Welcome to Pahang
Pahang, the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia, is endowed with a diverse
range of attractions. Nearly two-thirds of the state is enveloped in verdant
rainforest, making it a magnificent enclave of lush greenery, exotic wildlife
and an abundance of natural attractions.
Kuantan, the administrative capital, is an interesting discovery of modern
buildings and charming cottage industries. Pahang's majestic nature, beautiful
beaches, bustling townships, quaint villages, friendly people, unique craft and
delicious food make for mesmerising and unforgettable vacations.
Choose to stay in campsites, hostels and lodges for those who enjoy nature.
Well-appointed resorts and comfortable chalets are found on the islands. Pahang
offers a variety of Malay, Chinese, Indian and international cuisine. There are
also many fast food outlets, street stalls, cafes, restaurants and food courts
to choose from.
Places of Interest
Taman Negara
Covering an area of 434,350 ha, Taman Negara or the National Park has been a
focus of plant and animal evolution longer than any other forest in the world.
Check out the canopy walkway high up in the tree tops and the giant buttressed
tualang trees as they tower 200 feet above you in the dense dipterocarp forest.
Kenong Rimba Park This park is sprawled about 120 sq km in the Kenong Valley
with its eastern and northern boundaries fringing Taman Negara. Caving is a
popular sport here. Take a cruise along the Kenong River and enjoy the scenic
view.
Jeram Besu Besu Rapids is one of the best white-water rafting sites in the
country. Organised tours offering off-road adventures as well as caving and
abseiling activities can be arranged.
Elephant Conservation Centre This centre is dedicated to rescuing and
protecting the country's elephants. Take a close look at these friendly jumbos
during their feeding times or watch the fun as they enjoy a muddy splash in the
nearby river.
Tioman Island
Acclaimed as one of the best island getaways in the world, the warm waters and
good visibility make it a paradise for divers and snorkellers. Tioman's verdant
greenery is home to a splendid variety of plants and small animals, including
butterflies, monitor lizards, deer and monkeys.
Cherating This
is a seaside destination long popular with budget travellers. It is the site of
Asia's first Club Med and the charming Cherating Village, The Cherating Cultural
Complex is worth a visit.
Teluk Chempedak This is a traditionally popular weekend retreat for its
calm waters and beautiful casuarinas-lined coastline. Enjoy sailing, surfing and
water skiing or take in the lovely views of its sunrise.
Cameron Highlands
The largest hill resort in the country, Cameron Highlands is filled with
sprawling tea plantations, terraced flower gardens, orchards and vegetable
farms. Head up to the highlands for a refreshing cool retreat where you will be
surrounded by undulating valleys and majestic mountains.
Genting Highlands Dubbed the 'City of Entertainment', this resort offers indoor
and outdoor theme parks, an 18-hole golf course and a casino. Located forty-five
minutes from Kuala Lumpur, tourists can drive up to the resort or stop at the
Genting Skyway Station and take a cable car ride to the summit.
Fraser's Hill This quiet
getaway is akin to a little Scottish hamlet with granite-coloured mock-Tudor
buildings dotting the landscape. A popular recreational pursuit here is bird
watching, made more interesting with the annual International Bird Race.
BukitTinggi This 16,000-acre retreat captures the essence of different
cultures of the world in a single destination. The main attraction here is
Colmar Tropicale, a French-themed resort town.
Endau-Rompin National Park This is the second largest national park in
Peninsular Malaysia, named after the Endau and Rompin Rivers that flow through
the park. The untouched wilderness awaits nature lovers with a host of
attractions including a variety of flora and fauna, majestic rock formations,
lovely waterfalls and rivers.
Pekan Located on the banks of the Kuantan River 50km south of Kuantan,
Pekan is the royal town of Pahang. Only 15 minutes from Pekan is the Pulau
Keladi Cultural Village. Among the attractions here is the birth place of Tun
Abdul Razak, Malaysia's second Prime Minister.
Tekam Plantation Resort Fresh air, chirping of birds and lush greenery
greet visitors upon their arrival. This resort offers a refreshing ambience of
being surrounded by tropical trees and fruit orchards. Visit the cocoa, coffee,
oil palm and rubber plantations and be greeted by the sound of geese and
roosters.
Sungai Lembing A serene town tucked away about 40km northwest of Kuantan,
Sungai Lembing offers a glimpse into Malaysia's bygone days during the British
and Japanese eras. At its heyday, Sungai Lembing had the largest subterranean
coal mine in Southeast Asia. Visit the museum here for a look into the town's
rich past.
Balok Beach About 15km north of Kuantan, this vibrant beach is a playground for
windsurfing, sailing and kite-boarding. Participants gather here early in the
year to welcome the monsoon winds and outdo each other in the Asian Windsurfing
Tour.
Kola Gelanggi Caves Marvel at the astonishing geological formations of
this million-year-old cave system. Explore its cave chambers, once home to
prehistoric communities.
Getting There
Pahang is accessible from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) via a
40-minute flight. There is also a good road link from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore
and Kota Bharu in Kelantan. Express air-conditioned buses and taxis to Kuantan,
the state capital, are available from Kuala Lumpur. The state is also accessible
by rail through the towns of Mentakab and Kuala Lipis from Kuala Lumpur and Kota
Bharu.
Useful Contacts
Tioman Development Authority Tel: 609-5141206
Department of Wildlife and National Parks Tel: 609-266 1122 / 4152
Tourist Reservation Centre Kuantan Tel: 609-516 1007 / 2007
|
|