Pahang

Introduction

Pahang, the largest state on the Malaysian peninsula, covers a wide swath of land and coastline in the eastern part of the country. Two thirds of it is covered by unspoiled rain forest. Kuantan, the administrative capital, is an interesting discovery of modern buildings and charming cottage industries.

Getting There

Pahang is accessible from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) via a 40-minute flight. There is also a good road link from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Kota Bharu in Kealantan. Express air-conditioned buses and taxis to Kuantan, the state capital, are available from Kuala Lumpur. The state is also accessible by rail through the towns of Mentakab and Kuala Lipis from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Bharu.

Attractions

Pulau Keladi / Cultural Village
Only 15 minutes away from Pekan is the Pulau Keladi Cultural Village. Among the attractions here is the birthplace of Tun Abdul Razak, Malaysia's second Prime Minister. At the Pahang Silk Weaving Center nearby, visitors can watch the intricate art of silk weaving.

Sungai Lembing Museum
A serene town tucked away about 40km northwest of Kuantan, Sungai Lembing offers a glimpse into Malaysia's bygone days during the British and Japanese eras. At its heyday, Sungai Lembing had the largest subterranean tin mine in Southeast Asia. Visit the museum here for a look into the town's rich past. Located en route to Sungai Lembing from Kuantan is the Cheras Cave, a limestone structure which houses a magnificent statue of a reclining Buddha.

State Museum
A tour of the town will not be complete without a visit to the State Museum which houses a rich collection of historical items. The museum, located at Jalan Sultan Ahmad, Pekan has valuable antique pieces such as a large quantity of glassware and ceramics from ancient China. The old history of Pahang, especially that of its ancient kings is well documented in this museum.

Elephant Conservation Centre
This centre is dedicated to rescuing and protecting the country's elephants. Take a close look at these friendly jumbos during their feeding times or watch the fun as they enjoy a muddy splash in the nearby river.

Cameron Highlands
There is much to see and do in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia largest highland resort. The cool climate makes it an excellent tea growing area and indeed the Cameron tea is highly priced in the world market. Accommodation facilities include old English country inn-styled hotels, chalets and Government rest houses. There is also an 18-hole golf course. The small town of Tapah at the foot of Cameron Highlands is the gateway to the resort and can be reached by bus, taxi or train from Kuala Lumpur.

Fraser's Hill
Fraser's Hill 104 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur can be reached through the Karak Highway . Fraser’s Hill is popular for those who are interested in nature based pursuits such as trekking, bird watching, horse riding, fishing and camping. For accommodation, Fraser's Hill has a range of hotels, chalets and colonial-bungalows to,suit one's preferences and budget.

Bukit Tinggi
Bukit Tinggi is a hill retreat area with several resorts taking advantage of the cool, fresh country air that pervades the area. Among the resorts here are Selesa Hillhomes and Bukit Tinggi Resort. Visitors can jungle trek, take long invigorating walksor head for nearby Genting Highlands.Also in this area is janda Baik, a resort-cum-residential vicinity that is popular with urban dwellers seeking to escape the bustle of the city for a brief respite.

Endau-Rompin State Park
This is the second largest national park in Peninsular Malaysia, named after the Endau and Rompin Rivers that flow through the park. Endau-Rompin boasts of some of the most exotic species of tropical plant and animal life. The Park is one of the last remaining lowland forests in Malaysia and it is spread over a generous 80,000 hectares of virgin jungle straddling the state of Pahang and Johor. This nature reserve offers a wide spectrum of activities for the adventurous visitor providing the opportunity to get back to nature and experience the hidden and mysterious secrets of its wilderness.

Tekam Plantation Resort
Nestled in tranquility in the green forests near Jerantut is the Tekam Plantation Resort comprising chalets dining facilities for travelers as well as conventions. Fresh air, chirping of birds and lush greenery greet visitors upon their arrival. The best time to visit the area is during the fruit season from July to September, when local fruits such as durians and rambutans are plentiful. Visit the cocoa, coffee, oil palm and rubber plantations and be greeted by the sound of geese and roosters.

Taman Negara (Natioanal Park)
Taman Negara or the National Park boasts of jungles that date back millions of years, making them older than those of the Congo or Amazon. Check out the canopy walkway high up in the tree tops and the giant buttressed tualang trees as they tower 200 feet above you in the dense dipterocarp forest.

Kenong Rimba Park
This park is sprawled about 120 sq km in the Kenong Valley with its eastem and northern boundaries fringling Taman Negara. It offers great adventure such as exploring limestone caves, swimming in the river and camping. Challenging hiking trails interspersed with protruding rocks and untouched natural surroundings is haven for adventure lovers. Take a cruise along the Kenong River and enjoy the scenic view.

Jeram Besu
Jeram Besu is fast gaining popularity as one of the most challenging white water-rafting areas in the State of Pahang. It began as a gold mining town in the early 19th Century. Organised tours offering off-road adventures as well as caving and abseiling activities can be arranged.

Beaches & Island

Cherating
The calm blue waters of the South China Sea make Cherating one of the most alluring beach resorts in Malaysia. To many, this name is synonymous with Club Med. A number of water sports such as catamaran sailing and kayaking can be enjoyed here. Cherating also offers you the chance to shop for handicraft and see cultural performances. Village maidens nimbly weave the pandanus leaves into mats, hats, bags and other inexpensive lightweight souvenirs. Cultural shows include wayang kulit (shadow play) and silat (the Malay art of self-defense).

Chendor Beach
which is located just a few minutes from Cherating, is a favourite spot for turtle watching. The turtle sanctuary here is where turtles come to lay eggs during the nesting period. Besides the turtles, Chendor Beach offers some fine bathing spots. Its irresistible appeal also lies in the peace and seclusion you will enjoy at this resort.

Teluk Chempedak
Teluk Chempedak, only a few kilometers from Kuantan, is a traditionally popular weekend retreat for its calm waters and beautiful casuarina-lined coastline. Enjoy sailing, surfing and water-skiing, or take in the lovely views of the sunrise and sunset on the beach. A short trek through the Teluk Chempedak Forest Reserve is idyllic Pelindung Beach. If you are game to more jungle trekking, there's an alternative route leading to the mini-zoo.

Balok Beach
is about 15 kilometres north of Kuantan is Balok, a vibrant beach playground for windsurfing, sailing, swimming and sunbathing. Most of the activities revolve around the many international class resorts and hotels located at the beach forming the perfect getaway for visitor to the East Coast of the Peninsular.

Beserah Beach
Beserah is a fishing village and is well known for salted fish. This quaint fishing village about 10km from Kuantan, is the place to watch the seasonal phenomenon of fisherfolk using buffaloes to transport the day's catch to the market. A batik factory and many cottage handicraft workshops producing items made mostly of sea shells and local plant materials (dried nuts, leaves) can be found in Beserah.

Lanjut Beach
One of the most beautiful unspoilt beaches in the southern coast of Pahang. Situated about 125km south of Kuantan, the quiet beach areas of Lanjut and Rompin are a haven for those seeking solitude. These beaches are the venues for the annual International Woodball Competition and the Royal Pahang International Billfish Challenge.

Tioman Island
Acclaimed as one of the best island getaways in the world, the warm waters and good visibility make it a paradise for divers and snorkellers. Tioman's verdant greenery is home to a splendid variety of plants and small animals, including butterflies, monitor lizards, deer and monkeys. Legend has it that Tioman Island is the resting ground of a beautiful dragon princess who, whilst flying from China to her beloved in Singapore, sought solace in the crystal-clear waters of the South China Sea. Pleased with the island's charms, she discontinued her journey, forsaking her happiness to give pleasure and comfort to passing travellers by turning herself into an island.


Contact:
Tourist Information Centre
Jalan Mahkota, 25000 Kuantan
Pahang Darul Makmur
Malaysia

Tel: 609-516 1007 / 609-516 2007 / 609-517 8112 / 609-517 8113
Fax: 609-515 7006