Pahang

Introduction  |  History  |  City and Town  |  Homestay  |  Island and Beach
Forest and National Parks  |  Place of Interest  |  Delicacy   |  Culture and Tradition Getting There  |  Transportation  |  Sightseeing Tours

Introduction

Pahang is the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia with a population of more than a million people. It lays claim to having Peninsular Malaysia’s longer river, the Sungai Pahang and its highest peak, the 2187 metre high Gunung Tahan.

Two thirds of this huge state is covered in forest, making it a magnificent enclave of lush greenery, exotic wildlife and natures wonders. The country’s premier national park. Taman Negara as well as Endau Rompin State Park contains an astounding ecological diversity with a vast collection of flora and fauna. The state also has the distinction of being the home of the first Ramsar heritage site at Lake Bera. The Orang Asli or indigenous people, with their intriguing traditions and way of life, add colour to Pahang heritage.

Pahang has a long coastline and fishing and tourism related activities are prominent. Cherating Beach and Tioman Island are renowned as some of the region’s most popular beach resorts, captivating sun-seekers with their exciting beach activities, underwater attraction and pristine charm. There are small-scale manufacturing and cottage industries, which are important.

FACT SHEETS        

Pahang is the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia with an area of 39,960sq km and a costline of 208km on the east coast.

STATE CAPITAL

Kuantan the state capital of Pahang, located near the midway point of the east coast, Kuantan is a bustling town and a major stopover for travelers heading north, south or across the peninsular.

ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICTS

Bentong, Bera, Cameron Highlands, Jerantut, Kuantan, Lipis, Maran, Pekan, Raub, Rompin and Temerloh.

WORKING DAYS  

Government offices and banks begin the working days is from Monday to Friday and the weekend fall on Saturday and Sunday.

History

Pahang Darul Makmur was called differently many centuries ago. A Chinese writer called it as Pang-Hang Peng-Heng, Pang-Heng, Pong-Fong, Phe-Hang, Pang-Kang and others.  

 In 1225, Choa Ju-Kua wrote the book 'Chu-Fan-Chi'. He wrote that amongst the states   invaded by San-Fo-Chi was one called Peng-Keng, i.e. Pahang.   

 
 The Arabs and Europeans at that time called it as Pam, Pan, Phang, Paam, Poa, Paon, Phamm, Paham, Fanhan, Phang and Pahagh. G.R Tibbets, a historian who commented the story written by Mas'udi thought that Fanjab (in Mas'udi's book) was  Pahang. He preferred to call it Fanhan, Panghang/Panhang, rather than Fanjab.  

 
 Certain people said that the name 'Pahang', originated from the language of a Siamese aborigines tribe, meaning 'ore'. The aborigines used to live here and opened up several mining areas, especially in Sungai Lembing.  

 According to an old Malay story, at the place near the Pahang River, on the opposite side of Kampung Kembahang, a large 'mahang' tree fell across the river, thus the name ' Pahang originated'.   Pahang was also known as 'Inderapura', otherwise called Pahang Inderapura. It's infamous Royal Town and once of the Malacca Sultanate, Pekan was known as 'Pura'.

City & Town

KUANTAN

Kuantan, the state capital of Pahang is an up and coming up town located on the east coast of West Malaysia, comprising a population of 450,000 people. Its favourable tropical climate with rain all year round and an average temperature of 32⁰c makes it popular tourist spot.  

The town is the charming combination of old and new shop house. Souvenir row is at Jalan Besar where a number of shops sell local souvenirs and craftwork and other offer antiques from China and Southeast Asia. At the centre of town is a field fronting a colonial-style courthouse and magnificent state mosque. A nearby park at Jalan Teluk Sisek has a lovely water-lily pond.

The Kuantan riverbank offers some atmospheric sights and there is plenty of activity to keep your interest. There is a jetty at the end of Jalan Masjid from where you can board a ferry to cross the wide Kuantan River to the small fishing village of Kampung Tanjung Lumpur. Kuantan has some good handicrafts and visitor can observe batik printing at factories on the road leading to the airport.       

Join the Kuantan River Cruise to traverse the state’s mangrove areas. Monitor lizards and monkey can be seen scurrying at the riverbanks and on occasions, small crocodiles can be seen making their way in the brackish water.

The highlight of the cruise is a stopover at the Mangrove Park, where visitor can explore the mangrove jungle in a 250 m boardwalk. The mudflat is a home to a host of inhabitants such as cockles, crabs, shellfish and otters. Bird-watchers can delight in observing eagles, egrets and kingfishers.

Kuantan's main sightseeing attraction is the beach of Teluk Cempedak. There are also other scenic beaches popular with vacationers in the city's vicinity, such as Batu Hitam, Balok, and Cherting. Nearby Cherating Club Med, there is a Turtle Sanctuary. A few kilometers away from Cherating is Pulau Ular (Snake Island). A legend could be heard here about 'the snake and the fishing village'.

Kuantan is also known to tourists for its waterfalls. The most established one is Sg. Pandan Water Fall. Two other waterfalls are Sg. Berkelah Water Fall and Jerangkang Waterfall. There are also 3 parks within the city. There are the Gelora Park, Teruntum Mini Zoo, Agriculture Park at Indera Mahkota and a small park located in front of the Hospital is named Esplande Park. The Kuantan area also produces handicrafts and batik. Other tourist attractions include the State Mosque (Masjid Negeri).

PEKAN

Pekan is the royal town of Pahang, Malaysia. It is situated 45 km south of the current state capital of Kuantan, near the coast of South China Sea and on the southern bank of Pahang River. Pekan is also the name of the district the town in situated in and a parliamentary constituency in its own right. It is the home of the state's royal family headed by Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta'in Billah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Abu Bakar Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mu'adzam Shah. It is also the hometown of the second Prime Minister of Malaysia Tun Abdul Razak Hussein and the current deputy prime minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. He is also Pekan's current Member of Parliament.

The Masjid Abdullah, which dates from the 1920s and the newer Masjid Abu Bakar is near the Sultan Abu Bakar Museum. Other places of interest include the Royal Palace, Royal Mosque, Royal Mausoleum, Sultan Abu Bakar Museum, birth house of late Tun Abdul Razak and Silk Weaving Centre.

KUALA LIPIS 

Kuala Lipis is located at the confluence of the Lipis and Jelai rivers a population about 84,000. It is about 171 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur and about 235 km from Kuantan. Kuala Lipis was the administrative capital of Pahang for 57 years from 1898 until 27th August 1955, when Kuantan was picked as the new capital.  

Due to its strategic location, Kuala Lipis, in the old days of the British era, was an influential trading and business center. Minerals such as tin and gold, and products from the surrounding forests were actively traded. Here, as the state capital during the times of the British colonial era, it was the main residential location for British administrators and other British trade and business men in Pahang.  

If we wander around Kuala Lipis town, we will find a number of legacies left by the British during their time of colonization of the country. We will notice the architecture of the past in some of the old buildings there.  

Today, this building now functions as the Kuala Lipis Rest House. At the "Sudut Budaya" (cultural corner) of this Rest House, you can see displays of weapons of the past, such as the Malay spears, daggers and keris.

Adventures and Pleasure :

 It is amazing that Kuala Lipis, despite its quaint setting, has many pleasurable activities for the visitor to do.  

Here, we can relax our body amidst the clean and soothing comfort of a recreational lake, Empang Jaleh, not too far from town. A popular picnic locality for the town-folks, Empang Jaleh will see some crowd and picnickers during the weekends.

Sungai Relau, near Merapoh, is an alternative entry point (there are about 4 entry points) into Taman Negara - Malaysia’s Premier National park- and one of the three embarkation points to Gunung Tahan, the highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia standing at 2,187 meters above sea level. At Sungai Relau is where you can enjoy thrilling and adventurous activities, like kayaking and also cave exploring. You can take a four-day trek along a mountainous jungle trail from Sungai Relau, Merapoh to Gunung Tahan. The trail here to the summit is in fact shorter than the main route from Kuala Tahan, which can take about 9 days for a return trip.  

Another popular location in the district of Kuala Lipis is Terenggun Recreational Park. Here, you will find that there are four forest reserves, ideal sites for the avid adventurer to trek and learn about the flora of the forest.  

Moreover, for bird-watching enthusiasts, you will find the place awe-inspiring. Especially when you take the short ascent to Bukit Taching, where you will get to not only observe the variety of birds, but to savor and enjoy nature as it truly is.  

To those keen spelunkers out there, if you have time for a challenging cave exploration, just head to Bama Cave at Kampung Relong for an awesome and enriching experience. If you know the local stories and tales of Bama Cave, perhaps you might take a pass.

And for anyone who prefers fast paced action, perhaps Tasik Burung Mandi Park, just outside town, is the place to head to. This is where the thrills and spills of dirt bike competitions are usually held. Seasoned dirt bikers will definitely enjoy the thrills of bike racing on the sometimes rather muddy trails of raw earth.

TEMERLOH

Located about 130 km from Kuala Lumpur along the Kuantan-Kuala Lumpur trunk road, delightful Temerloh is the second largest town in Pahang Darul Makmur. The old name for Temerloh is Kuala Semantan. The change of name from Kuala Semantan to Temerloh was also significant. It was thought that while Kuala Semantan was meant to designate the old area, the town actually covered a bigger area, and not just at the mouth of the riverbank.  

The name Temerloh was derived from the Malay word "mereloh" meaning "sleep". It is said that "Temerloh" came about when an Indonesian Minangkabau settler who came to settle at the place noticed an orang asli (aborigine) who slept ("mereloh") all through the day without a care in the world.  

Temerloh town sits at the confluence of the Pahang and Semantan Rivers, which is why it is rich with freshwater fish such as Patin (silver catfish), Jelawat, Baung, Tenggalan, Lampam, Belida, Tilapia and Kerai. As the home of the Patin fish, the Temerloh folks have special dishes that bring out the best taste of the fish. Actually, there are three species of patin, based on its breeding, and hence to connoisseurs, there are slight differences in the taste. A patin fish has smooth flesh and when grilled under a firewood, or barbequed and eaten with sambal asam.

RAUB

Raub is both a town and a district in Pahang Malaysia. The town is situated 110km from the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur and 265km from Pahang's capital, KuantanRaub is one of the oldest towns in Pahang.

It is a historic gold mining settlement, and the gold mining industry is now undergoing something of a resurgence as the gold price has risen. The old folks' tale recounts that in the early 19th century, an old man and his two sons discovered gold every time they scooped up the earth in Raub. Thus, the town and the district derived their name from the Malay word raub which means "scoop".

Places of interest (Raub) :

Bukit Telaga Waterfalls An ideal stopover as it is on the way to Fraser’s Hill, the Bukit Telaga Waterfall is known for turbulent rapids which flows through rugged rocky area.

Jeram Besu Rapids (Jeram Besu) is fast gaining popularity as one of the best white water-rafting and kayaking spot in the country. The rapids, (river grade 2 to 4 depending on the river water level) has now attracted a lot of white water enthusiasts i.e. rafters, kayakers and canoeists from all over the country even as far as Singapore. Complemented by its easy accessibility, it is both challenging and thrilling. Other activities such as jungle trekking, flying fox, war games and rubber rafting are also available. Accommodations come in the form of chalets, camping sites and hostels.

Tasik Ria Kundang Puah Recreational Centre Located on Sungai Lipis at approximately 6 km before the town of Benta and about 2 1/2 hours drive. Its a former tin mine and now a lake clustered with tiny island that is now a famous spot for fishing.

Sungai Pasu Recreation Centre Located in the village fo Sungai Pasu, it offers tranquil lake setting, lush greenery and a freshwater fish fond. It is also a location for the local homestay programme.

Lata Jarum A popular picnic spot next to a series of rapids which culminate in a clear picturesque rock pool surrounded by tropical greenery. It has public amenities such as changing rooms and parking lots.

Lata Lembik Waterfalls This fascinating rock formation, a result of geological change over millions of years, is set amidst lush greenery - a great spot for picnics and family get-togethers.

ROMPIN

Rompin is a small fishing village and township on the southern end of Pahang Malaysia. It is located within the district of Rompin. TheRompin Riverflows through the town. The Endau Rompin National Parkis partly situated within the Rompin district.

JERANTUT

The area of the Jerantut District covers 7,563 km per sq ft (7563 hectares), boundering the northern states of Kelantan and Terengganu, in the south, Temerloh and Maran district, in the west, Lipis and Raub district and in the east, Kuantan district.

Tembeling river, the main river in this district is the exciting way to National Park and the surrounding villages in Ulu Tembeling. The joining of Tembeling and Jelai river forms the Pahang river where it flows right through the Royal Pekan town and then through the South China Sea. The Central district administration in Jerantut town is situated 200km away from Kuantan or 250km away from Kuala Lumpur. This town is the main gate to National Park which is linked by roads, trains and boats.

Jerantut is the largest district in Pahang state and also a progressive town, like any other town in Malaysia today, with new mixed property developments having been built and a beautiful mosque just built on the approach to the town.

BENTONG

Bentong is both a town and a district inPahang Malaysia.  The district covers an area of 1,831 km². It is located northeast of Kuala Lumpur just across the main range, Titiwangsa Mountain. The original main street going into Bentong town has been modified to a dual carriageway. However, the part of the road which leads to Raub and Kuala Lipis had been upgraded.

Bentong situated in the west side of Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia. In the beginning, Bentong subdistrict was under the administration of district of Raub. The administration was separated in 1919 due to the large size of the district of Raub. The district covers an area of 183,112.35 hectares. It is located northeast of Kuala Lumpur, just across the main range, Titiwangsa Mountains.

Chamang waterfall is located approximately 8 kilometers out of town. It is a scenic place very popular with the locals and tourists alike. The waterfall is easily accessible by road. 

BERA

Bera is a district inPahang Malaysia Bera district is renowned for Bera Lake, a freshwater lake and its surrounding wetlands, that has been protected under the Ramsar Convention  since November 1994. The major town in Bera is Tring

CAMERON HIGHLANDS

Cameron Highlands is a highland region located about 20 km east of Ipoh and about 150 km north of Kuala Lumpur in Pahang Malaysia.At 5,000 ft (1,500 m) above sea level, it is the highest area on the mainland, and enjoys a cool climate, with temperatures no higher than 25 °C and rarely falling below 12 °C year round.

The Highlands were named after William Cameron, a British colonial government surveyor who discovered the plateau during a mapping expedition in 1885. The fame of Cameron Highlands then grew during the colonial era when British planters realised the potential of its fertile mountain slopes for growing tea, then a prized commodity. The Cameron Highlands are still home to many tea plantations, being Malaysia's largest tea-producing region. The area is also known as a major supplier of legumes and vegetables to both Malaysia and Singapore with its many farms, and is one of Malaysia's prime tourist destinations.

There are nine towns in the Cameron Highlands. Among others, Brinchang Kea Farm, Trinkap Ringlet, Tanah Rata, Bertam Valley, Kuala Terla, Kampung Raja and Blue Valley.

MARAN

Maran is a small town in a district of the same name between Temerloh  andKuantan Pahang Malaysia which is surrounded by isolated forest and oil palm plantations. Some of the tourist sites in Maran are Sungai Berkelah and Lubuk Yu.

Homestay

RUMPUN MAKMUR, TEMERLOH

Rumpun Makmur is a thriving settlement in the oil palm plantations. Where one can experience staying with the friendly and warm villagers and learn their lifestyle. Rumpun Makmur is situated in the district of Temerloh, about 186 km from Kuala Lumpur and 170 km from the state capital, Kuantan. Activities; cultural performance and traditional games, traditional cooking and 'Kenduri' (local feast), experience life as a rubber tapper and an oil farm harvester, demonstration of handicrafts making, visit to Gunung Senyum (Cave Exploring) trekking and fishing.

KUALA MEDANG, KUALA LIPIS

Located in the sub-district of Ulu Jelai, 51 km west of Kuala Lipis, Kuala Medang offers unique 'homestay' accommodations to tourists who wish to experience a holiday with a difference. The homestay accommodations at Kuala Medang are cosy, cheap and comfortable, complimented by attractive packages and itineraries. The vilagers who are mostly traditional farmers are warm and friendly. Activities; cultural performance and traditional games, traditional cooking and 'Kenduri' (local feast),  Jeram Changkoh Pasir Rapids,  Jeram Tema Waterfall, demonstration of handicrafts making, experience life as a rubber tapper and an oil farm harvester.

SALONG, PEKAN

Kampung Salong is situated on the southern bank of the Pahang River. As one of the villages in the sub-district of Penyor, Pekan, this village is easily accessible by roads. Activities; jungle trekking and mountain climbing, Lake Chini tours, Orang Asli Village, experience life as a farmer.

SUNGAI PASU, RAUB

Sungai Pasu Recreation Centre is located in the village of Sungai Pasu, the centre boasts of natural lake, lush greenery and freshwater fishpond. One of the locations for the local homestay programme, Sungai Pasu has won the title as the cleanest and most beautiful village in Pahang a few times. Activities; cultural performance and traditional games,  Jeram Besu and Lata Jarum Rapids, experience life as a farmer.

TAMAN SEDIA, CAMERON HIGHLANDS

The fresh mountain air will reveal just how treasured this mountain hideout is, especially for those who want to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the cities. Taman Sedia, a Malay settlement in Cameron Highlands offers 'homestay' accommodation. The 28-acre village, located about 1 km from the town of Tanah Rata has all the amenities of any modern settlements with sundry shops, restaurants and handycraft outlets. Activities; jungle trekking, tea plantation tours, farm tours, experience life as a farmer.

DESA MURNI, TEMERLOH

The 40-hectare settlement is located 14 km from Temerloh, started out as a flood relieve center for Kerdau, Sanggang and Sonsang in 1973. Now Desa Murni is home for 130 families with a total population of 625 people. Desa Murni is well provided with all the necessary facilities and infrastructure such as roads, stalls, mini markets, schools, mosque, kindergarten, clinics, electricity, water and telephone.

Its primary economic activity is agriculture. You will be truely fascinated by the array of banana, sugar cane, corn and vegetable farms. You will also be exposed to the various cottage industries such as in the making of snacks, noodles and chili sauce. At Desa Murni you will witness the talents of locals in turning rattan and straws into exquisite handicraft products. Activities; cultural performance and traditional games, traditional cooking and 'Kenduri' (local feast), trekking and fishing, experience life as a farmer.

Island & Beach

CHERATING

Located 47km north of Kuantan, enjoy a host of aquatic thrills such as catamaran sailing, kayaking and windsurfing. The nearby Cherating village offers an opportunity to watch handicraft demonstration amidst a rustic and laid-back atmosphere. This charming village offers modest but comfortable accommodation for backpackers. At the Cherating Cultural Complex, visitors can try their hand at kite flying, top spinning and batik painting. Chendor Beach, just minutes away, is a favorite spot to catch sight of the rare Green Turtle nesting. Occasionally, Leatherback Turtle coming to lay eggs between the months of July to September. It is a ritual experiencing. Chendor beach situated near the border of Pahang and Terengganu state, north of Cherating.

Getting There :
Road - Accessible from Kuantan to Kemaman road, about 45 minutes drive from Kuantan.

TIOMAN ISLAND

Considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Tioman is the largest island of the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia and the most developed of the volcanic islands that make up the Pahang Marine Parks.

This famous island paradise is the largest on the east coast and yet sparsely populated. The island used to be a popular spot with sailing ship, which stopped over for fresh water and supplies. Tioman’s beauty lies in its waterfalls, large tract of jungle and lovely beaches with clear waters teeming with fish and coral formations. The area north and south of Tekek village on the western coast is fairly well-developed with lovely kampong houses and one major resort known as the Berjaya Tioman resort located not far from the airport.

Popular beaches are at the villages of Salang, Tekek and Genting. The less accessible Juara beach on the eastern side is a backpackers’ stopover with cheaper accommodation. Another favourite with backpackers is at the north end of the beach, where a short trek over a hill leads to Ayer Batang, noted for offshore corals, cheap accommodation and restaurants. There are several other kampungs with excellent beaches and accommodation at Teluk Nipah and Mukut, accessible only by boat. Mukut was one of the locations for the film ‘South Pacific’.

Getting There :

Tioman is a two hours by motorboat from Tanjung Gemok in Pahang and can be reached via Mersing in Johor. Berjaya Air operates daily direct flights to Tioman from The Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Aiport in Kuala Lumpur, as well as from Singapore. The journey takes about one hour from Kuala Lumpur and 40 minutes from Singapore.

LANJUT

Lanjut Beach is Pahang’s sea, sand and sun playground at its southern border near the town of Kuala Rompin. There are two major hotels here, one of which has a golf course. Lanjut is noted for freshwater and saltwater fishing and there are several areas off its coast that are popular with divers. The beach offer a host of water activities like fishing, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, lobster hunting, underwater photography, wind surfing, canoeing and boating.

Getting There :  

Road :
From the West: Kuala Lumpur - Seremban - Bahau - Muadzam Shah -Lanjut From the South: Johor Bahru - Mersing - Kuala Rompin - Lanjut

From the North: Kota Bahru - Kuala Terengganu - Kuantan - Pekan - Lanjut

Air :
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Kuala Lumpur) - Kuantan Airport

Rainforest & National Park

ENDAU ROMPIN NATIONAL PARK

Straddling the Pahang –Johor border, the Endau Rompin National Park, the newest nature reserve in the countr, covers 870sq km. Eco-tourism facilities are little developed here and Endau Rompin has been primarily a study tour for biologists and scientists. There are some unique attractions in this little-explored park which is the home of the nearly extinct Sumatran rhinoceros, some rare tigers, elephants and tapirs. The lowland rainforest is among the last remaining on the peninsula and contains some unique flora and fauna. The park can be reached via Kuala Rompin and Tanjung Gemuk. A special permit is required to visit the park, available from The State Security Council at the Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim Building, Bukit Timbalan in Johor Bahru.

Getting There : 

Road

The journey take approximately 3 - 4 hours form Kuala Lumpur or Kuantan via private or public transport (e.g. taxi, bus, rented cars).

Air

A 45 minute flight is available form Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan, thereafter road transport to the park.

TAMAN NEGARA

Taman Negara. Two words in Bahasa Melayu, the national language of Malaysia, which conjure images of a giant green garden filled with exotic flowers and creatures. The word ‘taman’ means both ‘park’ and ‘garden’ in Malay while ‘negara’ means ‘nation’ - together they translate simply as ‘National Park’. Even though there are certainly many other national parks elsewhere in Malaysia, Taman Negara remains the patriarch of them all, with the pedigree to back it up.

As the first and oldest official Protected Area in the country, Taman Negara was originally called King George V National Park. Declared in 1938 by the Sultans of 3 states Kelantan, Pahang and Terengganu upon King George’s silver Jubilee and to preserve  the land’s indigenous nature in perpetuity, it was renamed Taman Negara after the nation gained independence in 1957.

Taman Negara is the largest of all Protected Areas in Peninsular Malaysia with 4,343 sq km. The Pahang section of the park is the largest at 2,477 sq km, followed by Kelantan’s portion at 1,043 sq km and Terengganu’s at 853 sq km. The Peninsula’s highest peak, Gunung Tahan at 2,187 m rises in the Pahang sector of the park. Taman Negara in indeed one of the oldest rainforests in the entire world, estimated at 130 million years old. The abundance and diversity of nature is phenomenal in Taman Negara, one of the world’s most complex and rich ecosystem. A veritable treasure of the planet, it is to be saved for posterity.

SUNGAI PANDAN WATERFALL

The Sungai Pandan Waterfall spans over eleven hectares of nature's best. Consisting of a series of cascading rapids, the waterfall culminates in a large pool, which is ideal for cooling off on a hot afternoon. Enjoy a peaceful picnic under the shades of tropical foliage.

Getting There : Road

The Sungai Pandan Waterfalls, 25 km from Kuantan is easily accessible by road. From Kuantan town, take Kuantan – Kuala Lumpur main highway. Just after the Malaysian Airforce Base (about 17km from Kuantan), you will need to make a right turn at the traffic lights to the Panching and Sungai Lembing road.

From the turn, after driving about 5km you will reach the signboard for the Sungai Pandan Forest Reserve (Hutan Lipur Sungai Pandan) and after turning left you will initially drive into an oil palm plantation and quarry road. After about 3km of winding through the small two-lane tarred road you will reach the entrance to the  forest reserve.

CHARAS CAVE

Charas cave lay about 25 kilometers northwest of Kuantan at Panching on the Sungai Lembing road. Formed millions of years ago and carved out by the forces of nature these caves offer an interesting sojourn. This limestone caves just out from the surrounding lowlands and a 20 foot climb the metal stairs is necessary. In the interior of the cave is a small statue of Buddha and the monk's living quarters. Further inside is a 30-foot long statue of the reclining Buddha. The cave is lighted by using a generator operated by the monk.

Getting There :  Road

From Kuantan, it takes about 45 minutes drive (30km). Taxi and bus services are available to Charas caves. From Kuantan, you take a bus from the local bus station towards Sg. lembing. The bus will stop at the junction leading to the Charas cave.

GUNUNG TAPIS PARK

Gunung Tapis Park is noted for its hotsprings and as a place to observe wildlife. It also contains some great rivers for shooting rapids and for fishing. There are spots for camping within the park area. However, the nearest accommodation is available only at Sungai Lembing Tapis Resort.

A variety of other species of wildlife also inhibits the park. As for relaxation, a number of hot springs also can be found. Visitor can shoot the rapids on one of several rivers or fish for the 'Ikan Kelah' a Malaysian sub species of the great Indian Masheer (tortambroides duronesis).

Getting There :  Road

Gunung Tapis located 16km from Sungai Lembing, Kuantan. From Kuala Lumpur, take the Karak highway and follow the road to Bandar Temerloh. Taxi services are available to the park.

KENONG RIMBA PARK

Kenong Rimba’s Park spectacular forest provides a perfect hideway for adventurous nature lovers as besides exploring the caves and swimming, you could also indulge in spotting rare orchids, bird watching, camping, fishing for exotic freshwater fish and not to be missed, jungle trekking. You also get to know the people of the forest – the Batik (aborigines) tribe.

This park is sprawled over 120sq km in the Kenong Valley with its eastern and northern boundaries fringing Taman Negara. Climbing the Kesong Valley Range will lead to the many caves in the park. The more popular ones are Gua Hijau (Green Cave), Gua Buta (Blind Cave) and Gua Harimau (Tiger Cave). Take a cruise along Kenong River and enjoy the scenic view.

Getting There : Road

Kuala Lipis is 180 km from Kuala Lumpur and 250 km from Kuantan. Take Karak Highway, turn left to Bentong, and proceed to Raub. If you are from Singapore, you could board a train direct to Kuala Lipis. To go to Kenong Rimba Park, take a 20 minutes boat ride from Batu 9 jetty or a little over an hour boat ride from Kuala Lipis.

Highlands

FRASER’S HILL

Fraser’s Hill derives its name from one of the more colourful characters in colonial history, Louis James Fraser, an adventurer and fortune hunter. Stories about his life include rumors of an opium and gambling den managed by him, which was frequented by miners. He vanished later on and his disappearance remains a mystery until this day. The hill rises majestically at 1,524 meters above sea level. Like the ancient city of Rome, the little Hamlet of Fraser’s Hill is built on seven hills, but unlike the eternal city, it bears no claim to cosmopolitan fame. Instead, it exudes a quite rustic air, more in keeping with the tranquil calm of an English countryside.

Cool throughout the year at an average of 21-23 degree Celsius, the attraction of Fraser’s Hill as a tourist resort has not diminished through the years. Today, Fraser’s Hill is popular as a site for company retreats and weekends.

The ardent golfer will find enough here to occupy his days whereas non-golfers can while away their time horseback riding or by simply strolling down the picturesque lanes that weave through the green countryside. The fresh mountain air is cool and invigorating and when dusk falls, the mist that blows in brings back nostalgic memories of a simple, gentle era.

Getting There : Road

Two alternative routes will take you to this cool hilltop resort that is approximately 102 kilometers away from Kuala Lumpur. The first is through Kuala Lumpur – Karak highway where you have to turn left to bentong to proceed to the Gap. Another alternative is through the trunk road going towards Ipoh where as you reach Kuala Kubu Bharu, you may proceed to the Gap. For bus commuters, you may catch it from the Pudu Raya bus terminal heading towards Kuala Kubu Bharu, noard another bus to Fraser’s Hill, scheduled at 8.00a.m. and 2.00p.m. daily. Alternatively, you might also take a direct taxi to the hilltop.

CAMERON HIGHLANDS

Tea planters and wealthy planters looking for a cool retreat were initially attracted to the place. They were soon followed by the Chinese vegetable farmers and the spate of development caught on. There are three main districts in Cameron Highlands. Some 45km on the road from Tapah is Ringlet, the main agricultural area of fruit and vegetable farms. The next district is Tanah Rata which contains the principal township where the chalets, cottages, bungalows and restaurants are located.

Some 3km from Tanah Rata is Brinchang where an international class hotel and an 18-hole golf course can be found. Brinchang has flower nurseries, vegetable and fruit gardens and tea plantations.

Main attractions include strawberry farms, terraced fruit and vegetable farms, tea plantations and rose gardens. This is the place to buy fresh, cheap fruits and vegetables. There are jungle trails for leisurely walks or strenuous mountain expeditions which can be potentially dangerous as it is easy to get lost in the forest canopy.

Getting There :

Road : Cameron Highlands is about 60 kilometers from Tapah, a town off the Kuala Lumpur - Ipoh Highway accessible by road and rail. From Tapah, the two winds up through fascinating jungle scenery. The drive up will take about one and the half hours to Tanah Rata.

Coach : Coach travel is one of the most convenient and economical ways to come to Cameron Highlands. A number of companies provide regular, efficient express and tourist coach services to and from Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Singapore with a choice of day or night departures on some routes.

Taxi : Taxi services is available from Kuala Lumpur (Puduraya) direct to Tanah Rata. There are also taxis from Tapah town and Tapah station (for those arriving by train).

Train : The rail stop is at Tapah. From there, take the taxi or bus to Tanah Rata

GENTING HIGHLANDS

This is Malaysia’s playground in the sky located at Gunung Ulu Kali in the main range. Genting Highlands is 2,000m above sea level and is a modern resort. The main attraction is a sophisticated casino complex complete with hotel, show lounges and discotheques.

On the hill there, also indoor and outdoor theme parks offering thrilling roller coaster rides and family entertainment. There is an indoor stadium suitable for basketball, table tennis, badminton and squash. Included are a 32-lane bowling alley and indoor swimming pool. Genting Highlands also has a mushroom farm and 18-hole golf course and equestrian club. Another highlight is the cable car system. Accommodation on the hill includes apartments, bungalows and hotels. It is 51km from the capital city of Kuala Lumpur and takes about on hour’s drive.

Getting There :  

Bus and Skyway : Express Bus from Puduraya bus station. From Putra LRT (Terminal Putra Gombak) to Genting.
8.00am to 7.00pm - from Terminal Putra Gombak to Genting Skyway
9.15am to 8.15pm - from Genting Skyway to Terminal Putra Gombak

Taxi : From KL International Airport, from hotels and from Pudu Raya taxi station.

BUKIT TINGGI

Colmar Tropicale, located in Bukit Tinggi, Pahang, is a replica of a collection of buildings from a north-eastern village in France dating back to the 16th Century. It's just like a picture postcard. The French themed resort was opened in July 2000. It's surrounded by lush tropical forest land. Just RM 16 for adults and RM 8 for children below twelve, you can enjoy the various entertainments at Colmar Tropicale. A clock tower at the entrance welcomes the visitors. You need to walk up (and down) curvy concrete staircases to view the entire development.

Getting There : Road

About 60 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur via the Karak Highway

Place of Interest

LAKE CHINI

Located in the wilds, Lake Chini is approximately 100km from Kuantan. The lake, with its fascinating myths, has attracted tourist from near and far. Legend has it that an ancient Khmer city once existed there and his has since resulted in several scientific expeditions being mounted by both local and foreign archaeologists. It is also popularly believed that a mythical monster lurks in its depths and guards, the lake.

The lake is surrounded by over 12,565 acres of lush tropical wilderness. The magical lake that is situated on the right bank of the Pahang River is blessed with captivating scenery and tranquil environment, and beneath its calm waters remain an unsolved mystery.

The lake, a generous treasure trove of natural heritage is actually a series of 12 inter-connecting water bodies that is rich with biological resources, approximately 138 species of territorial flora and some 300 species of non-aquatic vertebrates. Aquatic vegetation and over 144 species of freshwater fish have also made the lake their home. Thousand of white and pink lotuses will emerge on the lake from August through September, transforming the lake into a heavenly floating garden. Lake Chini has distinct wet and dry season so you should plan your visit. The wet months are from April to May and from September to January while the dry periods are from February to April and June to August.

Getting There :

Road

If you are coming from Kuala Lumpur, drive through the Karak-Kuantan trunk road, and then turn right to Kampung Belimbing where a boat will cross the Pahang River to another jetty at Kuala Chini. From Kuala Chini, a smooth boat ride through winding scenic streams will get you to Lake Chini. If you are coming from Kuantan, transportation is available via Segamat Highway to Felda Chini. From the settlement, you can arrange for private transportation. If you are driving, turn right at Batu Balik through Salong until the Tourist Complex at Kuala Chini or direct to Lake Chini.

Air

Flight from Kuala Lumpur takes about 45 minutes to the Kuantan airport and from there it is another 30 minutes by road to get to Pekan town. If you wish to drive to Pekan from Kuala Lumpur, head towards Kuantan via the Karak Highway. Pekan town is approximately 300kms from Kuala Lumpur.

LAKE BERA

Lake Bera, measuring approximately 35km long and 20km wide, is the largest natural freshwater lake in Peninsular Malaysia. It also Malaysia’s first Ramsar site, a recognition given to wtland areas for its international importance in nature conservation. Nature enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover nearly 328 species of flora, 200 species of birds, 50 mammals and more than 95 species of fish in the lake area. Enjoy a river safari or go trekking to catch sight of monkeys and flying squirrels. A boat ride around the lake will be a memorable experience as the boatmen skillfully navigates through the maze of vegetation. Visit the Semelai tribe to watch their interesting method of collecting resin from Keruing trees.

Getting There : Road

From Kuala Lumpur follows the Karak Highway to Temerloh and then South towards the town of Triang, where signboards, just before Kerayong, will lead you to the northside jetties and tourism complex. Travelling time from Kuala Lumpur is 3 1/2 to 4 hours. A second route goes through Seremban, Kuala Pilah and Bahau in Negeri Sembilan and then heads north to Triang. Entering from the south end of the lake, an alternative route leads from Bahau to Ayer Hitam. Lake Bera is situated 163 km from Kuantan towards Muadzam Shah, and then look for a turnoff signpost to Tasik Bera, which leads up the east side of the wetland to the tourism complex. Alternatively, visitors can also take the train from both Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Trains stop in Triang and Mentakab respectively, where taxis for hire are available to the Bera jetty, about 45 minutes and 60 minutes respectively.

KOTA GELANGGI CAVES

Marvel at the astonishing geological formations of this million-year-old cave system, located 30km east of Jerantut. Explore its cave chambers, once home to prehistoric communities.

Among the popular showcaves here are Terang Bulan, which takes about an hour to explore. The Kota Gelanggi Service Centre offers further information on the caves, and exhibits artifacts such as pottery and bones of early humans.

TEKAM PLANTATION RESORT

Fresh air, chirping of birds and lush greenery greet visitor to this hideaway. Located approximately 130 km from Kuala Lumpur, this resort offers a refreshing ambience of being surrounded by tropical trees and fruit orchards. Tempt your palate with exotic fruit such as durian, rambutan, mango, banana, guava and mangos teen. Visit the cocoa, coffee, oil palm and be greeted by the sound of geese and roosters. The Tekam Plantation Resort is popular with groups for its 9-hole golf course and many recreational facilities.

Gunung Senyum Recreational Forest

This recreational forest is a paradise for nature lovers. The Gunung Senyum and Jebak Puyuh caves, the main attractions here, offer avid explorers hours of thrill. The former consists of approximately 18 caves, favorites among explorers and researchers for their impressive formations and million-year-old fossils. An ancient tomb within the caves is of archaelogical interest. The Jebak Puyuh Cave system, located further away, contains seven caves. It’s variety of cave-dwelling insects and plants await discovery. Lucky visitors may even chance upon albino pythons that inhabit the cool, dark crevices of the cavern. A host of outdoor activities can be arranged for groups.

Getting There :  

Road

From Kuala Lumpur, take the Karak Highway and follow Highway 2 onwards to Pekan Awah, turn left into Highway 83 and turn right into Highway 64 From Kuantan use Highway 2 via Maran to Pekan Tajau and turn into Highway 83 via Bandar jengka and turn right into Highway 64.

Rail : KTM Bhd provides service to Bandar Jengka and Jerantut. The resort management can arrange to pick you up from your stop point with prior notice.

Bus : A Sri Jengka Express - Kuala Lumpur (Jalan Tun Razak) to Bandar Jengka, Kuantan to Bandar Jengka, Kota Baru to Bandar Jengka, Alor Star to Bandar Jengka - Jerantut to Kuantan (via Temerloh by train; Singapore - Gemas to Jerantut, Kota Bharu to Gua Musang.

ELEPHANT CONSERVATION CENTRE

Located in Kuala Gandah, 40 km from Bentong, 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.

Kuala Gandah also aims to promote public awareness of the elephant's plight in Malaysia and to support research into elephant translocation and conservation. It also aims to educate the public about the importance of habitat and environmental preservation.

Getting There :  

Road : From Kuala Lumpur, take the Karak Highway, turn left into Lanchang and turn right into Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre.

Rail : KTM Bhd provides service to Bandar Jengka and Jerantut.

Bus : A Sri Jengka Express - Kuala Lumpur (Jalan Tun Razak) to Bandar Jengka, Kuantan to Bandar Jengka, Kota Baru to Bandar Jengka, Alor Star to Bandar Jengka.

JENDERAK SELADANG & DEER CAPTIVE BREEDING CENTRE

Deerland Park

This deer sanctuary is situated in Bukit Rengit, Lanchang, about 140 km from Kuantan. Traverse the park’s Nature Garden on an elevated boardwalk and marvel at its varieties of herbs and plants. The highlight of visit here will be the interesting and fascinating deer-feeding session. The park’s Animal World offers attractions such as ostriches, peacocks, deers and a sun bear. Visitors can also go camping or join a guided tour to learn basic jungle survival skills. 

Seladang Conservation Centre

This 50-hectare area in South Jenderak, about 130 km from Kuantan, is sanctuary to the endangered seladang or Malaysian gaur. It is the second largest land mammal after the elephant and is said to be one of the wildest animals. Enjoy this rare and thrilling opportunity to stand close to them.

Getting There : Road - Located 25km from Temerloh Town, from Kuala Lumpur, take the Karak Highway and follow the road to Temerloh Town. Taxi services are available to the park.

MUZIUM TOKOH PAHANG (PAHANG HEROES MUSEUM)

The Pahang Heroes (or Notables) Museum ("Muzium Tokoh Pahang") is one of the popular museums visited by locals and foreigners. This museum depicts the personalities, heroes and notables who contributed immensely to the political and cultural history of Pahang Darul Makmur.

This Museum is housed in a brick colonial style office building located right in the middle of Kuantan, the state capital of Pahang Darul Makmur. Located at Jalan Masjid, the Museum entrance fronts the main Town Padang MPK 1 (field) at Jalan Besar.

This Museum is divided into various galleries and an audio-visual centre, with the galleries surrounding an open space with man-made waterfall and an old rickshaw.

Gallery on History of the Sultanates

The histories of the various sultanates of Malaysia are largely inextricably connected with the past sultanates of Indonesia and therefore they are both depicted pictorially in a special gallery in this Museum. Besides the sultanates of the states of Malaysia, you can read on the histories of the old sultanates of Aceh, Pontianak, Ternate, Asahan, Deli, Serdang, Bima, and others portrayed here.

Gallery on the Political Government of Pahang

The personalities and the history of government officials who contributed immensely to the political scene in the state of Pahang are pictorially displayed here. This gallery traces the political history of the state, notably the Chief Ministers (Menteri Besar) of Pahang, from the first Chief Minister to the present time. Among others, the official attire, state awards and personal items of the fourth Chief Minister, are also displayed.

Interestingly, among the prominent Chief Ministers of Pahang are a father and son. The father was the third Chief Minister while the son was the eleventh Chief Minister of Pahang. This famous father and son is none other than Tun Abdul Razak bin Dato’ Hussein and his son Datuk Seri Abdul Najib bin Tun Razak. The father later became a Deputy Prime Minister and subsequently the Second Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Gallery on Culture and Arts Personalities

The Pahang-born personalities who contributed in the cultural and arts scene not only of Pahang but also of Malaysia are depicted in this gallery. Among the personalities mentioned includes Ishak Haji Muhammad (Pak Sako),  Haji Zakaria bin Hitam, the famed Pahang historian, Sudirman Haji Arshad, the popular Malaysian singer and entertainer, S. Roomai Noor, the famous Malay actor, Ramli Malek, the Pahang batik designer and entrepreneur (late owner of the famous "Ramli Batik" brand), Hajjah Selama binti Sulaiman, the expert Tenun Pahang Diraja silk weaver awarded the "Tokoh Tenun" by the British Government in the 1950s.

A replica of the best entertainer trophy won by Sudirman at the Royal Albert Hall in London, his albums, cassettes, and other awards are show-cased here as well as paraphernalia of items and awards received by S. Roomai Noor, the actor contemporary with the Malaysian actor and musician extraordinaire, Tan Sri P. Ramlee.

Sports Gallery

The main personality to be dedicated here is HRH the Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Abu Bakar, who is an all rounder in sports, from being the head of Malaysian football (soccer) to horse-riding and polo, field hockey, tennis, golf and other sports.

HRH the Sultan of Pahang is undoubtedly the perfect example of a sports personality who contributes profoundly to both state and nation to ensure sports will be in the forefront in nation building not only for the physical well-being of Malaysians but also for excellence in life. Many sports trophies and Cups are displayed in this gallery.

Religious Gallery 

Among the artifacts displayed here, is a century old Al-Quran,the Muslim’s religious book, a hand-written religious manuscript, and ancient grave-stones in Jawi script. Historical listings and photographs of the Muftis of Pahang from the beginning is also shown. An interesting item exhibited here is a pail or bucket, which is made of solid bronze, used in the past when drawing up water from wells at mosques.

Warriors Gallery

A huge upper part of the Malay deadly weapon, the keris, greets us at the entrance to this gallery. It is the symbol of the determination to fight for self rule and independence against colonizers of the state and country.

Here we will find photographs and portraits of the past heroes of Pahang. Famous warriors and nationalists who fought against the British in the late 1800s like Datuk Bahaman bin Dato' Imam Noh, his son Mat Lela, Tok Gajah (Imam Perang Khatib Rasu), and his son Mat Kilau, are portrayed.

A fierce fighter for independence against the British rulers of Malaya then, Ibrahim bin Yaacob, is also pictured. Famous Pahang soldiers who fought against the Japanese during the second World War, like Pawang Nong Taib bin Santan, Lt. Mohd. Nor Rani and Tan Sri Gen. (R) Abdul Hamid bin Bidin, and pictures of soldiers of Force 136 (including Tun Abdul Razak as a young officer) who fought against the Japanese, are depicted.
 

SULTAN ABU BAKAR MUSEUM, PEKAN

The Sultan Abu Bakar Museum, which is the official name of the Pekan State Museum, is a good place to unravel the bygone days of Pahang. It is located at Jalan Sultan Ahmad, and was established on the proposal by the second Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Abdul Razak bin Dato’ Hussein, in 1970, in the year Pekan was struck with a big flood.

The Sultan Abu Bakar Museum houses a rich collection of artifacts. Among the items displayed are priceless antiques including glassware and ceramics, as well as exhibits tracing the lineage of the state’s royalty.

 At the front entrance, visitors will find displays of a few large cannons used in warfare in the past century. An old helicopter and a one-seater Tebuan fighter jet, are also displayed in the front lawn entrance. 

 At the Royal Galleries, visitors can see exhibits on the decorations and attire of the royalties, royal headwears, royal regalia such as the keris, tombak and spears, and titles and royal conferments.

There are also exhibits of beautifully sewn dresses and fine possessions of the late Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, who died in 1988, and various beautifully crafted products and handiworks from her hobbies.

 At an adjacent to the main building, visitors can see old and antique household items used by the Malays in the not so distant past. Utensils such as the kukur kelapa (coconut scraper), lesung batu (mortar and pestle and used to pound chillies and other spices for cooking), lesung tepung gandum, antique pots and pans, and other items.

Watercraft Gallery

The Watercraft Gallery building is located across the road from the State Museum, on Pulau Beram. As a state with 208 km of land facing the South China Sea and the longest river (Pahang River) in Peninsula Malaysia, water transport played an important role in the past social and economic development of Pahang.

Historically, the rivers of Pahang, Kuantan, Bebar, Rompin, Endau, Tembeling, Jelai, Semantan and other river tributaries were used as the main transportation system for travels between villages and districts in Pahang and also to other states in Peninsula Malaysia. Small boats called perahu jalak were used to carry both cargoes and passengers then.  

This is because, before the advent of the bicycles and motorized vehicles, only watercrafts which used raw human power to row and peddle, sailboats and later steamboats were used to move around and transport goods between the villages and towns along the coast and river banks upstream.  

This unique gallery depicts the various designs and types of water crafts used by the population in Pahang in the past. We can see various types, designs and sizes of perahus (boats), koleks, sampans, and other water crafts. Original perahus or sampans made from the bark of trees and those carved out from big logs and tree trunks like the Perahu Tembeling, are displayed.  

There is also a small model of a local fisherman’s traditional wooden house displayed. Like some traditional Malay house, the houses of the fishermen along the coasts are built on stilts. Visitors will observe that no nails are used in the construction of the house, but instead bamboo floors and rattan strings are used in constructing it. Although it looks flimsy, it is actually very strong and durable.

MUZIUM SUNGAI LEMBING (SUNGAI LEMBING MUSEUM)

The Pahang Sungai Lembing Museum was set up to remember the glory days of Sungai Lembing town as the richest producer of tin when the country, Malaysia, was the largest producer in the world.

However, tin is no more an important ore in the world, having been replaced by plastics, alluminium and other cheaper synthetic resources for what were previously its end products, like tins and containers for foods and drinks.

With the decline in tin production, Sungai Lembing town itself has slowly dwindled in size and importance, but the memories of its heydays are still vivid in the minds of its old residents.

SUTERA TENUN PAHANG DIRAJA (ROYAL PAHANG WOVEN SILK)

This famous Pahang woven silk cloth was conferred royal status by DYTM Tengku Mahkota Pahang, Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah on the 8th of May 2006.

In fact, the village of Pulau Keladi in Bandar Diraja Pekan, located about 20 km (or 25 minutes drive from Kuantan) is the main source of Tenun Pahang Diraja, and the majority of the Pulau Keladi village folks are skilled in the manual weaving of silk threads into highly desirable quality designed silk cloth, famed all over Malaysia. It is a small cottage industry, and just like the woven silk clothes in the east coast states of Kelantan and Terengganu, they are mostly done by the womenfolk of the village.

Nestled amongst the quaint wooden houses of the village, you will find the Kompleks Budaya Pulau Keladi, (or Pulau Keladi Cultural Complex), a modern wooden-styled building opened officially in 1996 by the then Chief Minister of Pahang.

This complex is not only a place showcasing Tenun Pahang Diraja fabrics and related products,it also acts as a center for training young men and women who are interested in learning the art of silk weaving that is unique to the place. This is to ensure that the art and skill of silk weaving of fabrics in the Pahang-style would be preserved and continued by the future generations.

Inside this building, there are written explanations on the various stages and processes involved in silk weaving and making. You can also find a pictorial history of silk weaving in Pahang and of the prominent personalities involved in Pahang silk weaving in the past, namely, Tuk Tuan Keraing Aji and also Puan Selama binti Sulaiman. The latter, who died in 1958, was a renowned Pahang silk weaver who exhibited her beautiful products in London in the early 1950s and had won recognition and acclaim as "Tokoh Tenun Pahang" from the English government for her skills.

Besides the pictorial history and display of the beautiful and fine silk clothes made at the Complex, this is also a place where visitors can see first-hand the actual equipment used for silk weaving and closely observe the actual spinning of the silk threads and weaving of silk into the actual completed cloth by the skilled craftsmen and women.

Delicacy

Nasi Kebuli

Nasi Kebuli is the special rice dish of Kampung Jeram Landak, a quaint kampung in the Kuala Lipis District of Pahang.

This special rice dish can also be found and popular with the surrounding villages of Budu, Jelai, Tanjung Besar and Kampung Hulu and Kuala Medang, all in the district of Kuala Lipis.

Nasi Kebuli is rice cooked with coconut oil and mixed with chicken. Sometimes lamb or mutton is used instead of chicken as the meat for this traditional food. Other ingredients in this traditional dish include raisins, onions, clovers, olives, and lemon grass, giving the aromatic smell that inevitably creates hunger pangs from afar.

Ikan Patin Masak Tempoyak (Silver Catfish in Durian Paste)

It is in fact a traditional dish popular in the inland riverine areas as the Patin fish is found in abundance in the rivers of Pahang, especially in the Sungai Pahang ("Pahang River").  

If you come to Temerloh, the home of the Patin, this Ikan Patin Masak Tempoyak dish can be found in most of the restaurants and food-courts in the town. This dish is not that complicated to cook, except that the durian paste or tempoyak must be available as it gives the special flavour and hence the name of the dish.  

The durian is a seasonal fruit in pahang, but the tempoyak (durian paste) can last for many months. Many rural Malay households keep the tempoyak in big bottles for use during cooking, and they are normally sold and found at shops and Sunday markets in smaller amounts.

Opor Daging 

Opor Daging or just plain "Opor" is a traditional dish of the people of Pahang especially in the villages around the Royal town of Pekan. It is usually served during traditional Malay weddings and festivals, being a traditional delicacy dish of beef or mutton/lamb, and eaten with rice, the staple food of the Malays.  

Opor Daging is normally served with plain white rice, but during weddings and other traditional occasions, it is part of the menu eaten with the nasi minyak. At home, the Opor can also be eaten with white or brown bread, or with the local Indian roti canai or capati, or any cooked flour.

Rendang

Rendang is one delicious dish that you can never ever miss during festivals and traditional weddings of the Malays, not only in Pahang but also in Malaysia.

It is one traditional dish or cuisine that can be prepared with beef, mutton, lamb or chicken, and normally eaten with rice ("nasi" in Malay), the staple food of the Malays.

During Aidil Fitri and Aidil Adha celebrations, this delightful cuisine is normally eaten with the ketupat and nasi himpit. In fact, it can be eaten with any other food like rice, wheat or barley bread (wholemeal or fine) or pancakes like roti canai , capati and murtabak, or just eaten as is.

However, to the Malays, rendang is normally taken with plain white rice. During festivals and important functions like wedding,  however, the dish is taken with the usual variations of the rice dish, like nasi minyak, nasi kuning, nasi tomato or nasi beriyani.

Perhaps this traditional Malay dish is delicious to Malays because of the "hot" or spicy taste, complementing the plain taste of rice. It is a dish like the opor daging except that it is darker in color and it tastes less sourly.

Lemang 

Lemang is a traditional glutinous rice food and dish of the Malays of Pahang and Malaysia, and although available year round, like the ketupat, it is always found and served during the traditional Malay festivals of Aidil Fitri and Aidil Adha.

It tastes delicious when taken with all types of rendang whether chicken, beef, or mutton. It is also normally eaten with chicken or beef floss, (called serunding ayam and serunding daging, respectively, in Malay).

In Pahang and in the east coast states of Kelantan and Terengganu, this delicacy is also usually eaten with ikan masin (salted fish). It tastes wonderful too when eaten with ikan bakar (grilled fish), and some other thick curry dishes of fish and meat.

In Kuala Lipis, it is also eaten with sambal belimbing hitam (chillied starfruit condiment), the district’s specialty sauce.

Satay (Sate)

 It is actually small chunks or slices of meat that is poked into a skewer or lidi (Malay for the spine or rib of coconut leaves, although sometimes it is made from thin sticks of bamboo), and burned or grilled over charcoal or wood fire.

It is quite similar to the kebabs of the Arabs although sate slices are a little smaller, and the sauce or gravy is Malay in taste, rather sweet and spicy.

In Kuantan,  there are many stalls and hawker courts selling this delicious dish, and they can be found sold not only in the town but also at popular eating-places and stalls at the nearby villages of Beserah or Tanjung Lumpur.

In Kuantan, perhaps the most popular restaurant is Satay Zul located at the entrance to Kuantan Garden, near the traffic lights junction, on the way to Teluk Chempedak. The place is usually packed with customers, both eating-in and those waiting for take-away orders.

Ketupat of Pahang

In Pahang and Malaysia, the ketupat is a popular and favorite dish or food, sometimes categorized as a dumpling, prepared and offered during the festivals of Hari Raya Aidil Fitri and Aidil Adha.

It is a simple dumpling made from rice, and is normally eaten with a somewhat sweet and sometimes slightly spicy peanut sauce or gravy, known as kuah kacang or kuah sate.

Ketupat is something like nasi himpit (or nasi kapit) except that the rice is boiled and compacted with coconut leaves that have been woven in the shape of a square.

In Pahang when we say ketupat, it is normally referred to the nasi or rice version. Another version is the ketupat palas or pulut which is made of glutinous rice and is triangular shaped. It is cooked in a triangular-shaped receptacle or pouch made from leaves of "palas" or fan palms.

Laksa Pahang

This is a Malay dish composed of thick rice vermicelli topped with seafood gravy, which is usually made of mackerel. The coconut milk added as an ingredient gives it an extremely rich taste.

Culture & Traditions

In Pahang, you will find vivid evidence of fascinating cultures that make Malaysia a rich source of colour, pomp and pageantry. The Malays, Chinese and Indians, each with its own distinct identity, coexist most harmoniously. This is the nuturing result of mutual respect and understanding, a rare and special feature which continues to bewitch and astound visitors.

The many cultures of Malaysia can be found in the clothes, customs, foods, games, art forms and festivals of the various races. It would be hard indeed to fully describe the many faces of Malaysian culture. But even the visitor's brief encounter with this is enough to reveal some of the scintillating vibrancy of Malaysia's rich heritage.

Getting There & Around

Air

Malaysia Airline has daily flights between Kuala Lumpur and Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport in Kuantan. The flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan takes about 25 minutes.

Road

Kuantan is 260km from Kuala Lumpur and 325km from Johor Bharu. There is a good road link from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Kota Bharu. Driving time from Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan is about four hours. Buses and outstations taxis have regular services between Kuantan and main towns in neighbouring states.

Rail

By Train, Pahang is accessible through Mentakab and Kuala Lipis from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Bharu.

Transportation

The cheapest and fastest way to get around Pahang Malaysia varies depending on who you talk to. While Pahang has no shortage of transport options available for either holiday makers or corporate travellers, HotelTravel.com’s guide can help you get from the airport and back or navigate around Pahang with ease. Getting around Pahang by car can be a real treat if you have some extra time as it has some of the best roads in Malaysia. 

Airports

 Most visitors start their explorations of Pahang state in the capital Kuantan, and the easiest way to get to this remote city is by air. Daily flights arrive and depart each day from Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan’s small Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport, situated outside of Kuantan. Malaysia Airlines is the main carrier into Kuantan, but weekly flights are also provided by local carriers Firefly, Air Pelangi and Berjaya Air from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Brunei.

Kuantan’s airport is basic, but visitors will still find all the essential amenities they need to get started. Currency exchange offices, shops, and restaurants are ready to serve passengers. Outside the Baggage Claim area, visitors can hire a reasonably-priced taxi to take them to Kuantan or Cherating. Keep in mind that all passengers must pay a departure tax at the airport before flying.

Public Transport

 If you are already in Kuala Lumpur or a neighbouring state of Malaysia, there is excellent bus service linking Kuantan and other main towns in Pahang with the rest of the country. With a new highway linking Kuantan and Kuala Lumpur, the bus ride takes just 3 hours, 30 minutes. Kuantan’s bus terminal is at Kompleks Makmur, and from here it’s easy to catch a taxi to your destination.

The new Karak Highway and East Coast Expressway make driving around Pahang a pleasure if you choose to rent a car and go at it alone. Motorbike rentals are another fun way to travel around Pahang if you prefer two wheels and fresh air.

There is limited boat service to this part of peninsular Malaysia. The main ferry port is in Mersing, which is just south of Pahang state in Johor state. Taxis are the best way to get around individual towns and can be hired for the day to do some sightseeing. Taxis are not metered however so be sure and agree on a rate before starting off. Kuantan’s downtown centre is best seen on foot.

Ping Anchorage Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd.
77A, Jalan Sultan Sulaiman, 20000 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia.
Tel : (609) 626 2020  Fax : (609) 626 2022 / 622 8093 E-mail : patrvl@tm.net.my
(KPL/LN2117 / 209874W)

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