Pahang: Nature’s Priceless Gift

Island paradises, cool, serene mountain getaways, miles and miles of sunny, sandy beaches and mysterious lakes are just some of the natural attractions of the state of Pahang. Almost half the state is covered by stretches of rainforest with exotic flora and fauna while to the east it has a long coastline palm fringed beaches where you can kick back and relax. The rich cultural heritage remains well preserved in the relatively slow pace of life in this vast state. Pahang is predominantly a treasure trove of nature just waiting to be experienced.

Geography
Pahang, the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia, covers an area of approximately 35,960 sq km. Located along the east coast it extends and occupies much of central Peninsular Malaysia. The vast state, which faces the South China Sea to the east, enjoys a coastline 208 kilometers long. The state shares its borders with more than half the states in Peninsular Malaysia. Terengganu and Kelantan border the State on the north, Perak in the west, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan to the southwest and Johor the south. Tropical rainforests dominate the state, also the site of Malaysia's largest national forest park — Taman Negara. The central mountainous regions are home to three of the nation’s main hill resorts and also the highest mountain in the Peninsula, Gunung Tahan.

The state comprises 11 districts namely, Paya Besar, Pekan, Jerantut, Lipis, Raub, Maran, Mentakab, Bentong, Temerloh and Rompin. Kuantan the administrative capital is a well-planned location situated on the banks of the Kuantan river mouth.It is well known for its beautiful beaches and other interesting attractions.

History
During the 8th and 9th centuries Pahang was part of the Sri Vijaya empire which covered most of southern Peninsular Malaysia. With the collapse of the empire Pahang came firstly under the control of Siam (Thailand today) and then of the Melaka empire. It was in turmoil for the most part of the 16th century as the Portuguese, Dutch, Johor and Acheh fought for control. In mid 17th century Pahang became part of the Johor-Riau Empire. In 1858, the death of the Bendahara (chief minister) Ali of Pahang resulted in a five-year civil war between his two sons ending with the youngest, Wan Ahmad, declaring himself the new Chief Minister in 1863. Wan Ahmad went on to proclaim himself Sultan in 1881. Thereafter, the British manifested conctrol and Pahang had to accept the appointment of a British Resident. In 1986 Pahang became part of the Federated Malay states and suffered the same fate as the other Malaysian states during World War II. It finally joined the Federation of Malaya and eventually became part of Malaysia.

The population of Pahang is around 1.3 mil, the majority being of Malay origin, followed by a sizeable Chinese ethnic community, with those of Indian origin and others making up the rest.

Getting There & About
Pahang has domestic air links and a well developed and effective public transportation system served by buses, taxis and trains. The relatively new highway from Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan has considerably reduced travelling time and distance to the state. If you wish to travel by air, Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia operate daily flights between Kuala Lumpur and Kuantan. Flights are also available between Kuantan and Tioman Island. Meanwhile, the railways link Pahang through Mentakab and Kuala Lipis from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Bahru (Kelantan). In addition, there are many buses and taxis that provide services from most major towns to Kuantan.

The transportation and communications system within Pahang continues to improve with the construction of new roads, bridges, airport and port which all facilitate easier access from one place to another within the state.

Heritage Discovery
Sungai Lembing Museum
The Sungai Lembing Museum, formerly the residence of a British official, exhibits artifacts from the town's glorious tin mining era as the richest tin mine in the state. Exhibits include mining equipment, mineworker's gear, furniture and other equipment and a diorama of miners at work.

Sultan Abu Bakar Museum
The State Museum located at Jalan Sultan Ahmad in Pekan was the residence of the first British resident in Pahang and also the official residence of the late Sultan Abu Bakar. During World War II it was the Japanese HQ. The museum which has well documented accounts of the history of Pahang and its ancient rulers houses a rich collection which includes valuable antique glassware and ceramics from ancient China, as well as works of art, antiquities and furniture belonging to the Royal Family.

Arts & Cultural Exploration
Pulau Keladi (Cultural Village)
The main attraction of Pulau Keladi Cultural Village, located around 15 minutes away from Pekan, is as the birthplace of Tun Abdul Razak, Malaysia's second Prime Minister. Of equal interest is the Pahang Silk Weaving Center, which gives you an insight into the intricate art of silk weaving.

Sultan Ahmad Shah I Mosque
One of the landmark attractions in Kuantan, the Sultan Ahmad Shah I Mosque is the largest mosque in Pahang. With 180 feet tall minarets the Mosque also has prominent blue and white decorations, a marble interior and blue and yellow stained glass windows.

Coasts & Beaches
Beaches

Cherating
Cherating located about 47 km north of Kuantan, the capital of Pahang, is the perfect place to escape from the busy city. Daytime fun on the beach includes sailing, canoeing, surfing, kayaking and windsurfing. The old Cherating Village along this stretch dubbed ‘Surfer’s haven’ since the ‘70s is a rendezvous spot for surfers from all over the world. In the evenings the beach area comes alive with lively beach bars.

Chendor Beach
Just a few kilometres north of Cherating, Chendor Beach is where giant leatherback turtles come ashore at night to lay their eggs. The season to witness this event is between July and September.

Teluk Cempedak
Located five kilometres from Kuantan, Teluk Cempedak features various pubs, dining spots and luxury hotels. Water sports like sailing, surfing and skiing are popular activities. A brief jungle trek through the Teluk Cempedak Forest Reserve brings you to Pelindung Beach, another treasure to explore.

Lanjut Beach
Serene and secluded Lanjut Beach is a haven for those in search of a little solitude Freshwater prawn fishing is a popular activity here as is nature walks, viewing the fireflies and nocturnal turtle nesting rituals. Dive drips and fishing off the coast are other activities which are popular.

Beserah
One of the unique attractions in this quaint village is the practice of using buffaloes to haul fishermen’s catch from the shore to the market and processing areas. The village is also popular for its salted fish. The village alos boasts of a batik factory and many cottage handicraft workshops which produce items made of sea shells and dried nuts and leaves.

Marine Parks
Pulau Tioman Marine Park
This popular tourist destination comprises nine islands. Pulau Tioman is the largest measuring 32 km long and 19 km wide. The other islands are Pulau Labas, Pulau Sepoi, Pulau Gut, Pulau Tokong Bahara, Pulau Chebeh, Pulau Tulai, Pulau Sembilang and Pulau Seri Bulat. The Park offers some of the best dive sites in the world, with underwater caves around Pulau Chebah and some of the best reefs near Pulau Sepoi and Pulau Labas. Pulau Tulai and Pulau Renggis.

Passenger boat services from Mersing in Johor gets you to some of the islands, Pulau Tioman being the main destination. Most of the other islands can be reached within an hour’s boat ride from Pulau Tioman. Pelangi Air and Berjaya Air operate daily flights to Tioman from Kuala Lumpur. (Further information provided in the section on Tioman Island).

Cool Retreats
Cameron Highlands
First discovered by a British surveyor William Cameron, in 1885, the fertile slopes of Cameron Highlands rising over 1,800 metres above sea level were favoured for growing tea, a prized commodity among the colonies at that time. It is now the largest refreshing cool hill resort in Malaysia. It features the cool Robinson Falls, radiant Rose Gardens, fresh vegetable farms, glorious strawberry and honeybee farms as well as the famous Boh Tea plantations. Long walks and trekking, spotting unique species of flora and fauna along the way are favoured activities. The more energetic can enjoy hikes up Gunung Brinchang, Gunung Beremban and Gunung Jasar. There is even an 18-hole golf course here. With accommodation choices ranging from elegant English-styled resorts, cosy inns, pretty chalets and comfortable rest houses Cameron Highlands is the perfect cool getaway from the complexities of urban living.

Fraser's Hill
Rising over 1,500 metres above sea level, Fraser’s hill was named after Scottish trader Louis James Fraser who mysteriously disappeared in the hills. Once the domain of British expatriate officers it is now open to anyone in search of a serene and tranquil getaway. Fraser’s Hill offers a wide range of recreational facilities ranging from golf, horse-riding and boating. There are also Allan's Waters, a tranquil, man-made lake; The Paddock, an equestrian center which also has an archery range, and the pristine Jeriau waterfall and a 9-hole golf course. The hill resort is however most popular among bird- enthusiasts who flock here particularly for the annual International Bird Race, held in June each year.. With over 260 species of birds and a wide variety of other flora and fauna it is a wonderland for nature enthusiasts.
The resort is accessible by road from Bentong town. Traffic up the hill is one way and therefore there is an hourly schedule for directional traffic.
Berjaya Hill Resort (previously Bukit Tinngi Resort)
Located relatively close to the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, this unique retreat captures the essence of diverse cultures of the world in a single destination. The star attraction is the French-themed Colmar Tropicale and others include the Japanese Village, the Golf and Country Club and the Horse Trail.

Eco-Adventures
Waterfalls and Rapids
There are quite a number of beautiful waterfalls in Pahang, perfect for picnics, camping or a refreshing dip. Lata Jarum, located about 30 km from Raub town, is an established picnic spot with numerous rapids flowing into a pool of crystal clear water. The Lata Lembik Waterfall, also located near Raub town, has interesting rock formations and is in the heart of a rainforest. Other popular waterfalls worth visiting are the Bukit Telaga Waterfall, 15 km from Fraser’s Hill, the Sungai Pandan Waterfall, about 29 km from Kuantan and the Bekelah Waterfall, 60km from the state capital.

For an adrenalin rush the churning waters of Jeram Besu Rapids offer great white water rafting opportunities for different levels. The Rapids are also a great place for picnics and there are also relatively calmer areas where you can swim safely.

Lakes

Lakes Chini (Tasik Chini)
The 125 ha Lake Chini, surrounded by dark, green dense, mysterious jungle, is shrouded in myths and legends. Among the more popular tales are those of a monster believed to inhabit the lake to guard a city of gold. Other tales tell of an ancient submerged Khmer city. Comprising of 12 freshwater lakes, Lake Chini is blessed with tranquil and captivating sceneries and many natural wonders. Its lush wilderness supports more than 130 species of plants and several hundred animal species while its calm, cool waters is home to around 144 species of freshwater fish. The lotus blooms blanketing the lake certain times of the year are a delightful sight. Take a boat ride out onto the lake, go fishing or trek in the surrounding wilderness or visit the local Jakun settlement and learn to use a blowpipe and also enjoy their handicraft. Hiking up Chini Mountain or indulging in a river safari would be an experience for the adventurous.

Tasik Bera
Located in southwest Pahang, Tasik Bera the largest freshwater lake in Peninsular Malaysia is also Malaysia's first Ramsar site. This 35 km long and 20 km wide lake is home to 328 species of flora, 200 species of birds, 50 mammals and more than 95 species of fish. It is an ideal place for nature enthusiasts as activities include fishing, trekking, boating and kayaking. You could also spend a night at the resort and visit the Semelai tribe to observe their activities in the forest, which you will find fascinating.

National Parks, Conservation Centres and Recreational Forests

Taman Negara
Taman Negara one of the oldest rainforests in the world, said to be more than 130 million years old dating back to the Stone Age, is Malaysia’s premier national park and the largest in the country, covering over 4,343 square kilometres (434,300 ha). It is a sanctuary to countless species of flora and fauna. For a glimpse of the inhabitants you could hide away at the various ‘hides’ located around the park after sunset. If luck is on your side you may spot fireback pheasants, barking deer, tapirs, sun bears, long-tailed macaques, white-handed gibbons, wild ox and the rare Sumatran rhinoceros. Alternatively, the Tahan Trenggan trail, Neram trail and the Bukit Teresak loops are trails to explore the park. Cave explorers will find Gua Daun Menari and Gua Telinga delightful. Taman Negara also has the longest canopy walkway in the world, measuring 25 km high and over 400 metres long, offering an aerial view of the rare plants found at the canopy level of the forest. Gunung Tahan, the highest peak in Peninsular Malaysia which rises 2,187 metres above sea level is within the park, posing a challenge to the adventurous. Less strenuous activities include a visit to the Orang Asli settlements and going on a boat ride on Tembeling River.

Visitors can access the park through Kuala Tahan by boat up the Tembeling River, 16km away from Jerantut town.

Endau-Rompin State Park
Endau Rompin, located north of Johor and south of Pahang, covers an area of approximately 50,000 hectares of rich flora and fauna, encompassing the watershed of the rivers Endau and Rompin, from which it derived its name. Among the attractions here are Padang Tujuh, an area of bonsai trees, Sungai Kinchin and Sungai Kemapan with some of the best fishing; Mahkota Waterfalls, Upih Guling Falls, Buaya Sangkut Falls and the Kelapa Gading Cave which is 25 meters high and situated in the midst of the waterfall.

Kenong Rimba Park
Kenong Rimba Park, which spans 121 square kilometres is a protected forest reserve. It offers breathtaking waterfalls, clear mountain streams, exciting caves and abundant flora and fauna. Favourite activities here include bird watching, animal spotting, trekking, fishing and swimming. Of particular interest are the magnificent limestone caves such as the Gua Batu Tinggi which has an abundance of flora.

Kuala Gendah Elephant Conservation Centre
At the Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation center dedicated to rescuing and protecting the country's elephants you can get really close to the elephants particularly during feeding times. You can even splash around and help them with their bath in the nearby river. Not too far away in Lanchang is the Deer sanctuary where you are able to enter the enclosure to feed the deer. The park's 'Animal World' offers other attractions such as ostriches, peacocks, deer, monkeys, snakes and even a sunbear.

Agrotourism & Homestay Attractions
Tekam Plantation Resort
At the Tekam Plantation Resort you will be greeted by fresh air, chirping birds and lush greenery. This resort offers over 2,000 ha of tropical trees and fruit orchards with exotic fruits such as durians, rambutan, mango, banana, guava and mangosteen. Educational tours to the plantations and caves, rubber tapping, cocoa, coffee and tropical-fruit picking and oil palm harvesting are among the activities you can indulge in. The best season to visit the fruit nurseries is from July to September. Convenient and comfortable lodgings like chalets are available, as are F&B outlets and recreational facilities.

Pahang Homestays
In the Pahang Homestay Programme, you get to experience life in a kampung,  ( traditional village) and immerse yourself in a fascinating cultural and peaceful rural setting. Among the different homestay programs you can try Gunung Senyum, Temerloh; Rumpun Makmur, Temerloh; Kuala Medang, Kuala Lipis; Sungai Pasu, Raub; Taman Sedia, Cameron Highlands; Salong, Pekan and Desa Murni, Temerloh    

Culinary Delights
Pahang's local delicacies will tempt your palate with tantalizing aromas and tastes. The local Laksa Pahang is a mouth-watering meat and noodle dish and the Nasi Periuk Kera(rice cooked in pitcher plants), a specialty of the indigenous communities. The local keropok lekor, or local fish crackers, and desserts such as Puding Diraja and Akok Beserah are other unforgettable delights of the state.

Pahang is also famous for its seafood and you can find many restaurants in and around Cherating serving varied seafood cooked in a variety of styles. Temerloh, on the other hand, is famed as the Town of Silver Catfish and here you can savour the fish normally cooked in traditional Chinese-style.

Sports, Entertainment & Shopping
Pahang has been the centre for several major sporting events over the years. This includes the International Monsoon Madness Windsurfing Challenge, International Pahang River Rafting Expedition, International Bird Race, Food and Fruits Festival and Dirt Bike Challenge.

Golf
Pahang offers a wide variety of courses with a wide variety of views, town, highlands and the beach. Courses include Astana Golf & Country Club in Kuantan, the Golf & Country Club in Berjaya Hills, Cameron Highlands Golf Club, Lanjut Golf & Beach Resort, Pantai Lagenda Golf & Country Club, Royal Pahang Golf Club and the Selesa Hill Homes, Health Farm Golf Resort.

Shopping
Pandanus household articles wood carvings and batik are among the items of cultural interest to purchase in Pahang. Also check out Kek Siam, a unique form of fabric distinct to the state of Pahang, where fabrics are woven using a traditional loom, resulting in intricate chequered patterns. Kek Siam fabrics are used for formal dinners, royal ceremonies, weddings and other important events.   You can find these items and lots more at Medan Pelancong in Jalan Besar, Kompleks Kraftangan(Handicraft Complex) in Jalan Pintas, Sungai Karang, Cherating and the Pahang Silk Weaving Centre in Pekan, or even Tanah Putih where you will find out how batik is created with hand-painted block motifs.

Tourist Information Centre
Tourist Information Centre
Jalan Mahkota,
25000 Kuantan
Pahang Darul Makmur
Malaysia
Tel: 609-516 1007 / 609-516 2007 / 609-517 8112 / 609-517 8113