Lush Green Forest and Mountainous Retreats
Pahang with a land size of 35,960 sq Km makes it the largest state in the Peninsular and the third largest in Malaysia. Much of the state is shrouded with lush green forest. It has about 208km of beach fronting the South China Sea.
Most traveling to the East Coast will require reaching Pahang first, then proceed to Terengganu and Kelantan. Driving through Pahang is best done through the Kuala Lumpur-East Coast Highway. Pahang’s state capital is Kuantan and the royal town is Pekan.
The state consists of 11 districts – Pekan, Rompin, Maran, Temerloh, Jerantut, Bentong, Raub, Lipis, Cameron Highlands and Bera. It is blessed with natural wonders; highland retreats, beautiful islands and beaches as well as National Parks. Many of these natural wonders are still in their very pristine state.
Places of Interest in Pahang:
Genting Highland
Genting Highland is a popular theme park and resort area that sits on the Titiwangsa mountain range. It boasts of having one the largest hotel complex (First world Hotel) in the world with over 6,000 rooms. Genting Highland offers crispy cool air throughout the year with just 1 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. It also house the only Casino in Malaysia withmany international entertainment shows hosted here. Popularly known as the “city of Entertainment”, you can expect a wide range of activities at above 2,000m above sea level.
Cameron Highlands
Although, Cameron Highlands is the smallest district but it is one of the wonders of Malaysia as it still retains much of the charm of an English village. At 1,500m above sea-level, Cameron Highlands is very much difference from Genting Highlands, here is much a agricultural domains, where one can find abundance of fruits, vegetables and flowers. Cameron Highlands is the also the leading producers of flowers and tea in Malaysia. A perfect destination for natural retreat as the temperature here is always cooling.
Bukit Tinggi
Another highland resort in Bentong, which is famous for its Colmar Tropicale attraction. It is a replica of a collection of buildings from a village in the North-east of France, dating back to the 16th Century. Central to the village is Colmar Square where you will find a drawbridge reminiscent of ancient castles, clock tower with an original cuckoo bird clock.
Bukit Gambang Resort City
Bukit Gambang Resort City is an integrated resort city destination designed with the concept of having multiple attractions in one location. Sprawled across 727 acres of lush secondary jungle, Bukit Gambang Resort City offers 2 different theme resorts, Arabian Bay Resorts and Caribbean Bay Resort. Two main attractions of Bukit Gambang Resort City are the water theme park and Safari park.
Cherating Beach
Cherating is most popular for it seaside resorts. Tucks among the local villages and surrounded by the mountain forest, it is a good place for relaxation. Cherating is the sole Club Med destination in Malaysia.
Kuantan River Cruise
An interesting way of seeing Kuantan. From the Shahbandar Jetty, off Jalan Besar, it starts toward Tanjung Lumpur, a fishing village. The mangrove trees along the river are also a sight to behold where you will see many birds common to the environment there. There are 2 boardwalks for you to explore the swampy areas, which is a fertile area for crabs, shrimps and fish. Looking towards the mainland, you wull see skyscrapers and the hive of activities that keep Kuantan vibrant. Call 09-5121644 for more information.
Sungai Lembing Museum
The rustic town of Sungai Lembing was once the largest subterranean mine in the world and lies 42km from Kuantan. It used to be a prosperous town until the world tin prices slumped, making the industry no longer profitable, thus the dwindling of of the town. The Museum, however, serves as a reminder of the importance of tin industry and the lifestyle associated with it. Contact 09-5412378 for more information.
Pahang Silk Weaving Centre, Pekan
This Centre is located at Pulau Keladi, where you can purchase the intricately hand-woven fabric, such as the Pahang Motif Songket, the distinctive gold and silver brocade. Each piece is an exclusive work of art and carries the Tenun Pahang Diraja emblem, a mark of distinction in workmanship and quality. For those short of time to travel to Pekan, you can head to the first floor of Teruntum Complex in Jalan Mahkota, Kuantan where you can get hold of household items made from pandanus leaves, woodcarvings and the unique wax-printed batik fabric.
Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary, Lanchang
This Elephant sanctuary is established in 1989 and has been instrumental in the studies, sheltering and translocation of wild elephants. It has been relocating hundreds of wild elephants which has encroached into human settlements and plantations in search for food. The Sanctuary also aims to educate the public on he importance of preserving the elephants’ inhabitat and environment. Contact 09 2790391 for more information.
Taman Negara
Taman Negara or National Park was established in 1938 with a total area of 4,343sq km. This million year old jungle is a haven for the nation’s biodiversity, with pristine rivers cascading down the mountains. It is also home to the Orang Asli (Native people) who have been living in the verdant jungle for centuries. Many look-out points have been built for the observation and appreciation of the towering forest. Bird-watching, angling, boat ride and jungle trekking are some of the most popular activities here. Certain streams and rivers, however are out bound to enable fish breeding. Visitors to Taman Negara must get permits from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks. Contact 03 9075 2872 (KL) or 09 266 1122 (Pahang)