Pahang is the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia with an area of
13,513.57 sq. miles and a coastline of 129.24 miles along the East
Peninsular Coast. The port of Kuantan is the capital, and Pekan, the
Royal Town, is some 27.9 miles from Kuantan. The state has a population
of more than a million people. It lays claim to having Peninsular
Malaysia's longest river, the Sungai Pahang, and its highest peak,
the 7,175.1 foot high Gunung Tahan.
Places of Interest
Cameron Highlands A reminiscent of England with Neo-Tudor style cottages and colonial bungalows, the highlands' main attraction is the beautiful scenery it offers. Rose gardens, strawberry and vegetable farms as well as the famed tea plantations give Cameron Highland a quiet vibrancy that refreshes the mind and body.
Getting there:
Buses leave from Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh. Alternatively you may drive to Tapah via the North- South Highway and turn off at the Cameron Highland 's exit.
Genting Highlands Malaysia's City of Entertainment, Genting Highlands, boasts an
impressive 24-hour casino, the only casino that can be found in the
country. With a theater-restaurant known for international-class performances,
a theme park, outdoor activities, sidewalk cafes, restaurants and
a number of hotels, this 6,561.6 feet summit is the perfect getaway
for the entire family.
Getting there:
Buses from Kuala Lumpur and nearby towns leave regularly. Long distance
taxis may be hired too. If driving, use the Karak Highway and turn
off at the Genting Highland's exit.
Tasik Bera Home to a few hundred Semelai aborigines, Tasik Bera is known for its nature related activities. With 95 species of fish, 200 species of birds, 328 species of flora and a multitude of other wildlife, it is indeed a nature lover's paradise.
Getting there:
Drive using the trunk road from Kuala Lumpur to Temerloh and thereafter, follow road signs to the lake.
Pahang-Tioman Island
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
ships, which would stop 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.
Pahang-Bukit Tinggi Resort
Rising impressively atop Pahang's jungle-clad hills is the picturesque
and invigorating Bukit Tinggi Resort. 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. Higher up at about 3,500 feet above sea level is the Japanese
Village. The Botanical Garden is also an interesting discovery, with
its collection of colorful temperate flowers and fruits.
Pahang-Cherating Beach
About 47 km north of Kuantan is Asia's first Club Mediteranee, located
on Cherating Beach. Cherating is a popular and lively tourist spot
with plenty of activity going on throughout the year. Highlights of
these include cultural performances and all types of water sports.
The sea has generally good surf for board sailing. Workers here are
skilled in weaving pandanus leaves into hats and baskets. Besides
the Club Med, Cherating has hotels with excellent beach frontage.
Pahang-Taman Negara
Taman Negara National Park, a 4,300 sq km eco-tourist's haven, is
a 130 million-year-old sanctuary to countless birds, butterflies,
insects, fish, plants and animals. This relatively untainted park
has ancient trees with mammoth buttresses, unique flora and fauna
and spectacular caves, waterfalls and mountain peaks.
Many trails through jungle canopy walkways lead to observation hides,
allowing visitors to catch a glimpse of wildlife. There are hides
close to the Park Headquarters for observing wildlife, but the hides
further in offer a better chance for visitors to chance a sighting.
This observation is usually best done at night. Other activities here
include fishing, bathing in crystal clear pools or shooting down the
raging rapids.
