Pahang, the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia, is endowed with a diverse range of attractions. Nearly two-thirds of the state is enveloped in verdant rainforest, making it a magnificent enclave of lush greenery, exotic wildlife and an abundance of natural attractions.
Kuantan, the administrative capital, is an interesting discovery of modern buildings and charming cottage industries. Pahang's majestic nature, beautiful beaches, bustling townships, quaint villages, friendly people, unique craft and delicious food make for mesmerising and unforgettable vacations.
Choose to stay in campsites, hostels and lodges for those who enjoy nature. Well-appointed resorts and comfortable chalets are found one the islands. Pahang offers a variety of Malay, Chinese, Indian and international cuisine. There are also many fast food outlets, street stalls, cafes, restaurants and food courts to choose from.
Places of Interest
Taman Negara Covering an area of 434,350 ha, Taman Negara or the National Park has been a focus of plant and animal evolution longer than any other forest in the world. 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. Caving is a popular sport here. Take a cruise along the Kenong River and enjoy the scenic view.
Jeram Besu Besu Rapids is one of the best white-water rafting sites in the country. Organised tours offering off-road adventures as well as caving and abseiling activities can be arranged.
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.
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.
More about Tioman Island
Cherating This is a seaside destination long popular with budget travellers. It is the site of Asia's first Club Med and the charming Cherating Village.
More about Cherating
Teluk Chempedak This is a traditionally popular weekend retreat for its calm waters and beautiful casuarinas-lined coastline. Enjoy sailing, surfing and water skiing or take in the lovely views of its sunrise.
Cameron Highlands The largest hill resort in the country, Cameron Highlands is filled with sprawing tea plantations, terraced flower gardens, orchards and vegetable farms. Head up to the highlands for a refreshing cool retreat where you will be surrounded by undulating valleys and majestic mountains.
Genting Highlands Dubbed the 'City of Entertainment', this resort offers indoor and outdoor theme parks, and 18-hole golf course and a casino. Located forty-five minutes from Kuala Lumpur, tourists can drive up to the resort or stop at the Genting Skyway Station and take a cable car ride to the summit.
Fraser's Hill This quiet getaway is akin to a little Scottish hamlet with granite-coloured mock-Tudor buildings dotting the landscape. A popular recreational pursuit here is bird watching, made more interesting with the annual international Bird Race.
Bukit Tinggi This 16,000-acre retreat captures the essence of different cultures of the world in a single destination. The main attraction here is Colmar Tropicale, a French-themed resort town.
More about Bukit Tinggi
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. The untouched wilderness awaits nature lovers with a host of attractions including a variety of flora and fauna, majestic rock formations, lovely waterfalls and rivers.
Pekan Located on the banks of the Kuantan River 50km south of Kuantanm Pekan is the royal town of Pahang. Only 15 minutes from Pekan is the Pulau Keladi Cultural Village. Among the attractions here is the birth place of Tun Abdul Razak, Malaysia's second Prime Minister.
Tekam Plantation Resort Fresh air, chirping of birds and lush greenery greet visitors upon their arrival. This resort offers a refreshing ambience of being surrounded by tropical trees and fruit orchards. Visit the cocoa, coffee, oil palm and rubber plantations and be greeted by the sound of geese and roosters.
Sungai Lembing A serene town tucked away about 40km northwest of Kuantanm 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.
Balok Beach About 15km north of Kuantan, this vibrant beach is a playground for windsurfing, sailing and kite-boarding. Participants gather here early in the year to welcome the monsoon winds and outdo each other in the Asian Windsurfing Tour.
Kota Gelanggi Caves Marvel at the astonishing geological formations of this million-year-old cave system. Explore its cave chambers, once home to prehistoric communities.
Sun San Seen See Temple
SITUATED at the farthest end of a housing estate called Hutan Setali, off Jalan Haji Ahmad in kuantan, is a Chinese temple with a unique attraction.
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.
Menatakab Map
Useful contacts
Fraser's Hill Development Corporatin Tel: 609-5171623/24
Tioman Development Authority Tel: 609-5141206
Department of Wildlife and National Parks Tel: 609-2661122/4152
Tourist Information Centre Kuantan Tel: 609-5161007
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