Pahang

Places to visit in Pahang



Cameron Highlands
Cameron Highlands is Malaysia's lagest and best-known hill resort. Discovered by, and named after William Cameron, a goverment surveyor who, in 1885 explored the area by hacking a path up through dense jungle and came across, "A fine plateau shut in by mountains". At 1524m above sea level the area enjoys a cool climate, with temperatures no higher than 20°C and rarely falling below 10°C, a welcome change to the generally oppressive heat and humisity at sea level.
Without doubt the most interesting aspect of a visit to the resort is its tea plantations, the first of which were established in 1929 by John Archibald Russell and belong to the most famous Malaysian tea producer, Boh Tea. The estates are wonderfully manicured and visitors are welcome to view the factory production process and enjoy a cuppa' at the tea shop. Other interesting places to visit include the numerous vegetable farms dotted all around the area. There are also strawberry farms, flower nurseries, butterfly farms, a challenging 18 hole golf course and for the more adventurious various jungle treks. The three main highlands towns are Ringlet, Tanah Rata and Brinchang with most visitors staying in and around the latter two. Accommodation varies from small inexpensive hotels and guest houses, to self-catering apartments and first class hotels. Any time of year is suitable for a visit, but try to avoid the main public and school holiday periods as the area can become very busy. It is also best to be prepared for the 2 hour journey from the entry point at Tapah to Tanah Rata, the drive is not steep and is extremely interesting, but the road is quite narrow and very winding, so drive carefully and try to stop occasionally to enjoy the various sights along the way. These include the impressive Lata Iskandar waterfall, amazing tropical vegetation and various Orang Asli (indigenous people) dwellings. Without doubt Cameron Highlands is the place to visit on Peninsular Malaysia.

Taman Negara
Peninsular Malaysia’s most popular rainforest park is spread out over 4,343 sq. km. of virgin jungle. Millions of life forms call this place home – Colourful birds, glittering insects, nocturnal animals, shiny fish – these are some of the creatures you’ll see when visiting this park.

Tasik Bera
Lake Bera is Malaysia’s largest lake at 35 km long and 20 km wide. Eco-lovers will be thrilled to find nearly 328 species of flora that live on the edges of the lake as well as 50 mammal species. The lake has about 95 species of fish, making it a fantastic place for fishing.

Lake Chini
Both located in Kota Bahru, the Craft Museum houses many fine examples of Kelantanese craftsmanship in the form of wooden and silver articles. The Handicraft Village, on the other hand, demonstrates how items such as Batik, ‘Songket’ (prayer hat) and other embroidery are made. These products also go on sale here.

Jeram Besu
The Besu rapids are a prime destination for white-water rafting. Located 30 km away from Raub town, Jeram Besu is popular with rafting enthusiasts. Navigate down precarious boulders as you slide through fast-flowing waters in jittery canoes. Other activities you can do here include abseiling, off-roading and caving.

Kota Gelanggi Caves
The Kota Gelanggi Caves are located 30 km east of Jerantut and was once a home to prehistoric communities. Geological formations dot the caves and if you’re lucky, you may chance upon artifacts from the Stone Age or even bones.

Gunung Senyum Recreational Forest
The main attractions of this beautiful forest are the Gunung Senyum and Jebak Puyuh Caves, favourites among researches for their abundant cave life, fossils and rock formations. Gunung Senyum is about 40 km away from Termerloh town.

Deerland Park
This deer sanctuary houses not only deer, but ostriches, peacocks and even a sun bear! Located in Lanchang, about 140 km away from Kuantan, the Deerland Park is an interesting place to visit. Besides the animals, there is a Nature Garden which grows a variety of herbs and plants.

Cherating
Arguably Pahang’s most popular beach, Cherating feels a lot like Hawaii in a tropical climate. Just 47km away from Kuantan, the capital, Cherating is home to a whole range of water sports and one Club Med. The excellent wind conditions facilitate windsurfing and kite flying and occasionally, you get to ride some pretty tall waves.

Tioman
The island of Tioman is one of Pahang state’s hidden gems. Said to be the final resting place of a dragon princess, Tioman’s beaches are unparalleled in beauty. The waters hold a rich stretch of corals and aquatic creatures such as moray eels, Napolean fish, golden-stripped trevally, bumphead parrotfish and black-tip sharks. In Tioman, you can admire the seabed by diving or through a glass—bottomed boat. Evening walks on the beach will reward you with a spectacular sight of the horizon as the sun burns into the background.