Pahang
A Gift of Nature
Pahang is the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia. Nearly two-thirds of the state is enveloped in verdant rainforest, making it a refreshing enclave of lush greenery, exotic wildlife and natural treasures. Its natural attractions include Taman Negara, a 130-million-year-old rainforest as well as animal sanctuaries, parks, lakes and waterfalls. Other natural gems include Endau-Rompin State Park and Tioman, an idyllic island. Pahang’s capital city is Kuantan, a bustling township with interesting sights. Come, enjoy this Gift of Nature today!
MAP OF PAHANG
PLACES OF INTEREST
CAMERON HIGHLANDS
Cameron Highlands is Malaysia’s largest hill resort. It consists of three main townships, Ringlet, Tanah Rata and Brinchang, which are characterised by a refreshing temperate climate and beautiful highland panorama. Cameron Highlands has undulating valleys, sprawling tea plantations, terraced flower gardens, vegetable farms and strawberry parks.
TAMAN NEGARA (NATIONAL PARK)
Sprawling over three states, Taman Negara is Pahang’s premier national park. It is over 130 million years old and home to a vast diversity of flora and fauna as well as amazing natural landscapes. Gunung Tahan, the highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia, as well as the world’s longest canopy walkway, are situated in Taman Negara.
RESORTS WORLD GENTING
Gear up for round-the-clock entertainment and excitement at Genting Highlands. Perched some 1,800m above sea level, Genting Highlands is tremendously popular for its outdoor and indoor theme parks. Other not-to-be-missed attractions include the SkyCab cable car ride, live performances, casino, shopping at Genting Highlands Premier Outlet and lots more. Genting Highlands is easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur via the Karak Highway. The journey takes about one hour. Daily bus services to Genting are also available from the KL Sentral Station in Kuala Lumpur.
FRASER’S HILL
Nestled prettily amidst the Pahang rainforest is the little hamlet of Fraser’s Hill. Akin to a little Scottish village, Fraser’s Hill is characterised by granite coloured mock-Tudor houses and colonial-style buildings. The hill resort exudes a nostalgic charm, almost as if visitors have been taken back in time to a bygone era. At 1,524m above sea level, the highland resort is a naturalists’ paradise boasting a wide range of plants, birds and animals. Fraser’s Hill is ideal for visitors who are interested in a relaxing, quiet holiday.
NATIONAL ELEPHANT CONSERVATION CENTRE
Kuala Gandah
Hailed as one of the world’s best beach destinations, Tioman Island is steeped in legend and natural beauty. The island is a paradise for divers with its multi-hued corals and amazing aquatic life. Accommodation ranges from unassuming village chalets to boutique resorts and star-rated hotels.
PULAU TIOMAN (TIOMAN ISLAND)
Hailed as one of the world’s best beach destinations, Tioman Island is steeped in legend and natural beauty. The island is a paradise for divers with its multi-hued corals and amazing aquatic life. Accommodation ranges from unassuming village chalets to boutique resorts and star-rated hotels.
TELUK CHEMPEDAK
Located approximately 5km from Kuantan, Teluk Chempedak is a popular beach retreat with calm waters and beautiful casuarina-lined coastline. The beach is popular for windsurfing and sailing activities.
CHERATING BEACH
Fringed by the waters of the South China Sea, Cherating Beach offers a quiet holiday amidst a rustic setting. The shore is lined by hotels and resorts catering to all budgets, from backpacker’s inns to luxury beach resorts. Attractions include catamaran sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, river cruise, a quaint village and a turtle sanctuary. Cherating Beach is about 47km north of Kuantan. Other popular beaches in the vicinity are Chendor, Teluk Chempedak and Balok.
SUNGAI LEMBING MUSEUM
Sungai Lembing
Dubbed as the ‘El Dorado’ of the Malay States, this serene township was the site of the largest subterranean tin mine in Southeast Asia. In its heyday, Sungai Lembing used to be the largest producer of tin-ore in Pahang. The Sungai Lembing Museum takes visitors back to this glorious era, with exhibits such as mining equipment and workers’ attire. The collection of furniture and household items give a glimpse into the lifestyle of the English community that once lived here. Don’t miss the diorama, reputed to be among the best in the country.
THE ROYAL TOWN OF PEKAN
Pekan, Pahang’s Royal Town, has a number of distinguished attractions that reflect the state’s glorious past. The Sultan Abu Bakar Palace or Royal Palace is an impressive sight even from afar. At the Sultan Abu Bakar Museum, visitors can view a collection of exhibits on the state and its esteemed royal family. Other treasured exhibits include antiques, ceramics and glassware. Pekan is situated on the banks of the Pahang River, about 50km south of Kuantan.
TAMAN NEGARA SUNGAI RELAU (SUNGAI RELAU NATIONAL PARK)
This is the second entrance to Pahang’s national park or Taman Negara Pahang. It is located on the western side of the national park. Nature lovers can enjoy wildlife observation, trekking, night jungle walks, birdwatching, night safari, caving, camping and canoeing. Sungai Relau is also known for its two Kelah or Red Mahseer fish sanctuaries. Taman Negara Sungai Relau is well-known among mountain climbers as the gateway to Gunung Tahan, one of the most challenging peaks in the peninsula. The route to Gunung Tahan only takes about two days from Sungai Relau compared to the longer five-day trek from Kuala Tahan. The park is about 7km from the small town of Merapoh and can be accessed by road or train.
KOMPLEKS PENGEMBANGAN TENUN PAHANG DIRAJA SULTAN HAJI AHMAD SHAH (SULTAN HAJI AHMAD SHAH ROYAL PAHANG WEAVING DEVELOPMENT CENTRE)
Kampung Soi
Located 8km from Kuantan city, this centre aims to promote the Tenun Pahang, a woven royal fabric. The fabric was traditionally used in royal ceremonial occasions and is now used to design traditional costumes, scarves and sarong. Visitors can watch how the fabric is made and purchase this unique fabric.
BUKIT GAMBANG RESORT CITY
Bukit Gambang Resort City (BGRC) is an integrated resort city sprawling across 727 acres of secondary jungle. It boasts the largest Safari Park in Malaysia where visitors can marvel at the Malayan tiger, Spotted Hyenas, bears and many more. Cool down the tropical heat at the Water Park where lots of other attractions await – a wave pool with eight different wave modes, an aqua play structure for kids and the longest family raft ride in Malaysia! This resort is 218km from Kuala Lumpur and just 35km from Kuantan.
KENONG ECO RIMBA PARK
Kenong Rimba Park is located about 32 km from Kuala Lipis, at the fringes of Taman Negara. Sprawling over 128 sq km, Kenong Eco Rimba Park
is a favourite among spelunkers for its numerous caves such as Gua Harimau, Gua Hijau, Gua Buta, Gua Batu Tangkup and Gua Batu Tangga. The park is dotted by lofty Tualang trees (kompassia excels), gigantic ficus tree, water lilies, ferns and wild orchids. It is home to elephants, tapirs, leopards, deer and other small mammals. Birdwatching is another popular activities with over 200 species of birds. Visitors to the park must be accompanied by qualified and registered guides.
KOTA GELANGGI CAVES
Situated about 20km from the town of Jerantut, Kota Gelanggi Caves are known for their magnificent natural formations that are reputedly hundreds of million years old. According to legend, the caves are actually the ruins of an ancient city. The caves are also said to have been home to prehistoric humans. There are more than 100 caves in this complex but only 12 can be visited. Unlike a showcave, the caves in Kota Gelanggi are a delight for serious cavers as they are hidden amongst the forest and require trekking. Cavers can enjoy exploring Gua Terang Bulan, which is completely shrouded in darkness and Gua Sanding. Visitors are encouraged to engage the services of guides to explore Kota Gelanggi caves.
THERE’S MUCH MORE IN PAHANG
As the largest state in the peninsular, Pahang is home to numerous other attractions. Take the time to explore Kuantan, the capital city, Kuala Krau, Raub and Temerloh for an unforgettable holiday.
Kuantan
- Kuantan River Cruise
- Teluk Chempedak
- Art Museum
- Sultan Ahmad 1 Mosque
- Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah
Silver Jubilee Agricultural Park - Galeri Tenun Bandar Mypride
Balok
- Balok Recreation Centre
- Natural Batik Village
- Beserah Fishing Village
- Batu Hitam Beach
Cherating
- Cherating Village
- Cherating Turtle Sanctuary
- Chendor Beach
- MARDI Agrotechnology Park
- Hafiz’s Cherating Activities
Away from Kuantan
- Sungai Pandan Waterfalls
- Pahang Crafts Complex
- Bukit Tinggi
- The Great Mines of Sungai Lembing
- Panorama Hill
- Pelangi Waterfall
- 3D Gallery Sungai Lembing
Raub
- Jeram Besu
- Lata Berembun Waterfall
- Lata Jarum Waterfall
- Lata Lembik
- Tanah Aina Exclusive Resorts
Kuala Lipis
- Bandar Lipis (historical buildings)
- Malaysia’s zero milestone signage
- Sungai Relau Kelah Sanctuary
Pekan
- Sultan Abu Bakar Museum
- Watercraft Gallery
- Tun Abdul Razak Gallery
- Royal Mausoleum of Pekan
- Sultan Abdullah Mosque Museum
Tasik Chini
Tasik Bera
Kuala Rompin
- Lanjut Beach
- Hiburan Beach
Temerloh
- Gunung Senyum Caves
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
SHOPPING
Shopping for souvenirs is an exciting experience in Pahang. There are souvenir stalls in almost every town in the state, especially in areas around Kuantan, Cherating and Pekan. Shopping malls in Kuantan include the East Coast Mall, Kuantan City Mall, Berjaya Megamall, Kuantan Parade and Teruntum Complex. Visitors in search of novelty items and unique buys can visit the pasar malam or night markets. Get a range of souvenirs made of pandanus leaves, woodcarvings and batik. Among the popular shopping spots in Pahang are:
- Sungai Karang/Beserah
- Natural Batik Village
- Cherating Village
- Serambi Teruntum
- Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Weaving Development Centre
- Kuantan MyPride
DINING
A diverse variety of Malay, Chinese and Indian food make up Pahang’s culinary scene. Continental food is available in major hotels and restaurants and fast food is easily found in various parts of the state. Adventurous visitors can enjoy Pahang’s local delights that appeal with a tantalising aroma and taste. A number of dishes are said to have royal origins as they were specially created by the royal chefs of yesteryear.
Destinations such as Jerantut, Lipis, Temerloh and Pekan are regarded as the places to sample authentic Pahang food. Seafood lovers should not miss a visit to Temerloh, famed as Bandar Ikan Patin or ‘the town of silver catfish’.
Some local favourites include:
Lemang Periuk Kera
A rare treat, lemang periuk kera literally means ‘pitcher plant glutinous rice’. This is a recipe from the state’s indigenous communities. A special variety of pitcher plant is sourced from the rainforest, cleaned and used as a mould to cook glutinous rice with coconut milk.
Mi Calong
A noodle dish served with spicy seafood gravy, Mi Calong is a delicious treat at any time of the day.
Laksa Pahang
Noodles and fish fillet are cooked to perfection and served with a spicy gravy. Although laksa is available in other parts of the country, Laksa Pahang gets its unique taste and flavour from its special ingredients and traditional recipe.
Opor Pahang
Made of beef, mutton or lamb, this spicy, dry meat dish is cooked with spices and coconut milk. Opor Pahang is best savoured with white rice or fragrant buttered rice.
Puding Raja
Hailed as a royal favourite, this delectable dessert is made with
a medley of bananas, prunes, dates, cherries and cashew nuts. The ingredients are then served in a thick creamy sauce made of condensed milk, corn flour and eggs. The taste? Utterly delicious!
TRANSPORTATION
Getting There
By Air
Malaysia Airlines operates daily flights from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to the Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport in Kuantan. The journey takes about 40 minutes. In addition, visitors can get to Pahang via Firefly, which operates three times a week from the Penang International Airport.
By Road
Kuantan is situated about 260km from Kuala Lumpur. There is a good network of roads linking the state to Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, as well as the neighbouring states of Kelantan and Terengganu. Visitors can self-drive from Kuala Lumpur and the journey takes approximately 3 1⁄2 hours via the East Coast Highway.
By Bus
Air-conditioned express buses to Pahang can easily be obtained from Kuala Lumpur. Buses depart from the Bandar Tasik Selatan bus terminal. Pahang is also well-connected to the neighbouring states of Kelantan and Terengganu.
By Rail
Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTMB) provides rail services to Mentakab and Kuala Lipis from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Bharu (in Kelantan).
Getting Around
Getting around Kuantan is relatively simple with the easy availability of buses and taxis. Taxis are available at main hubs such as Kompleks Teruntum, Berjaya Megamall and Jalan Mahkota.
To visit the outlying places in Pahang, visitors can board the outstation buses from Hentian Bas Bandar Kuantan and Terminal Sentral Kuantan. Alternatively, arrange with a tour operator.
Getting to Tioman Island
Tioman is accessible by boat and ferry from Tanjung Gemok in Pahang and Mersing in Johor. The journey takes about 1 1⁄2 hours.
| For more information, contact: | |
Tourism Malaysia Regional Office East Coast:
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+609 567 7112 / 7115 / 7116 |
