PAHANG IN BRIEF

Pahang with a land area of 35,960 square kilometres is the largest state in Peninsula Malaysia. Nestled in the centre of the Peninsula Pahang boasts around 120 kilometres of splendid South China Sea coastline on its eastern flank and a mountainous-forested inferior.

Ancient Tropicle Rain Forest estimated to be around 130 million years old dominate its hinterlands and the best place to discover its magic is none other than the Taman Negara or the National Park. Five of Malaysian's major hill resorts are located in the state, namely Cameron Highlands, Fraser's Hill, Bukit Tinggi and Janda Baik. So is the highest peak in Peninsula Malaysia, Gunung Tahan which stands at 2,187 meters above the sea level.

Pahang has a population of 1.5 million people. The majority are Malay, followed by Chinese ad Indians and the Indigenous Peoples. These diverse groups provide a colourful background to the cultural mix and harmony that could easily seen in their daily life.

HISTORICAL BUILDINGS IN KUALA LIPIS

Formerly the Pahang state capital, Kuala Lipis is dotted by many historical buildings and structures of colonial architectures. Among them are :

Lipis District Administration Building (1919)

Clifford Secondary School (1913)

Malay Hostel (1926)

The Residency Building (1922)

Gudhwara Sikh (1916) 

Post Office (1910)

Railway Station (1926)

Thean Hou Temple (1898)

Pahang Club (1867)

State Secretary House (1920)

State's Mosque (1888)

Residence of the District Officer (1929)

WATER CRAFT GALLERY

Located at Pulau Beram, in front of the state Museum is the Water craft Gallery. It displays water crafts of different shapes and functions that were once used in the seas and rivers of Pahang. There are several life-size replicas of the crafts, which never fail to arouse the keen interests of the visitors. This open sided museum showcase the various water craft used in Pahang through the times. On display are colourful and gaily embellished boats, basic dogouts, slim sampans, and a complete run down of information on the history of water crafts. 

KUANTAN RIVER CRUISE

The Kuantan river cruise takes visitors through the picturesque landscape of a 500-years-old mangrove forest reserve that spreads along the Kuantan River. The swamp, which covers an area of 340 hectares, is home to fascinating varieties of estuarine plants, birds and fish species. The first stop along the way is a fishing village where the local community

 makes a living from the sea. Then the cruise will take a brief stop at the swamp area 

where visitors are greeted with a profusion of mangrove outshouts that

 blanket the muddy ground. 

Extra Information

Time  :  Every 3 hours

Ticket  :  RM 15 per person

Boat Capacity  :  20 people

Contact  :  09 - 5121555

MERAPOH VILLAGE

Merpoh is a small town situated in the Lipis district of Pahang. Located near Pahang-Kelantan border. There is a railway station. From Merapoh it is 7 km to Sungai Relau, which is an entry point to Taman Negara. The country premier national park. It is also one of three embarkation poimts to Gunung Tahan, the highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia. Sungai Relau is popular for adventures activities like kayak and cave exploring.

Ikan Kelah Sanctuary

Caves Exploring Activity in Merapoh. Photos from Mustafa Karim.

PULAU KELADI CULTURAL VILLAGE

The cultural village consists of four main components, namely the kampung house and birthplace of the second Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Abdul Razak Memorial Hall, the office of the village chief or Penghulu and Pulau Keladi Silk Weaving Centre. 

Facilities at the centre include an exhibition and display centre, handicraft and souvenir stalls, food stalls and a recreation area.

Open : Monday - Saturday (10 am - 1 pm) (2 pm - 5 pm)

Closed : Sunday

LATA BEREMBUN

Getting to the Lata Berembun Waterfalls by a 4 x 4 but the trip is worth it. It goes past verdant orchards and plantations, arriving at a destination almost 1,000m above sea level, with the magnificent site of a picturesque waterfall. The area surrounding it is ideal for camping and picnics.

JERAM BESU

Fans of white water rafting and kayaking will adore the rapids at Jeram Besu. The rapids are graded from 2 to 4 (depending on the river water level) and are one of the best in the country. Jungle trekking, flying fox, war games and rubber rafting are also available. Accommodation includes chalets, camping sites and hostels. Jeram Besu is located on Sungai Lipis, which is about 6 kilometres before Benta and about 2.5 hours drive from Kuantan.

SUNGAI LEMBING MUSUEM

Sungai Lembing was the site of the largest subterranean mine in the world and the main producer of tin in Pahang. During its heyday, Sungai Lembing was known as the El Dorado of the East. Muzium Sungai Lembing gives a rich insight into the mining history of this town.

SULTAN HAJI AHMAD SHAH AGRICULTURE PARK

This is an agricultural and horticultural garden or park. It was opened in conjunction with the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Sultan of Pahang. In this park, you can find many varieties of local plants, flowers and trees which are found in Pahang and Malaysia.

Open : Monday - Friday (8.00am - 5.00pm)

Closed : Saturday & Sunday

SULTAN ABU BAKAR MUSUEM

This magnificent building with its elaborate Malay architectural design was once a palace. It gives a fascinating insight into the lives and history of the royal family. There is a large collection of historical artifacts, ceramic and glassware from ancient China and historical documents pertaining to the state of Pahang and its royal ancestors. Outside the museum, look out for the mini zoo, the Sultan's old Cadillac, a traditional kampung house and an old houseboat.

Address  :  Sultan Abu Bakar Museum, d/a Lembaga Muzium Negeri Pahang, Jalan Sultan Ahmad, 26600 Pekan, Pahang.
Telephone Number   :  09 - 4221371, 09 - 4221459
Admission   :   RM 5 for visitors outside of Pahang, RM 4 for locals
Free entrance for students and children aged 12 and below

Open : Tuesday - Sunday (9.00am - 5.00pm)

Closed : Monday, Friday between 12.00pm - 3.00pm

ISTANA ABU BAKAR

Situated in Pekan, this is the residence of the current Sultan of Pahang. This beautiful palace features intricate Malay craftsmanship and architecture. Every year during the Ruler's official birthday on 24 October, the rich and colorful culture and tradition of the town is displayed in full force. Even though Kuantan is the administrative capital of Pahang, Pekan is home to the Pahang royal family. 

Address  : Istana Abu Bakar, 26600 Pekan, Pahang Darul Makmur
Telephone Number  :  09 - 4221601 

TUN ABDUL RAZAK MEMORIAL HALL

Kampung Budaya Pulau Keladi, Peka this memorial is dedicated to the second prime minister of the country, the late Tun Abdul Razak. The house where Tun Abdul Razak was born has been rebuilt on its original site, in the exact style of the day. Visitors will get the chance to experience the atmosphere of a typical Malay village house in this area. 

Open : Monday - Thursday (8.30am - 5.00pm)

Closed : Saturday & Sunday, Friday between (12.00pm - 3.00pm)

SULTAN HAJI AHMAD SHAH STATE MOSQUE

One of the Kuantan's most famous landmarks is the state mosque, with elegant 180-feet tall minarets and distinctive blue and white decorations. Other information that is :

Completion Date :12th October 1997 

Dome Size : 17 metres (diameter) 

Height of Minaret : 39 metres 

Main Prayer Hall Capacity : 9000 Congregation

SUNGAI PANDAN WATERFALL

Sungai Pandan Waterfall, which lies 25 kilometers from Kuantan Pahang. It is a popular recreational sport with locals. Several cascading rapids culminate in a large, lovely pool. The famous activities include picnicking, swimming and jungle trekking.  

KOTA GELANGGI CAVES

Kota Gelanggi Caves it 25 kilometres from Jerantut Pahang. Cave explorers will be thrilled to discover Gua Kota Gelanggi, a 150 million year-old cave complex, considered amongst the best in the region. These tropical limestone caverns have fascinating stalagmite and stalactite formations and are home to exotic animal species.

 KENONG RIMBA PARK

The jungle at Kenong Rimba Park is said to be 100 million years old, making it a haven for visitors looking for agro and eco-tourism. Most of the park remains unexplored, it is the last frontier of unexplored forests. The beautiful waterfalls here and the clear streams will leave a deep impression on the visitors of a place that has literally stood the test of time.

MOUNT SENYUM

Mount Senyum or Gunung Senyum as it is locally known, is 40km from Temerloh and the second largest town in Pahang. It has at least 20 cavesm most with proper steps and walkways for visitors. Archaeologists and cavers can sometimes be seen studying the ancient tomb and the million year old fossils here.

DEERLAND PARK

Just a few miles away from the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary is the Deerland Park with deer and other animals such as sun bears and ostriches. Other attraction include a herb and the 200 metre wooden walkway that runs through this area and leads up to an observation tower in the middle of Bukit Rengit.

LAKE BERA (TASIK BERA)

Lake Bera is the largest freshwater lake in Malaysia and was the first site in Malaysia to be nominated as a RAMSAR site 1994. A RAMSAR recognition is given to wetlands of international importance. The biodiversity found here is incredible : 374 species of plants, more than 94 species of fish, 67 species, of mammals, and 230 species of birds. Lake Bera is also home to more than 2,000 Orang Asli of the Semelai tribe.

LAKE CHINI (TASIK CHINI)

Located at Chini town, about 100km south-west of Kuantan, this is Malysia's second largest natural lake. It is spread out over a series of 12 large ponds that are filled with lotus leaves and flowers. Legend has it that deep beneath the water resides a dragon that guards a lost city of gold. To get there, take the palm oil estate road from Chini town or by boat from Kampung Belimbing, which is about 80km from Kuantan.

TELUK CEMPEDAK

Its name translated into English means Jackfruit Bay. Located just 5km from Kuantan, this enclosed bay is suitable for water sports like swimming, surfing, sailing, and jet skiing and is also a great places for picnics. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the nearby jungle for a glimpse of Malaysia's flora and fauna. There are numerous restaurant's and food stalls serving a wide variety of food and beverages.

CHENDOR BEACH

Famed for its soft, white sand, Chendor Beach is located next to Cherating Village. Its seafront is less crowded than other beaches, making this a perfect to rest.

BATU HITAM BEACH

Batu Hitam Beach is famous for its black rocks. Batu Hitam Beach Resort, a modest and affordable place is the only accommodation available. Food courts and public restrooms are available nearby.

BALOK BEACH

Balok beach is about 15km north of Kuantam and is a paradise for avid wind-surfers. Balok Beach is a comfortable and relaxing sandy beach. It is suitable to relax on the golden sands, play volleyball and various other ground activities. It's waters are suitable for snorkelling, scuba driving, swimming, skiing, sunbathing, surfing or sailing.

PULAU TIOMAN

Pulau Tioman is an island off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, acclaimed as a geological wonder, ecological paradise and one of Southeast Asia's most beautiful travel destinations. Located 32 nautical miles off Pahang state, but connected through Mersing town in Johor.  Click here http://www.tioman.com.my/

BUKIT GAMBANG WATER PARK 

Bukit Gambang Water Park is located 35km from Kuantan, its offers non-stop fun and excitement in an area spanning across 45.8 acres. Among the unique and fascinating attractions available include a man-made 17.1 acre lake with breathtaking views and also suitable for a wide variety of fun water sports. Click here http://www.bgrc.com.my/WaterPark.html

Address   :   Jalan Bukit Gambang Utama Bukit Gambang Resort City 26300, Kuantan Pahang

Telephone Number   :   09 - 5488000

Fees   :   Adult (RM 21.90) & Children (RM 14.90)

Timetable   :   Monday, Thursday : 10.30 am - 6.30 pm

                     Friday, Saturday, Sunday : 9.30 am - 6.30 pm

                     School & Public Holiday : 9.30 am - 6.30 pm

                     Every Tuesday : Closed

GENTING HIGHLAND 

The fun never stops at Genting, City of Entertainment, perched on the top of cool, breezy Genting Highlands. One big attraction in Genting is the cool weather. Because of the 2,000 m altitude, Malaysians like to visit just to enjoy the 'Europe' weather. Click here http://www.gentinghighlands.info/

KUALA GANDAH 

Kuala Gandah Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary, Pahang is a rare and fantastic opportunity to get up close to endemic Malaysian elephants. This truly unique Elephant Orphanage of Kuala Gandah in Pahang will give you a very rare opportunity to learn about these displaced gentle giants. Click here http://www.nre.gov.my/English/Ecotourism/Pages/ConservationCentreGajah.aspx

FRASER'S HILL PAHANG

Fraser's Hill is a higland resort destination nestled among the mountains of Pahang, located about two hours away from Kuala Lumpur. Locally known as Bukit Fraser, this cooling holiday retreat is popular for its nature activities and cooling climate, attracting not just locals escaping the city heat but visitors International location. click here http://www.fraserhill.info/

TAMAN NEGARA PAHANG

The most popular activities at Taman Negara are river cruises and jungle trekking. The canopy walk is also must-see, offering and fantastic close up view of activity in the rain-forest canopy. Observations hides are another great way to observe wildlife

CAMERON HIGHLANDS 

Cameron Highlands in Pahang is one most popular tourist destination, a collection of peaceful townships perched 1500 meters high on a nest of serene mountains. Click here http://www.cameronhighland.net/