Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve is also home to other wild cats, dholes, elephants, monkeys, tapirs, sun bears, and more than 380 bird species. This remarkable level of biodiversity means visitors get to see other animals as well as spend leisure time with them.
Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve also has the highest aboveground biomass level in comparison to other forests in Peninsular Malaysia. This means that it has the most amount of living vegetation above soil. Imagine taking relaxing strolls through the endless greeneries while breathing in fresh air and just enjoying your surroundings!
The reserve's official website also offers a variety of fun activities, such as boat tours, fishing excursions, waterfall trips, and biodiversity education programs.
4. It was Supported by Many Stakeholders
Despite being named after the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve was not built by the local government alone. It was supported by Malaysian NGOs (non-governmental organizations), such as Enggang Foundation.
Government agencies and NGOs come together in one Wildlife Protection Unit to perform routine surveillance and patrols as well as socialize anti-poaching regulations. They also collaborate in restoring grazing areas so that the tigers in the reserve can have enough grass to feed on.
International stakeholders also took part in the reserve's establishment. As an example, president of the Uni Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, even donated $22 million to help with the construction of the reserve, Dubai Eye reports. To honor this contribution, one of the reserve's captive breeding, rewilding, and translocation programs are named after the sheikh.
5. Indigenous Communities Play Huge Roles in the Reserve
Another interesting aspect of Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve is its commitment to protecting the rights of indigenous peoples in the area, as per the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Located near Tembeling River, the reserve supplies fresh water for neighboring communities, protecting them from erosions and landslides. On the other hand, indigenous peoples play a part in offering boat services, providing accomodation, and acting as guides for tourists.
This reciprocal relationship implies that indigenous peoples are an indispensable element of Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve. Through well-coordinated efforts, the reserve not only provides exciting opportunities for those willing to experience nature tourism for the first time, buat also empower local communities.
References
Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve. Accessed on July 2, 2025. https://www.alsultanabdullahroyaltigerreserve.com/.
ARN News Staff. “UAE, Malaysia to Establish Southeast Asia's First Malayan Tiger Reserve.” Dubai Eye 103.8. Published on January 16, 2025. Accessed on July 2, 2025. https://www.dubaieye1038.com/news/local/uae-malaysia-to-establish-southeast-asias-first-malayan-tiger-reserve/.
Mandai Wildlife Group. “Malayan Tigers”. Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Accessed on July 2, 2025. https://www.mandai.com/en/rainforest-wild-asia/animals-and-zones/rock-cascade/malayan-tiger.html#gettoknow.
