Travel Bucket List: Malaysia Part 14 – Pahang Part 4

Posted on September 29, 2023 by memoriesandsuch

Fraser’s Hill
A hill resort located on the Titiwangsa Ridge, Fraser’s Hill lies about 100 km north of Kuala Lumpur. In 1890, Louis James Fraser, a Scottish trader and accountant, established the area as a tin mining community known as Pamah Lebar when he discovered rich tin deposits and opened a tin mining facility. Mining activity there was short-lived, as the tin ore was depleted in 1913. This led many miners and farmers to abandon the area. Fraser reportedly disappeared in 1910, but research in 2019 concluded that he retired from his position and returned to Great Britain in 1910. He died in 1916 while travelling in Austria-Hungary.

An attempt by J. Ferguson-Davie to locate Fraser in the area failed. While he searched for Fraser, Ferguson-Davie recognised the area’s potential as a suitable location to set up a hill station. Its cool climate made Pamah Lebar an ideal retreat to escape from the usually hot climate in Malaysia. Construction of Fraser’s Hill began in October 1919 when F.W. Mager, Pahang state engineer, surveyed the site for building construction and cleared the land around Fraser’s former bungalow to build a road from The Gap to provide access to the hill station. The place was renamed Fraser’s Hill and opened to visitors in 1922. Subsequent development occurred in the 1970s in response to increased tourism activity. While this provided room for more visitors, it had an impact on the environment, including deforestation and water pollution prompting a halt to further developments in April 2010. Fraser’s Hill is known for its vast biodiversity, attracting scientists and researchers. In recent years, Fraser’s Hill has increased tourist activities, including hiking, cycling, golfing, archery, paddle boat, horseback riding, tennis, swimming and squash. However, the expansion for tourist development has negatively impacted the environment with deforestation, more species facing extinction and water pollution affecting the lives of the Orang Asli and residents in other villages. These issues led to the Pahang state government ruling out further development in the virgin forest at Fraser’s Hill on 13 April 2010. It was not until May 2015 when The Star reported that some resorts had fallen into disrepair because of a lack of maintenance coupled with infrequent collection of rubbish and some abandoned bungalows had been taken over by squatters. In response, the state government of Pahang proposed renovation of the hill resorts for ten years at the cost of between RM 100 million to RM 200 million. The hill resort’s renovation had to be meticulous to not turn Fraser’s Hill into a tourist-focused hill station like Genting Highlands and Cameron Highlands. Instead, it focused on improving existing facilities and preserving the colonial legacy of the hill station. On 28 April 2019, Fraser’s Hill celebrated its 100th anniversary as a hill station resort. Since further development was halted in 2010, only 10 per cent of Fraser’s Hill’s overall land has been developed.

Fraser’s Hill lies at an altitude between 320 m and 1,460 m above sea level. Around 44% of the terrain area is ranked as steep, while flat areas make up 8% of the overall land area. The town’s virgin forest coverage is around 92% of the overall land area, with only 1.5% of the area used for a town and 6.5% of the forest area cleared for secondary vegetation. Ten river systems in Malaysia originate in Fraser’s Hill, including Sungai Selangor, a major water source for Selangor, and Sungai Teranum, which forms a major river system in eastern Pahang.

Fraser’s Hill is located in one of Malaysia’s few pristine forests. The high level of biodiversity has become an area of great interest to scientists and researchers. Over 10% of all plant species discovered in Peninsular Malaysia are located in Fraser’s Hill, which is home to 952 indigenous species and 36 endemic species. Thirteen of these were considered extinct and had not been found again for more than 60 years. It is also one of the three available places in the world where the rare Trig Oak or Trigonobalanops verticillata was discovered. The most dominant group of animals found on Fraser’s Hill are invertebrates which play an important role in sustaining a healthy ecosystem in the region. Fraser’s Hill hosts 250 migratory and residential bird species. Birdlife International has designated this area as an important bird area because of its large number of species. The popularity of birdwatching has led to the creation of an annual event, Fraser’s Hill Bird Race, first organised in 1988. Usually held in June, the objective is to spot, identify and record species in an official list within the given time limit. A museum dedicated to birds known as the Bird Interpretive Centre was opened to the public in June 2010. The museum provides information and guided tours on seven trails in Fraser’s Hill, and an interactive facility where visitors can learn more about the area’s flora and fauna and understand the importance of forest conservation and the beauty of viewing nature.

Fraser’s Hill’s architecture largely sports a mock Tudor design, reflecting colonial designs and architecture used in the colonial era. This design was used for the Fraser’s Hill clock tower as the amenities building and bungalows. As of 2019, 46 of the 79 buildings at Fraser’s Hill were listed as heritage buildings built from 1919 to 1957.

The road to Fraser’s Hill is a one-way road, hence only one side drive is allowed for 40 minutes each with particular timings. The upside drive is permitted in the odd hours and the downside drive is permitted in the even hours of the day. The best time to visit Fraser’s Hill is between June and August.

Allan’s Water is a lake surrounded by a recreational park. Open from 9 am to 4:30 pm, tourists visit here to do paddle boating and explore the nature, flora, and fauna. Visitors should visit the Tamam Awam Park to see various gardens and enjoy time with friends and family. One can indulge in horse riding and archery along with many adventure sports at the Paddock. Located along Valley Road, it remains open from 9 am to 4 pm every day. Located along Pine Tree Road, Taman Awam Bukit Fraser is a hilltop forest park on Fraser’s Hill. Landscaped beautifully with coniferous trees, this public park has a playground, a scenic tarmac walking circuit, and a mini golf course. Benches and gazebos line the neat flower garden. The food court sits in a shady nook, offering a wide range of local dining with sundry and souvenir shops.

One of the most beautiful places around Fraser’s Hill is the Jeriau Waterfall, located close to the landmark hotel of Ye Olde Smokehouse. It is a 15-minute short steep trek through the jungle along a water stream to get to the gigantic falls. The waterfall cascades and forms a pool at its base, allowing visitors to go for a dip and relax in the surrounding nature. The place has clean toilets, changing rooms, and some BBQ pits to enjoy an outdoor picnic. One can find some dogs along the way and plenty of alluring butterflies on the spot.

At the Bird Interpretive Centre one can spot birds like hornbills, doves, pheasants, eagles, endemic species, and some exclusive migratory birds. The Bird Interceptive Centre is located within the sports complex. The Fraser’s clock tower is a historical landmark with colonial architecture and a must-visit if one is exploring Fraser’s Hill.

Leading to the famous Twin Peaks viewpoint, Pine Tree Hill is the longest and most challenging trekking trail on Fraser’s Hill. It was paved up the mountain during the British era to gain access to the 1,505-metre-tall summit. Following the Selangor-Pahang border, this trail is 5.5 kilometres long and commands spectacular views of Bukit Fraser. Knotted ropes are available to help trekkers climb. Suited for hikers of all skill levels, Hemmant Trail is a mostly flat and wide 1-kilometre-long trail on Bukit Fraser. It begins from a grass clearing behind the Genting Road mosque area and village square, skirts above Fraser’s Hill Golf Course and past the Abu Suradi trailhead, and passes through unspoiled native and exotic rain trees, ferns and shrubs.

The Glasshouse on Fraser’s Hill is a cosy private complex with a greenhouse and an annexe wing bar counter. Tucked between Jalan Lady Guillemard and Jalan Valley, the greenhouse showcases a wide range of colourful cacti and succulents. Patrons can sit by the greenhouse and admire the plants, purchase them on the spot, and enjoy a selection of drinks, coffee and cake indoors. The Greenhouse is open on weekends between 10 am and 6 pm.

Cameroon Highlands
A gorgeous hill station, Cameron Highlands is home to eight different settlements that boast stunning views, expansive plantations, nurseries, colonial bungalows, and hidden waterfalls. Occupying an area of 712.18 sq km, it shares a boundary with Kelantan to the north, and Perak to the west. Situated at the northwestern tip of Pahang, Cameron Highlands is approximately 200 km north of Kuala Lumpur and about 355 km west of the state capital of Kuantan.

Surveyed by British government geologist and explorer William Cameron in 1885, Cameron Highlands consists of three mukims or subdistricts, Ringlet, Tanah Rata and Ulu Telom, all of which are nestled at elevations ranging from 800 m to 1,603 m above sea level. Developed in the 1930s, the tableland is one of the oldest tourist spots in Malaysia. Apart from its tea estates, the plateau is noted for its cool weather, orchards, nurseries, farmlands, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, wildlife, mossy forest, golf course, hotels, places of worship, bungalows, Land Rovers, museum and native inhabitants or the Orang Asli. Forty years later, the tableland was given another review when Sir George Maxwell visited the locale to see if it could be turned into a resort. He spent about nine days surveying the territory. After comparing it with Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka and Baguio in the Philippines, he decreed that the site should be developed into a hill station.

In mid-1925, an Agricultural Experiment Station was set up to confirm if cinchona, tea, coffee, fruits and vegetables could be grown in the district. While research at the station was being carried out, the colonial office assigned Captain C.C. Best, a surveyor from the Federated Malay States to trace the Telom River. In 1926, a development committee was formed to zone off the moorlands for agriculture, defense, administration, housing, and recreation. Later, a three-million-dollar road was constructed from Tapah to the highlands. It started from the 19th mile Tapah-Pahang Road and ended at Ginting B or Tanah Rata. When the road was opened in 1931, the British and the locals moved in to settle on the slopes of the mountain. They were soon followed by tea planters and vegetable growers who found the climate to be suitable for the growth of their crops. By the mid-1930s, there was a notable improvement in the constituency: it now had a six-hole golf course, several cottages, three inns, a police post, two boarding schools, a military camp, a dairy, a horse spelling ranch, nurseries, vegetable farms, tea plantations, a Government Rest House and an Agricultural Experiment Station. The domain continued to grow until the outbreak of the Second World War. During the Japanese Occupation of the Malay Peninsula between 1942 and 1945, there was hardly any development in the area. When the Japanese withdrew in August 1945, the place transformed but came to a halt during the Malayan Emergency between 1948 and 1960. Today, Cameron Highlands is not only the biggest and best known of Malaysia’s hill stations; it is also the highest point in Peninsular Malaysia accessible by car.

Cameron Highlands is one of the few places in Malaysia that serves as a habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna. There are more than 700 species of plants that grow here. The vegetation changes as one ascends the mountain. Of the fauna, the Sumatran serow, mountain peacock-pheasant and Malayan whistling-thrush are listed in the 2004 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Geographically, the resort is located on the highland spine of Peninsular Malaysia. It owes its present standing to its location at a high altitude. At the top of Mount Batu Brinchang is a radio and television station, constructed by the British in the early 1950s. Cameron Highlands is unique compared to the other hill stations in Malaysia — three river systems drain it with numerous tributaries. Their high points serve as the water catchment for the Pahang and Perak rivers.

Overall, much of the highland is still forested, estimated at 71%. Jungle trails lead visitors to tranquil spots, waterfalls, and aboriginal villages. Most of the tracks begin at Tanah Rata. There are more than ten paths to pick and choose from. Depending on its distance, some routes can take as long as five hours to cover.

The largest tea manufacturer in Malaysia and the largest tea plantation in Southeast Asia, Boh Tea Plantation is often visited for its scenic views and visitor centre. Founded in 1929 by J. A. Russell, Boh Plantations now own three tea gardens – the first garden in Habu, Fairlie Tea Garden and Sungai Palas Tea Garden. There is also a packaging factory near its main garden. Guided tours are available to show visitors how tea is made. The tours start at 8:45 am and are conducted every half hour from there on. No reservation is needed and the tour is free. The Sungai Palas Boh Tea Centre is new, consisting of a tea plantation, cafe, gallery, tea factory, and souvenir shop. It has an exhibition hall to help in tea education as well as a souvenir and tea shop to take back some memories. There is a big outdoor terrace blowing a great view of the valley. The open balcony gives a chance to lay back and enjoy the view after walking through the estate fields and serves to welcome guests casually and informally. The plantation is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm and is closed on Mondays.

Popular for its scenic viewpoint, the Cameron Bharat Tea Estate is among the most visited tea plantations in Cameron Highlands. The picturesque tea plantation, a variety of exquisite teas, and delicious cakes and scones are some of the primary reasons that this tea plantation is an ideal destination for tea lovers and nature enthusiasts. Nestled among hills and lush greenery, the Cameron Bharat Tea Estate offers tours to visitors where one can take beautiful photographs, enjoy the view of nature at its best and relish the flavour of the finest teas like cardamom tea and its uniquely blended masala chai. One can also buy jam and other products from the tea shop. The tea estate is open between 8:30 am and 6 pm on weekdays and between 8 am and 7 pm on weekends. Entry fees are RM 2 for adults while children need not pay anything.

Mossy Forest is a moist tropical evergreen forest flourishing on top of Gunung Brinchang. The swirling and twisted barks of trees are all draped in moss and ferns, hence the name, Mossy Forest. Visitors can explore the forest preferably with experienced tour guides. The boardwalk is another safer option to wander in the forest. This 2,00,000-year-old lush spread is abode to exotic flora like the carnivorous pitcher plant, spices, medicinal plants, orchids and primitive ferns. The weather is mostly very cloudy here and the misty conditions lend an air of creepiness to the forest. The high elevation of 2032 metres ensures regular rainfall and the cover of mist leads to a thick curtain of moss and ferns. The Mossy Forest Boardwalk is a 150 metres long wooden walkway through the forest. Once one reaches the ending point of the boardwalk, a muddy trail will start through the forest. Entry fees are RM 30 for adults and RM 15 for children below 12.

Cameron Lavender Garden is a floral garden located in Brinchang. A visual treat for the eyes, the garden blooms with different types and colours of lavender, including purple, red and yellow. The 3D mural art is one of the must-see sections here. The love-lock bridge in the garden is popular among those in love. The garden also houses a vegetable and strawberry farm. Flower-plucking and strawberry-picking are allowed by paying some fees. The garden also has a cafe on the top serving cheesecakes, ice creams, jams, juices and other lavender-inspired delicacies. There’s a small market inside the garden selling gift items and souvenirs. The garden is open between 9 am and 6 pm on Mondays to Thursdays and between 9 am and 7 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Entry fees are RM 18 for adults and RM 8 for children.

The small yet beautiful farm at the Kea Farm, the Cameron Highlands Butterfly Farm houses a plethora of butterflies, reptiles, insects and amphibians. Vibrant butterflies of varied types and sizes along with various other animals and insects are on display here. It is open between 9 am to 6 pm from Monday to Friday and from 8 am to 7 pm on weekends. Entry fees are RM 7 for an adult and RM 4 for a child.

A beautiful natural farm, with budding fresh and juicy strawberries, the Raju Hill Strawberry Farm is situated in the Kea Farm. Visitors can easily roam about to experience the delightful sights of plantations and enjoy their fresh preparations, checking out a few interesting local products at the gift shop inside the farm. For its high-quality strawberries in the lush green farms, Raju Hill Strawberry Farm has become a popular site for everyone who visits Cameron Highlands. The farm, which has free entry fees is open from 8 am to 6:30 pm daily.

Also known as Taman Agro Tourism, the Big Red Strawberry Farm is located within walking distance from Brinchang town right beside Cactus Valley. One can enjoy potted plants along with relishing healthy snacks and drinks here. The strawberry farm was started in 2005 by Kumar Sinnathamby who changed his agricultural land into an agro-tourism nursery farm. The farm is open from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm daily and there is no entry fee to the farm.

Located in Tringkap, the Cameron Tringkap Bee Farm is an apiary with a mini-bee museum where one can learn a lot about different types of bees, honey production, honey harvesting and its benefits. The Bee Farm also has a cute little strawberry farm and an exhibition corner. One can buy a wide variety of fine honey products under the brand name Giant B and beeswax, bee venom balm, bee pupa, royal jelly, and bee pollen, among other products at the Tringkap Bee Farm. The farm is open from 9 am to 6:30 pm.

Nestled on a hill in Brinchang, Cactus Valley is an ornamental garden boasting a diverse variety of cacti of varied colours, sizes and shapes. Not only cacti, but the garden also houses many other fruits and vegetables. Specimens found here include glori bush, roses, peaches, passion fruit, apple trees, fuchsia, and hibiscus among others with many of them also available for sale in pots. It is open from 8 am to 6 pm and costs RM 5 for an adult and RM 3 for a child to enter.

Mrs Robertson’s Rose Garden is a lovely floral terrace garden situated in Sungai Palas. Set on a hilltop, the garden and its ten-levelled terrace offer amazing views of the scenic surroundings. It boasts a variety of more than 100 different species of roses along with other highland flora and flowers like carnations, camelia, sunflowers and salmon hibiscus trees. There are also vegetable patches and cactus pots.

Located near Tanah Rata, Thompson Falls is a very popular waterfall that is surrounded by lush greenery. The base of the waterfall is ideal for swimming and serves as a picnic spot. To get the best view of the cascading water, one should reach the vantage point of Thompson Waterfall by climbing up a flight of stairs on the mountainside. The area also has some shops selling snacks, fruits, souvenirs and handicrafts.

The indigenous people of Malaysia, the Orang Asli have settlements that are often visited by tourists who hope to understand their culture. Guided tours are available. The most authentic locales can be found to the east of Tanah Rata with the people referring to themselves as Batek. They are nomadic but friendly towards the visitors, often welcoming them with smiles and showing off their skills. Some of the tourists are intrigued to try their hand at using the blowpipe. The village is also included in Rafflesi tours.

Gunung Brinchang stands tall as the second-highest peak in Cameron Highlands. The mountain was classified as the highest one in Peninsular Malaysia, accessible by road. However, the authorities have shut down the tarmac road leading to the summit of the mountain just 50 meters from Mossy Forest. The several hikes to reach the summit of the mountain en route to the Mossy Forest are quite popular among trek groups and hikers. A watchtower on the summit offers amazing views of the Titiwangsa Mountains, towns and valleys there. The views are perfect for those who love sunsets.

Hiking is a great way to explore the natural beauty of the Mossy Forest and reach the summit of Gunung Brinchang. Best of all the trails leading to the summit starts close to Raju’s Hill. The comparatively wide muddy road will narrow down to a jungle path just a few minutes after walking. One will also find a change in weather from cool to humid. The hike is quite easy for novice hikers and families although it gets a bit steep, slippery and muddy at times. Otherwise, guides can also be hired for the hike.

The Agro Technology Park in MARDI is a government-owned agro research centre and institute which also doubles up as a tourist destination. Located at Tanah Rata, it is famous for its cultivation of tropical fruits and is a very interesting place for those who want to try something new in terms of food and also learn about Malaysian agriculture. Spread over 42 hectares, it was first opened in 1990 and is run and managed by the government. It is famous for its more than 4000 varieties of flowers and fruits like strawberries some of which are indigenous to the place itself. The Agro Technology Park offers tourists a Fruit Farm Tour which is fully guided by experts. Tourists can experience a bumpy truck drive to the farms where they are offered fresh, tropical fruits to taste and are also explained about how they were grown and cultivated. Established in 1925, the Agricultural Experiment Station was set up to determine the types of crops that could be grown on the tableland. In 1971, the station became a part of the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI). Today, it still researches a wide variety of crops that are grown in the district. It is open between 8 am and 12:45 pm and again between 2 to 5 pm on Mondays to Thursdays and between 8 am and 12:30 pm and again between 2:30 to 5 pm on Fridays. On weekends, it is open between 8 am and 5 pm. It is closed on school and public holidays. Entry fees are RM 5 for adults and RM 3 for children.

Located in Taman Sedia, the plateau’s little Church of England or All Souls’ Church was once acknowledged by the early members of its congregation as The Cameron Highlands Church. The history of this establishment can be traced back to the 1950s and in 1958, the church was offered a piece of land that used to adjoin the previous school. The construction of the church commenced in 1958 and was completed in the same year and was named All Souls’ Church.

Overlooking the houses that dot Brinchang town, the Sam Poh Tong Temple is the fourth largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. The temple’s location makes it an exciting spot to click some stunning shots in the backdrop of the picturesque Oriental artefacts and a gorgeous hill view. Featuring beautiful ornamental architecture and a marble-tiled floor, Sam Poh Tong also has plenty of stunning Buddhist and Chinese brass statues. The temple is open from 7 am to 7 pm daily.

The Sri Thendayuthapani Swami Temple is the largest Hindu temple in Cameron Highlands. Located in Brinchang at a height of 1600 metres, the temple is very popular among tourists due to its luxuriously styled colourful building. Chithra Powrnami is a 3-day Tamil ceremony celebrated on a grand scale in the temple. On special occasions, the temple organises free community meals. It also holds rituals for traditional weddings. The temple is mostly visited by the strawberry and tea-picking community of Cameron Highlands. A magnificent new building of the temple was completed recently which houses a grand staircase that leads to the mandapa. Here one will find colourful and intricate Tamil-Nadu-style figurines sculpted by Indian artisans. The temple is open from 6 am to 10:30 pm daily.

The Mah Meri Art Gallery is an interesting art collection located at the Tanah Rata. The art gallery pays homage to the now-dying art of carving masks out of wood. Mah Meri originally translates to jungle man but also has another meaning, which means masked men. This art of carving wood is very intricate and is often considered one of the finest in the world and has received the UNESCO Seal of Excellence. Below the art gallery, there is also a gift shop from where one can buy Mah Meri wood carvings and masks.

Located in Brinchang, Time Tunnel Museum is Malaysia’s first memorabilia museum. Also known as the local museum, it is filled with collectables and memorabilia showcasing what life was like in Malaysia during the pre-war years. The museum has more than 4,000 objects and photographs on display showcased in eight galleries covering an area of about 14,000 sq m. In June 2008, the museum opened a second space in Ipoh’s old town. There are no restrictions to photography at this place. There are two exhibition levels in Time Tunnel Museum. The Aborigine Section compares the lifestyle of the local natives who lived in Cameron Highlands before the arrival of outsiders. Their tools, traps, and handicrafts are displayed on the floor and the walls. The Barber Shop is equipped with items such as mirrors, straight razors, scissors, hair sprays, shavers, hair dryers, clippers, curlers and a broad range of combs, it is a model of a traditional barbershop back in the early days. The Children’s Corner has items that children in those days used. The Jim Thompsom Corner is dedicated to Jim Thompson, the silk king of Thailand. Located in the middle of the museum, this section exhibits the story of Jim Thompson and his baffling disappearance in Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands Chronology showcases how Cameron Highlands has transformed from being a laid-back village to a famous tourist hotspot now after being discovered in 1885 by William Cameron. The Old Kopitiam shows the interior of a traditional old style coffee shop including old but artistic wares used during that time such as chopsticks, ashtrays, coffee cups and many more. The museum is open from 9 am to 6 pm daily and entry fees are RM 5 for adults and RM 3 for children.

Genting Highlands
Only an hour’s drive away from Kuala Lumpur, Genting Highlands is often dubbed the City of Entertainment and is known for its nightlife, luxury hotels, huge shopping complexes and world-class casinos. Resting on the peak of Gunung Ulu Kali, in the Titiwangsa Mountains at an elevation of 1800 meters, Genting Highlands incorporates the First World Hotel which was listed in the Guinness World Book of Records as being the largest hotel in 2006. The only place in Malaysia that offers legal gambling, Genting also has cave temples, amusement parks and a water park. Awana SkyWay and Genting SkyWay are the two accessible cable car services for reaching Genting Highlands.

Genting was established in 1965 by the late Chinese businessman Lim Goh Tong who was inspired by the fresh air in Cameron Highlands during his business trip there in 1963 for a hydroelectric power project. The rationale was that Cameron Highlands was too far away from Kuala Lumpur, and therefore building a mountain resort nearer to Kuala Lumpur would have excellent business potential. After researching Kuala Lumpur’s maps and surrounding areas, Lim identified Mount Ulu Kali in Genting Sempah, 58 km from Kuala Lumpur, to be ideal for his plan.

The primary tourist attraction is Resorts World Genting, a hill resort where casinos and theme parks are situated and where gambling is permitted. Many of Pahang’s skyscrapers can be found in this city. On 18 August 1965, a technical and construction team began to construct the access road from Genting Sempah to the peak of Mount Ulu Kali. On 31 March 1969, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia’s first prime minister, laid the foundation stone for the company’s pioneer hotel, marking the completion of the access road to Genting Highlands Resort. The resort was also granted a casino license the same year by the Malaysian government to develop its gambling industry. An area midway to the peak was turned into the Gohtong Jaya township. In 1971, the first hotel at Genting Highlands was completed and was named Highlands Hotel, now renamed Theme Park Hotel.

Since then, Genting Highlands Resort has expanded, with six more hotels being built by 2017. Two cable car systems were built to provide transport to the hilltop – the Awana Skyway built in 1977 with a length of 2.8 km and the Genting Skyway cable car system built in 1997 with a length of 3.38 km.

There are currently three theme parks at Resort World Genting, Genting SkyWorlds, formerly Genting Outdoor Theme Park, Skytropolis Funland, formerly First World Plaza Indoor Theme Park and Genting Grand Indoor Theme Park. Genting Outdoor Theme Park was opened in 1994 with 31 rides at its peak, including a monorail service, but was closed on 1 September 2013 to make way for the construction of the world’s first 20th Century Fox World. However, due to disputes between Genting Malaysia Berhad, Fox Entertainment Group and The Walt Disney Company over the theme park after the purchase of 20th Century Fox by The Walt Disney Company, Genting and Walt Disney filed civil suits over each other. On the 26 of July 2019, following an agreement between Disney and Fox which granted Genting Malaysia Berhad a license to utilise certain Fox intellectual properties, the theme park was eventually rebranded as Genting SkyWorlds. First World Plaza Indoor Theme Park was opened in 2001 with 12 rides at its peak and was closed from June 2017 to February 2018 for refurbishment. On 8 December 2018, it was opened to the public and rebranded as Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park, with some attractions mimicking older attractions of the former indoor and outdoor theme parks. The theme park also included the first Asian branch of VOID, a US-based operator of unique fully immersive virtual reality attraction, which officially opened on 6 December 2018 on a 7,000 sq ft section of Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park. The Genting Grand Indoor Theme Park was opened in 1992, located on the lower floor of Genting Grand Hotel and consists of two children’s rides and one amusement arcade – Vision City Video Games Park.

Resorts World Genting is the only legal land-based casino area in the country. There are two main casino outlets in the resort, Genting Casino in Genting Grand Complex and Sky Casino in SkyAvenue Mall. Also known as Casino De Genting, the Sky Casino is the largest casino in Genting Highlands. Spread over two levels, the casino is the first land-based casino in Malaysia. The casino house 400 electronic tables, 3000 slot machines and many other games like Blackjack and Roulette. Divided into different themed sections, it offers 24-hour dining services. The Skyline Casino is open to the public, however, entry to foreigners is allowed only if they show their original passports, a photocopy is not accepted. Entry to the third level known as the Silver Club, is allowed only to Silver Card and above Members. It is reserved, more spacious and private. However, first-time international guests of the resort can enter the Silver Club through a Classic Card. Entry is denied to Muslims and people below 21 years and patrons must wear shoes and wear smart casuals or formal attire. The casino is open 24 hours a day.

Genting Snow World is a recreational artificial indoor snow village on Level 2A of First World Plaza. Styled like a winter European village, there’s the setup of an English tea shop, ancient Roman castles, a telephone booth, a pizzeria and a bakery to give the perfect vibe. The most fun thing at Genting Snow World is sliding down on a tube on the Cresta Run Toboggan Slide and the 3D Art attractions. Genting Snow World has locker facilities available to store belongings as well as drying facilities and restrooms. Eatables, slippers, high heels, shorts, baby strollers and wheelchairs are not allowed inside. It is open between 10 am and 10 pm daily and entry fees are RM 45 per person.

Skytropolis Funland is an indoor theme park located at Resort World Genting. Also known as First World Indoor Theme Park, it is popular for the virtual reality centre built by The Void. The park also has about 8 food booths selling snacks and desserts. The ambience at Skytropolis Funland is carnival-like with lit-up colourful neon lights, vibrant music and people walking all around. Skytropolis Funland has more than 20 rides that range from thrilling to family-friendly.

Spin Crazy is the most intense ride in the park. It includes a huge spinning pendulum that takes the rider on a 360 spin up in the air and even stops mid-air for a few seconds to make them scream. Power Surge is another ride for the thrill seeker, similar to Spin Crazy, except that it spins the riders in the air while turning them in alternating clockwise and anti-clockwise motions. An exhilarating ride that one must not miss out on is Disco. It is named Disco because it has a huge spinning disc that swings back and forth along a curved track while rotating rapidly at the same time. The ride may look like a simple one, but it is pretty intense as the speed of the disc keeps increasing. Sky Towers is a classic ride in the form of a drop tower that takes the riders high up before plummeting down suddenly. Space Cadets is yet another ride where one can achieve a flying adventure. The riders are seated on futuristic-looking spaceships and they can control it themselves to go high or low. The ride is ideal for parents as well as kids. Royal Carousel features a double-storey carousel decorated with ornamented horses and chariots that take the riders round and round. The ride is an absolute favourite among the kids. Adult supervision must be ensured for this. Copper Express is a vintage train that gives one a tour of the Skytropolis Funland whizzing on its 61 metres track. Other rides include Balloon Race, Bumper Boss, Boo Boo Bump, Loop de Loop, Ride ‘Em Round and Whirly Bugs.

Along with the fun-filled rides, there is a virtual reality entertainment center within the park, known as The Void. This is where one can experience fighting virtual enemies with their weapons wearing a VR headset and vest. There is a large virtual space that one can roam about. Secrets of the Empire is a VR experience that plunges one into the world of Star Wars Rogue One movie and requires the person to complete the mission by roaming around the molten planet of Mustafa. Disguised as stormtroopers, one can use blaster rifles to fend off giant lava monsters and other stormtroopers, solve puzzles, interact with K-2SO and battle the sinister Darth Vader. The cost of the ride is RM 130. Ralph Breaks VR is inspired by the cartoon movie Wreck It Ralph. There are missions such as saving Ralph by fending off large groups of rabbits and other creatures by shooting them with guns and costs RM 130. Nicodemus: Demon of Evanishment takes one back to 1894 to the site of the decaying Chicago World Fair and costs RM 9p to play. The iconic Ghostbusters VR lets one strap up as a Ghostbusters and fight off the supernatural foes in a New York apartment complex and costs RM 90. Tickets for Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire are available online, while for all others, tickets are available at the counter. It is recommended to visit during the non-peak hours, that is early morning or late at night when it is less crowded. Once provided with the wristbands, they must not be taken off. Wristbands are necessary for accessing the attractions. Removing or tampering them will render them void. It is open from 10 am to 10 pm and entry fees from Monday to Friday are RM 10 while on weekends, public holidays, the eve of public holidays and school holidays, entry fees are RM 15.

Situated in the Sky Avenue of Genting Highlands, the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum is an interactive museum dedicated to all things bizarre. It is home to some of the oddest collectables, weird art and artefacts. There are several kid-friendly activities and rides that young children can enjoy. Lifesize dinosaurs, zombies, replicas of structures and popular cars in a dramatic setting make Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum a must-visit destination. The museum boasts more than 400 mind-boggling exhibits. Set in the Odditorium and other parts of the museum, the bizarre exhibits range from rare artefacts to age-old coins and other collectables from all over the world. The 4D Trick Art Museum is a must-visit as is the Jurassic Research Centre and the Zombie Outbreak. The museum is open between Sunday to Thursday from 10 am to 10 pm and between Friday to Sunday from 10 am to 11 pm. Entry fees are RM 22 for adults and RM 8 for children. The entry fee does not include the cost of individual attractions. The 4D Trick Art Museum is priced at RM 38 for an adult and RM 33 for a child while the Jurassic Research Center costs RM 51 for an adult and RM 40 for a child. The Zombie Outbreak entry fees are RM 38 for adults and RM 33 for children.

The Arena of Stars, located in the vicinity of Resorts World Genting, is one of the largest musical amphitheatres in Malaysia. Accommodating almost 6000 audiences at a given time, this is where all the major musical events in Genting Highlands take place. The high-roofed amphitheatre is fully equipped with technological light and sound systems as well as a newly installed automated stage. The Arena of Stars also conducts special shows during the festive season and the holiday seasons. It is open from 6 am to 11 pm every day.

The SkySymphony Theatre of Light and Sound is a kinetic light performance installation in SkyAvenue Mall. It is Asia’s largest performance display, with a thousand winch balls suspended from a four-storey-high ceiling. Built in 2006, this display is a part of the free attractions at Resort World Genting. The multi-coloured balls create floating models of flowers, animals and a variety of other interesting shapes. The LED screens around the atrium provide an outstanding visual experience, combined with brilliant music and animation. With an engaging mix of music, motion graphics and visuals, this spectacle is perfect for families with children and shoppers. Shows run every hour, from 10 am to midnight.

Awana SkyWay is a state-of-the-art cable system located at the peak of Genting Highlands. The 2.8 km gondola ride offers amazing views of the 130 million-year-old rainforest and the 20th Century Fox World Malaysia. The gondolas connect 3 stations – Awana, Chin Wee and SkyAvenue, and take just 10 minutes to reach the SkyAvenue from Awana. There are 2 types of gondolas available. The standard gondola has a capacity of up to 10 persons and the glass-floored gondola can accommodate 6 persons. The SkyWay runs from 7 am to midnight. The standard gondola costs RM per person one way and RM 16 for a return trip. The express standard gondola costs RM 40 one way, while the chartered standard gondola costs RM 300 one way. The glass floor gondola costs RM 50 one way and the chartered glass floor gondola costs RM 500 one way. Children below the height of 90 cm are provided free entry.

The Genting SkyWay is Asia’s longest gondola lift connecting the two terminals located at Gohtong Jaya and Resort Hotel. The 3.38-km-long cabled route uphill takes about 15 minutes to cover which allows the visitors to get a magnificent view of the city beneath them. With the use of high-quality electronic equipment, the newest safety-approved structure and design and multiple safety trial runs, the Genting SkyWay proudly stands as the safest gondola lifts in the nation. Operating from 7 am to midnight, the gondola costs RM 8 for a one-way ride.

Located in Bandar Gohtong Jaya, the Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm is the biggest in Malaysia comprising several fruit farms and flower gardens. It offers a wide range of organically produced fresh fruits and vegetables with over 10,000 plants. Visitors can get their hands on fresh strawberries from the farm, pluck them from the orchards or purchase strawberries from the farm’s marketplace. One of the major attractions at Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm is the Lavender Garden fitted with a unique fountain and rows of blooming lavender. Boxes of strawberries, strawberry candies, tins of strawberry juice and strawberry jam, all made of fresh strawberries can be purchased at the farm store. The Farm also houses a small section of abalone mushrooms, also referred to as King Oysters, in its Mushroom Farm for observation as well as purchase. In the adjoining nurseries, herbs, flowers, hydroponic vegetables and mushrooms are also planted for commercial use. The vegetables, mushrooms and flowers grown here are exported to different cities throughout the country. The farm is open from 9 am to 6:30 pm during the week from Monday to Saturday while on Sunday, it is open from 9 am to 7 pm. Entry fees are RM 10 for adults and RM 7 for children below 12.

The World of Phalaenopsis is the largest grower of Phalaenopsis orchid, a tropical plant, in Malaysia. This farm is located in Ulu Yam, Batang Kali near Genting Highlands and has over 390 varieties of exotic orchids. It is known for growing over 390 varieties of orchids, in different hues of yellow, purple, white and pink. Apart from exporting the flowers to high-end restaurants and hotels around the globe, the farm is open to the public. The farm is open from 8 am to 5 pm daily.

The Lim Goh Tong Memorial Hall is a monument built to honour Tan Sri Dato Seri Lim Goh Tong, the late founder of Genting Highlands and a prominent Malaysian entrepreneur. It is set in a private park. A wooden sculpture of Goh Tong sits atop brilliantly coloured flowers near his tomb, with a beautiful panelled backdrop depicting the landscape of Genting Highlands. A gurgling fountain and stunning views of the valley make this an ideal photo op. A store nearby sells quick snacks and souvenirs as well. One gets to learn about the history of the world-renowned resorts, theme parks, and casinos located within this cool highland area. The hall is open between 8 am to 10 pm and has no entry fees.

The Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre is a conservation facility located in Lanchang town, about 90 km from Genting Highlands. Home to Asiatic elephants from Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Indonesia, the centre provides a fascinating insight into the world of elephant conservation. Opened to the public in 1989, the Centre helps rehabilitate elephants from the nearby rainforests. One can join these gentle giants on their daily routine, and get a chance to bathe and feed them too. They can learn about how they were rescued and adopted from different areas, understand the nuances of protection programs for these endangered species and interact with the mahouts and visit the museum and learn all there is to know about these tuskers. Functioning as a resort and training facility for orphaned and relocated elephants, the centre is perfect for families with children and nature lovers. Arguably the most exciting activity at the Centre, one can wash, scrub and bathe young elephants under supervision. This is ideal for older children and young adults. Note that elephant bathing is subject to water flow in the river, and may be suspended without notice. One should bring along a change of clothes if one wants to bathe the elephants. There is a changing facility available nearby. The half-hour presentation is a collaboration with National Geographic, to showcase the perils faced by these pachyderms and the conservation efforts in place. At the elephant crossing, one can watch the elephants parade with their mahouts as they get their daily dose of exercise and is a great photo-op. One can opt for an authorised guide to be shown around the Centre for a price of MYR 50. The Nature Guides give a local perspective on the conservation and care of elephants. If getting up close and personal with the elephants doesn’t seem too appealing, one can stay at the observation deck and watch them from a distance. This is recommended for small children who may be too afraid of these animals. Elephant feeding is perfect for children eager to interact with the pachyderms. Supervised by mahouts, feed elephants sugarcane, coconuts, papayas, and hay. This is the perfect time to get some photos with these gentle giants as well. The museum at Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre has great displays on elephant anatomy, conservation efforts and the history of the region. There is a charming exhibit about the story of how elephants evolved and their interaction with humankind.

It is recommended to reach the Centre early morning, around 10:00 AM, to take part in all the activities offered. It is best to visit the Centre during the weekdays as it tends to get crowded Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The centre is open from 8 am to 12:30 pm and again between 2:30 and 4:30 pm on Fridays while it is open from 8 am to 1 pm and then from 2:30 to 4:30 pm between Saturday to Thursday. Elephant observation is from 10:30 am to noon and then between 3:15 to 4:30 pm. The video presentation runs between 1 to 2 pm while the elephant crossing is between 3 to 3:15 pm. To interact with mahouts, one needs to be there between 2:30 and 3 pm while the elephants bathe between 3:15 to 4:30 pm. Entry fees are RM 10 for adults and RM 5 for children.

The Awana Horse Ranch is ideal for a weekend getaway with friends and family and is part of the Awana Golf and Country Club. Visitors can choose a horse from a large collection and take a thrilling ride across Genting Highlands. Awana Horse Ranch also organises horse races where tourists can enjoy and feel the thumping sound of running horses in the picturesque landscape.

The Chin Swee Caves Temple is a Taoist temple constructed to pay respects to the Reverend Chin Swee who is believed to muster rain and protect his devotees from evil spirits. The location of the temple on top of a rocky hill affords a sweeping panoramic view. Sitting 4600 feet above sea level, the temple complex houses huge statues of Lord Buddha and Goddess Kuan Yin along with intricate animal sculptures and Chinese inscriptions. The main highlight of Chin Swee Cave Temple is the depiction of 10 chambers of hell. The temple is also the location for the only vegetarian restaurant in Genting Highlands serving authentic Chin Swee Vegetarian Cuisine complemented by picturesque views. Adorned with the figures of the Buddha, a nine-storey Pagoda stands right next to the entrance of the temple. It consists of 10,000 blessing lamps which can be dedicated to the people that the devotees wish to be blessed by Buddha. An integral part of the expansion project, the Sky Terrace, also referred to as Place for Heavenly Offering, provides visitors with a mesmerising experience of walking among the clouds of heaven. The statue of Guan Yin with the base square of the statue extending to the enormous statue of Buddha next to a small Buddhist Temple, known as Buddha Hall. The 10 Chambers of Hell is a series of 10 chambers present on the hill upwards that work towards putting a stop to bad conduct. A journey through these chambers is believed to be a journey of enlightenment showcasing the pain and inconvenience that an evil person would have to come across in hell. Each chamber deals with a type of evil deeds and punishments. As one moves up the hill, there is an incarnation of Seven Fairies which are supposed to have descended from heaven to bless the devotees. In line with the fairies are Wang-mo-liang-liang or Mother Goddess and the three Gods of Fook-Lok-Sou which mean Luck, Wisdom and Longevity in a chariot. At the entrance of the temple, the Nine Color Dragon Wall of Luck acknowledges the visitors with all the different dragons representing a different type of luck. The exterior walls of the temple are inscribed with craft portraying the life journey of Reverend Chin Swee and his supernatural works. The Dragon Mineral Water present in the temple is trusted to have holy water which has the power to heal sick people. A statue of Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong erected by Chin Swee Caves Temple Building Society is present behind the Buddhist Temple in honour of the exemplary contribution of Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong to the temple.
The inscriptions behind the statue describe the intensive role of the man as a leader of the Anxi Clan and the greatest contributor to the construction of the temple. The temple is open from 9 am to 7 pm daily.

The Mohamed Noah Foundation Mosque is the only mosque in Genting Highlands and was opened in 1981. This mosque also acts as the rest area for Muslims to perform their prayers during, before or after vacation to Genting Highlands. It was named after Tan Sri Mohammad Noah, a Malaysian politician, and one of the founders of Genting Highlands with Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong.

Bukit Tinggi
Bukit Tinggi is a small town located along the Kuala Lumpur–Karak Expressway, notable for its famous restaurants that lure visitors coming from Genting Highlands. The town features a French-themed village, Colmar Tropicale. Lying about 800 metres above sea level, the temperature in the town is between 22 and 26 degrees Celsius.

Colmar Tropicale is a French-themed village and hotel located in Berjaya Hills Resort. It is located 2,600 feet above sea level on 80 acres of natural forestland. The development is inspired by the original town of Colmar in Alsace, France, with elements taken from ancient surrounding villages like Riquewihr, Turckheim and Kaysersberg as well. There are many activities to do at Colmar Tropicale. The little French buildings and houses are clusters of hotel rooms. Outside, there is the village, a buffet, other French food restaurants, a swimming pool, shops and other activities. There is a free shuttle service to the Animal House, Adventure Park, Horse Riding Zone, Japanese Garden and the Botanical Garden.

Our journey in Pahang comes to an end. The next state to explore will be the state of Selangor, so watch this space.

Travel Bucket List: Malaysia Part 13 – Pahang Part 3

Posted on September 22, 2023 by memoriesandsuch

Cherating
A coastal town, which is one of the wettest places in Malaysia, Cherating is famous for its beach resorts. Cherating also has the distinction of being the location of Asia’s first Club Med. This town is a Malaysian seasonal destination famous for white-sand beaches, surfing and windsurfing. Cherating’s Bay is an ideal spot for swimming most of the year, while surfing is popular during the monsoon months. Outside of the surf season, Cherating is quite empty which only adds to the appeal. The best time to visit Cherating would be the dry season, between April to October as there are heavy monsoons here that might end up disrupting the trip.

The major attraction of Cherating is the giant leatherback turtles which migrate yearly to reside on the beaches here. The showstoppers, however, are the mystical fireflies which reside on the trees along the banks of the rivers. Cherating has a cultural village which sells traditional textiles and handicrafts. There is a turtle sanctuary located on Cherating’s beaches. The turtles lay their eggs in July and August.

The Fireflies Tour is an hour-and-a-half-long boat tour which takes one through the waters of Cherating and explores the beauty of this popular beach town. The river cruise begins at 8 pm and has a fee of RM 35 per adult and RM 25 per child. The Malaysian Peninsula has only two natural lakes, both of which flow through Pahang and Lake Chini is one of them. It is Malaysia’s second-largest lake and is made up of a series of 12 smaller lakes. A tour of the lake takes one on a calm, serene ride through the lake with the tour guide reminiscing about the stories of the mythical dragon who lives in the lake and is the guardian of the lost city of gold which was once located underwater. The tour takes around 6.5 hours starting from any time between 8 am and 9:30 pm. The tour fee is 270 RM to 355 RM per child; and RM 520 to RM 757 per adult. An ATV ride lets one jump into one of the all-terrain vehicles and breeze through the beautiful sand beaches of Cherating. The ride fee is about RM 90 per person. At Cherating, one must not miss the opportunity to surf on the beautifully crested waves. There are many beachside surf clubs open for all which rent out surfing boards and surfing safety minikits.

At the Cherating Turtle Sanctuary, one is allowed to watch the nesting turtles and also witness the return of the ones who migrate to the east-coast every year, but only under the expert supervision of the turtle rangers of the Cherating Turtle Sanctuary. There are special areas on the shore where these giant turtles come to lay their eggs and then head back towards the sea. This process can be observed more frequently during the months from May through September ideally when the tide is hidden. Visitors can take a tour which takes between 3.5 and 4 hours to complete and is free, but if one wants to set up a tent to observe their daily behaviour, the fee is RM 30 per person. The Mangrove Cruise on the Cherating River is an hour-and-a-half-long cruise that gives one the chance to learn about the importance of mangroves in the ecosystem and the ways to protect them. Taking 90 minutes to complete, it costs RM 35 per adult and RM 25 per child.

Chendor Beach is a white sand beach with shallow and clear waters that provide a beautiful picturesque destination. The well-maintained beach is just the perfect place to unwind leisurely and hang out with your friends and family, especially during the mesmerizing sunrise and sundown. The beach is well known for surfing.

Tioman Island
Lying about 32 km off the east coast of Malaysia, Tioman Island is 39 km long and 12 km wide and has seven villages, the largest and most populous being Kampung Tekek on the central western coast. The densely forested island is sparsely inhabited and is surrounded by numerous coral reefs, making it a popular scuba diving, snorkelling, and surfing spot. There are many resorts and chalets for tourists around the island, which has duty-free status. The island is accessed via ferry service from the coastal town of Mersing.

Tioman has been used for thousands of years by Austronesian fishermen as an essential navigation point and a source of fresh water and wood. During the past thousand years, it has played host to Chinese, Arab, and European trading ships, and often Chinese porcelain shards can be found on beaches around the island. In more recent history, Tioman played host to both the British and the Japanese navies during the Second World War. As a result, the waters around the island are littered with war remains, including HMS Repulse and HMS Prince of Wales. The island does not allow buildings to have more than three stories.

The marine area around Tioman Island and eight other nearby islands have been declared as marine parks and marine reserves. Apart from its diverse marine life, the inland rainforest area was protected in 1972 as the Pulau Tioman Wildlife Reserve. However, a large part of the original reserve was sacrificed for agricultural and touristic development in 1984; the remaining area is approximately 8,296 hectares. There are several protected species of mammals on the island, including the binturong, long-tailed macaque, slow loris, black giant squirrel, red giant flying squirrel, mouse deer, brush-tailed porcupine, and common palm civet, from a total of 45 species of mammals and 138 species of birds, including the majestic frigatebird. Tioman also has species that are endemic to its shores. The Tioman walking catfish Clarias batu can be seen on rainforest walks. The Kajang slender litter frog is only known to be found in Mount Kajang.

Tioman’s corals have been affected by a mass bleaching event in 2010 whereby the island lost a significant portion of its live coral cover. That resulted in many corals turning a dull white colour and some even fragmenting into pieces of dead coral skeleton. The 2016 bleaching event only touched on Tioman’s coral reefs, and as such, the coral has remained in good and healthy condition.

According to legend, Tioman Island is the resting place of a beautiful dragon princess. Whilst flying to visit her prince in Singapore, this beautiful maiden stopped to seek solace in the crystal-clear waters of the South China Sea. Enraptured by the charms of the place, she decided to discontinue her journey. By taking the form of an island, she pledged to offer shelter and comfort to passing travellers. Local mythology claims that the island is the embodiment of the mighty dragon Sri Gumom. The dragon was on his way to visit his sister Gunung Linga or Lingin Peak. Still, the great Sri Rama forbade the meeting, and Sri Gumom was turned into a stone and fell into the deep sea where he now remains, frozen in eternity as this beautiful island with its distinctive topography.

Like mainland Malaysia, Tioman Island has a hot and humid climate, with sunny afternoons and warm evenings but cool nights. Temperatures are usually consistent and the calm weather peppered with occasional showers and storms. The tourist season peaks between May and August, when the weather generally displays the least rainfall. The monsoon winds begin to blow in October, bringing heavy rain and strong waves till January which is the start of the surfing season. During this time, ferries run once a day, while only a few hotels will open at discounted rates. Still sparsely populated, most villages are connected by sea taxi or speedboat or jungle trail, which means visitors usually stay at their first ferry stop for the entire trip.

Among the seven villages, Air Batang Village, more commonly referred to as ABC Village, Juara and Kampung Tekek are the prime destinations. Kampung Telek is the administrative centre and the largest village of Tioman Island. It is the major spot connecting the island to Mersing and Tanjung Gemok through ferries. Tioman Airport is also located in Kampung Tekek. Sunbathing at Paya beach, rustic relaxation at Genting Village, surfing at Juara Beach, hiking to Asah Waterfall, snorkelling at Salang and a visit to a Marine Park Information Center is a must.

Overseas visitors to Tioman Island, are required to pay the Marine Park Fee which is RM 30. The most common way of getting to Tioman Island is by ferry from Mersing. Note that an entry fee of RM 10 known as Tioaman Toll has to be paid here. Ferries from Tanjung Gemok to Tioman Island need not pay a toll.

Paya is a small village with a beach on Tioman’s west coast. It’s a popular tourist spot, especially for Singaporean visitors and families, with two major resorts and a small-budget hotel providing chalet accommodation. The beach area stretches slightly more than half a km and is a beautiful expanse of fine white sand fringed by gentle seas. The deeper waters off the jetty and neighbouring Tomok Island are where living coral reefs reside for snorkelling activities, while cooling mountain streams, spectacular boulder formations and lush rainforest views occupy Paya’s hilly backyard, with a dramatic view of Gunung Kajang. The village is named after its abundance of mangrove swamps or paya in the local language. Behind the tatty wooden huts and homes along the beach, a shallow river feeds through a rich mangrove landscape, with boats parked at deeper sections under the shade of a thick forest canopy. Nature lovers will appreciate the rich rainforest scenery, with a jungle trail from Tioman Paya Resort that leads to Rock Falls, a rocky stream with small pools for swimming. At the northern end of the village, visitors can follow another trail across a moderate slope that ends at a beach, Teluk Sri Intan and then continue their journey on a gravel road to the TAT Turtle Sanctuary, before exiting out to Tekek town through Berjaya Tioman Resort. Finally, at the southern end of Paya, a partly paved jungle trail leads to Genting Village.

Genting is a large village along the west coast of Pulau Tioman, located between Paya and Nipah Village. It occupies a 1.5 km stretch of beach with a hilly backyard of lush rainforest. A favourite spot for mainland locals and Singaporean tourists, Genting has a sizeable collection of budget hotels and local restaurants clumped tightly along the beachfront. Weekends usually bustling with activity, people and karaoke music throughout the night. The sea here is moderately rocky, but the waters are clear while the large boulders give the landscape some aesthetic character. Most of the resorts offer chalet-based accommodations that spill along hill slopes from the beach.

Tekek is the largest village of Pulau Tioman, located along a 3 km coastal stretch at the island’s central west between Paya and Ayer Batang. Essentially its capital and progressively being developed into a proper town, Tekek has basic modern infrastructure. It is also the gateway to Juara by overland transfer and a hub for duty-free shopping. Tekek also has the largest concentration of dive centres, with most offering full board accommodation. Tourist attractions in the area include the Marine Park while restaurants and hawker stalls are widely available.

Salang is a popular beach destination north of Pulau Tioman, located along the west coast in a secluded bay. It attracts large crowds of global backpackers and is a great place for meeting people across the world over beer or two, with a good range of budget hotels along the beach and countryside. Salang is also a diver’s den, being the closest village to many reef sites and wrecks around Tioman, including Coral Island, Chebeh, Batu Malang and Fan Canyon. The last stop on the Mersing ferry route, Salang offers a good range of tourist facilities, activities and conveniences, backed by lush rainforest surroundings. The sea waters within this peaceful bay have great visibility, with warm stretches of sand along the shore and vibrant coral reefs under the ocean.

Air Batang, or ABC Village as it’s popularly known, is a rural village along the west coast of Pulau Tioman, immediately north of Tekek. Located south of Panuba Bay and 3 km before Salang via the jungle trail, the village is a traditional backpacker hideout, with a high concentration of budget hotels offering basic accommodation, though quite a few resorts have upgraded their chalets in recent years. The beach is a linear 1.5 km stretch of sand, with emerald clear waters and lush landscapes. At low tide, the seabed reveals a pretty carpet of boulders, pebbles and rocks of various sizes. A few dive centres operate within the vicinity while local and western food is easy to be found. A quick boardwalk connects the west end of Air Batang to the Marine Park directly.

Pulau Tulai is a small island off the coast of Tioman, more popularly known as Coral Island. Located about eight nautical miles north of Tioman’s west coast, the island can be seen clearly from the beachfront of Salang Village, the closest access point by speedboat. It is almost always included in any round-island snorkelling trip offered by tour operators and hotels. A favourite snorkelling spot, the sea waters around the island are rich with coral reefs and marine life while some famous dive sites can be found within its vicinity, such as Chebeh. Tour boats will land first at Pasir Panjang, the longest beach stretch on the island with relatively shallow waters. A second or third snorkelling session later will lead to Genting Bay and Batu Malang Rocks for deep water coral viewing.

Pulau Renggis is a small island that sits off the coast of Tekek Village. A popular snorkelling spot included in most round-island tour packages, Renggis offers great visibility in relatively shallow sea waters, approximately 20 meters, abundant coral reefs, colourful marine fish and the opportunity to swim with resident harmless black-tip baby sharks. Sometimes, visitors can also spot sea turtles resting along the sea bed.

Monkey Bay is a beautiful beach tucked behind Salang Village, accessible by a speedboat or a jungle trail. This sweeping bay has a beautiful beach with a calm pool of seawater and lush rainforest surroundings. It’s also an optional snorkelling spot on round-island tours by speedboat from any village, but visitors can also hike there in an hour from Salang. Conversely, the trail connects to Air Batang or ABC Village. Starting from there, it is an undulating two-hour trail through Panuba Bay and Monkey Beach before it hits the bay. As the trail is sometimes obscure, one should always follow the path that winds closest to the electric poles. Visitors who make the hike are rewarded by a sweeping beachfront that is secluded and tranquil.

Marine Park is a coral sanctuary at Tekek located at its east edge, with an information centre opposite the beachfront that highlights Pulau Tioman’s underwater heritage. A popular snorkelling spot for tourists on round-island tours, the marine park has a limited number of coral reefs in the deeper waters, though there is a great amount of marine fish. A jetty extends from the small beach area, allowing visitors to walk out to the reefs and feed the fish without getting wet if they so desire; most will be snorkelling. Entrance to the marine park and the information centre is free; both are open from 9:30 am to 6 pm daily. During the monsoon months, the information centre is closed but the marine park remains open.

One of the finest waterfalls on Tioman Island, the Asah waterfall is located at the semi-abandoned village of Kampung Asah off Mukut village and offers breathtaking views from the top. A beautiful cascade drops into a pool hemmed in by granite slabs, the waterfall is nestled within the lush greenery of Tioman’s rainforest. Often included in the itinerary of tour packages from speedboat operators and hotels, visitors can access the waterfall park via the jungle trail from Mukut.

The famous Dragon Horns or Twin Peaks of Gunung Semukut, a mountain at Mukut Village, is Pulau Tioman’s most striking natural landmark. These two giant monoliths tower over the south coast of Tioman at approximately 700 meters high, with sharp pinnacles that resemble the horns of a dragon. One of Malaysia’s most sought-after rock climbing destinations, a trail begins from the base at Mukut Village and splits into different routes to attack different points of the mountain.

The Juara Turtle Project or JTP is a sea turtle conservation centre at Juara Village, providing education to locals and visitors on the eco-management of this endangered marine species. The centre also runs a volunteer programme complete with half-board accommodation to help with patrols, research, repairs, cleaning, tour guiding, and turtle egg collection, incubation and release of hatchlings. Turtle nesting season lies between March and October; during this time, JTP volunteers roam around the island for wild nests, collect the eggs and transfer them to a hatchery for incubation. The babies are released to sea when hatched successfully. During the day between 10 am and 5 pm, the centre organises a guided conservation talk at a donation fee of MYR10 per pax.

TAT or the Tengku Arif Temenggung Turtle Sanctuary is a turtle hatchery and conservation centre at Tekek Village, located along the gravel trail to Paya Village after the Berjaya Tioman Resort. Hidden on a beautiful secluded beachfront at Teluk Sri Intan Bay, the sanctuary comes under the royal patronage of Pahang together with the Department of Fisheries Malaysia. Currently, volunteers from the Juara Turtle Project collect the eggs laid during nesting season between March and October, transport them to their incubation site at Juara, and then release them back here once hatched. Visitors are free to visit and enjoy the beach at all hours but should be mindful to keep it clean.

Travel Bucket List: Malaysia Part 12 – Pahang Part 2

Posted on September 15, 2023 by memoriesandsuch

Pekan
Pahang’s royal capital, Pekan’s name comes from a flower, the Bunga Pekan. It is the home of the state’s royal family headed by Sultan Abdullah of Pahang and also the hometown of Malaysia’s second Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, and his son, the sixth Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, both of whom were Members of Parliament from Pekan.

According to local lore, a flowering plant named Bunga Pekan used to grow wild along the banks of the Pahang River, and the town was named after it. The flower is said to be white like jasmine, though this particular plant species is also said to have become extinct. The river at Pekan town is also called Pekan River, however, there is no evidence that Pekan derived its name from this river. Other sources say the name Pekan came from Pekan Sehari or Sunday Market which still exists today, and the word Sehari was eventually omitted and the locals simply called it Pekan.

Pekan is thought to have been in existence since the time of the old Pahang Kingdom. The old name was Inderapura, although it was also commonly known by the short form Pura, which some Malays called Pekan. The old capital was located on both the left and right banks of the Sungai Pahang and the Sungai Pahang Tua up to Tanjung Langgar. The town was divided into Pekan Baharu and Pekan Lama, New and Old Pekan respectively, and the old name for Pekan Baharu used to be Kampung Cina. During the late 19th century, relations between the sultan and local villagers were close. The villagers at Kampong Mengkasar, about one km from Pekan in the direction of Kuantan, are said to be direct descendants of Tok Tuan from Makassar in Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Pekan Lama which means Old Pekan is situated on the banks of Sungai Parit which flows to Sungai Pekan. Early settlement of shops first started here and the original wooden structure of these shops can still be seen today around Pekan Lama. Istana Pantai was once located here, but it is no longer around and the site is now occupied by the Majlis Agama Islam Daerah Pekan building. Bangunan UMNO Pekan Lama is situated nearby and had been on that site since the 1960s.

The Sultan Abu Bakar Museum displays many artefacts which are important in the state’s history and the local Malay culture. The museum was officially opened by Sultan Ahmad Shah in October 1976 and is located in the former residence of the British Resident, built in 1929. It was acquired by the Sultan of Pahang in 1948 and renamed Kota Beram Palace. In 1965, the Sultan moved his residence to a new palace, the Abu Bakar Palace, where the current Royal Palace is situated.

The museum was officially opened to the public in October 1976, in conjunction with the birthday celebrations of the Sultan of Pahang. The museum expanded its collections of artefacts very actively up to 1997 and the locals surrendered and provided as gifts certain unique artefacts to the museum. One example is a keris, a type of Malay dagger, which was found by a young man in a river about 20 km from Pekan. This particular keris drew a lot of attention, coupled with strange stories of its mystical prowess and is still on display at the museum. The museum has dedicated galleries focusing on water transportation, and the personal belongings of the late Sultan Abu Bakar and the late Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tengku Afzan. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 9 am and 5 pm.

An old mosque from the 1930s, now renovated into a museum, the Muzium Masjid Sultan Abdullah is located by the Pahang River and is the country’s first mosque turned museum. The museum is divided into three thematic zones and is popular for its stunning Moorish architecture. The museum showcases symmetry and repetition in architecture with a long rectangular pool in the museum at the front making the ambience even more serene. Visitors can experience Malaysian heritage through the displayed artefacts, graphics and illustrations, calligraphy, and floor tiles pattern. The museum is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm.

Pekan is home to the Chiefs’ Rest House. This wooden structure was completed in 1926 and is a must-visit site in Pekan. It was originally built by the British as a guest house for the Chieftains in Pahang who visited Pekan to attend meetings and events at the Istana. Today, the Chiefs’ Rest House offers good, clean and reasonable accommodations to travellers. Most of the furniture in this building was brought over from the Istana. It is advisable to reserve the room in advance, as it can be packed during school holidays, weekends and whenever there are functions in the Istana. The Chiefs’ Rest House is located along Jalan Istana Abu Bakar in Pekan along the road approaching the Istana area.

The Royal Pahang Silk Weaving Centre is located in Palau Keladi village and visitors can witness the process of weaving silk and understand the art of weaving silk here. A perfect destination to understand Malaysian fabric, the Royal Pahang Silk Weaving Centre has a large collection of fabrics suitable for both formal and informal events. Existing for more than two centuries, only the cultural village of Palu Keladi practices the traditional weaving methods of silk, passed from one generation to the other.

The Pekan Riverfront is a beautiful public park that faces the Pekan River. Situated close to Jalan Sultan Ahmad, the public park also houses food stalls and gazebos and is dotted with rows of coconut trees. While the park surroundings and the blissful Pekan River are a true treat to the eye, the beautiful arch-shaped structure that is constructed at the entrance further accentuates its beauty. Short cruises also occasionally operate here. One can also indulge in fishing at the Pekan Riverfront. The stretch by the river bank from the Abu Bakar Royal Mosque heading towards the Sultan Abu Bakar Museum is Pekan’s Heritage Route.

Lake Chini, better known locally as Tasik Chini is a series of 12 freshwater lakes and is Malaysia’s second-biggest natural freshwater lake. Home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna, Lake Chini sprawls over an area of 12,565 acres and is inhabited by the Jakun branch of the Orang Asli tribe of Malaysia. It is also one of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve sites in Peninsular Malaysia. The lake is about 70 km from Pekan. Chini River, which drains from the lake, flows into the Pahang River. The river is dammed to maintain the lake’s depth during the dry season. However, this has disrupted the natural ecology of the lake and caused the death of trees on its shores due to elevated water levels.

The lake is endowed with a rich bio-diversified lush tropical wilderness that is home to 138 species of flora, 300 species of non-aquatic life and 144 species of freshwater fish. Between August and September, the lake is transformed into a floating garden with thousands of white and pink lotus flowers covering the surface. The lake is steeped in myths and legends that have remained unexplained to this day. According to an Orang Asli legend, the lake is inhabited by a dragon called the Naga Seri Gumum, sometimes referred to as Malaysia’s Loch Ness Monster. It is believed that there is an ancient sunken Khmer city at the bottom of the lake.

Bukit Ketaya, a hill next to the lake is the site of iron ore mining. The Orang Asli who live on the banks of Tasik Chini complain that the lake has become polluted. Fish caught in the lake have become unfit to eat and the Orang Asli people cannot go to areas to collect roots used in traditional medicine because the areas have been closed for mining. In 2021, the government announced an end to mining around the lake. Lake Chini also features a resort with a restaurant, jungle trekking paths and a boat station. Boat trips are available by various routes around the lake. Prices differ according to the chosen routes which are between 45 minutes to 3 hours.

Nearby the Royal Pahang Polo Field is a long-established Islamic college, known as Kuliah Sultan Abu Bakar or the Sultan Abu Bakar Kulliyyah. It has produced eminent scholars all over the state and Malaysia. Its students consistently further their studies at the Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt. Other places of interest include the Royal Palace or the Sultan Abu Bakar Palace, the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Mosque, the Royal Mausoleum, the Royal Pahang Polo Field close to the Palace, the Royal Pekan Golf Club, the birthplace of late Tun Abdul Razak at Kampung Pulau Keladi and the Pahang Royal Silk Weaving Centre.

Sungai Lembing
Located about 26 km northwest of Kuantan, Sungai Lembing used to contain the world’s deepest underground tin mines. There is an interesting Tin Museum in the former mining town and just north of the Tin Museum is a hanging bridge, known as Jambatan Bergantung. Access to the bridge is via a narrow, winding road at the base of the entrance to the Tin Museum. There is another hanging bridge on the outskirts of the town that is visible from the main road. Panorama Hill which provides an impressive pre-dawn view is also close-by. On the Kuantan-Sungai Lembing road at the hamlet of Pancing, there is a limestone mountain which houses a large reclining Buddha in one of its caves, known as Charah Cave. The highest peak, Gunung Tapis, also can be accessed from here. In Malay, Sungai means river and Lembing means spear.

Rainbow Waterfall is a dreamy spray-like 30-meter fall offering a lovely view of a rainbow in the morning hours. Accessible via an easy 45-minute hike, at the fall, the water flows at a very low speed and the sunlight hitting the waterfall leads to the formation of the rainbow. It is visible usually between 9 and 11 am. Known as the largest multi-tiered waterfall in Peninsular Malaysia, the Sungai Pandan Waterfall is located in Hutan Lipur Sungai Pandan, a forest reservation area. It is considered the most beautiful fall in Malaysia with a suspension bridge over the natural pool offering amazing views of the falls cascading down the rocks. The Berkelah Falls is a magnificent 7-tiered waterfall. While it’s advised to be extra careful on the hike to the upper falls, those wishing for adventure can always try and get to all the tiers, swim at all the base pools and conquer the falls with a picture at each tier. The water is quite cold and the current can get strong.

Offering spectacular views of Sungai Lembing and the distant hills, Bukit Panorama makes for a hill worth climbing. Around 1100 steps on cemented staircases and hand railings in between and one is on top of the 271 meters high hill with a gorgeous view of a blanket of clouds shielding the town. It will take around 15-60 minutes depending on the stamina to climb the hill. The Mount Tapis Nature Park promises an adventurous visit here with its jungle treks, camping sites and hot springs with the rivers perfect for fishing.

Deerland Park is a privately owned deer park housing over 30 Indonesian deer, rabbits, peacocks, ostriches, Bengal cats and a Burmese python. The park is a good place to visit with kids. Open between 10:30 am and 5:30 pm, entry fees to the park is RM 5 for adults and RM 3 for children under 12 years.

The Sungai Lembing Tin Mine is the biggest underground tin mine in the world measuring as long as 322 km. The tour through the mines will give visitors a chance to experience a time when tin mining was in full swing. Starting with a ride on a tram, similar to the ones used by miners, the tour involves exploring the mines on foot after the ride.

Muzium Sungai Lembing is a museum that throws light on the illustrious tin mining era of Sungai Lembing. Overlooking the Kenai River, the colonial architectural building houses more than 100 tin-related mining equipment. The museum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and the ticket is RM 5 and RM 2 for Non-Malaysian adults and children respectively. Crystal House displays a collection of over 3000 crystalline stone pieces. These pieces have been collected by an ex-tin miner, Mr Lee Yon, from the Sungai Lembing Tin Mine and Panching over 19 years. It is open daily between 11 am and 6 pm and tickets are priced at RM 2 for adults and RM 1 for children.

Raub
One of Pahang’s oldest towns, Raub is historically a gold mining settlement and was founded in the 18th century. The mining town was named Raub after a group of miners found a handful of gold in every tray of sand they dug. According to one account, for every dulang of sand, there was a handful or raub of gold. Thus, the town and the district derived their name from the Malay word raub which means a scoop.

Raub became famous in the early 20th century for its gold. At that time, gold mining in Raub was operated by the Raub Australian Gold Mine, a company registered in 1889 in Queensland, Australia. The company was initially known as Australian Syndicate Ltd and later as Australian Gold Mining Co. Ltd in 1892 and operated until 1961.

The mining method used in Raub is shaft mining which started at the Raub Hole and the area is now known as Bukit Koman. A new company, Peninsular Gold, has restarted gold mining at the Raub mine. Initially, the company recovered gold from the tailings dumps from the old mine, but started mining fresh ore again in 2011. A major drilling campaign is in progress, exploring additional resources adjacent to and below the old mine.

There are a lot of British-style buildings in Raub, especially along Mason Road, now known as Jalan Tengku Abdullah. Most of the buildings in Raub were built during the pre-World War II era. Some examples of the pre-war buildings in Raub are the old Police Station of Raub built in 1906 and the Raub District Council Building.

After the gold mines were depleted, the main economic activity of Raub is agriculture. The durians grown in Raub are probably the best in Malaysia and the town is styled as the durian capital of Malaysia attracting a steady stream of visitors, especially tourists from Singapore and China.

The Lata Jarum Waterfalls is a perfect spot for family outings offering a small trek in the forest reaching the cascading waterfalls while one can hear the forest creatures. Pulau Chekas is an ideal place for a recreational weekend and stands as an island when the river gets divided into two loaded with slides for kids and relaxing activities for adults. It is also a home to Fraser’s Hill which is well-known for its extensive birdlife and deserves a visit.

One can also plan a visit to Lata Lembik Recreational Park for adventurous and exciting activities. The stunning recreational park is home to the popular magnificent waterfalls of the same name that have pristine blue waters. It offers several adventure and water sports like white water rafting, jungle trekking, etc and one can relax and take a swim in the pool that forms at the base of the waterfall.

The Lata Jarum Forest Eco Park is a traveller-friendly forest located close to the village of Dong. It is a spectacular waterfall that avalanches the rocks and forms an unstained pool in a pristine river and is a popular attraction among tourists. One can find bridges to get across small water streams and chalets inside this forest park. The toilets are close to the ranger’s office.

Taman Tasik Raub, also known as Raub Lake Park, is a gorgeous lake park located on the outskirts of Raub. The lake is surrounded by lush green landscapes and open spaces to relax, enjoy a day picnic or go fishing. Rental boats are available on site to go around the lake sightseeing and soaking in the glorious nature and calm waters.

The Tras Road Chinese Temple lies on the Raub-Bentong Road and is dedicated to Guan Yin Tang. The temple is often visited by tourists driving by Tras Road. The large red structure of this temple has 12 Chinese zodiacs, a beautiful play area for children, and a fish pond with some statues and figures. The garden area is very windy and well-designed to blend in with the temple building. It frequently hosts community events and is therefore often visited by locals. One can find souvenirs, shops and some food stalls nearby.

Travel Bucket List: Malaysia Part 11 – Pahang Part 1

Posted on September 8, 2023 by memoriesandsuch

Officially known as Pahang Darul Makmir or the Abode of Tranquility, Pahang is Malaysia’s third-largest state by area and the largest in peninsular Malaysia as well as the ninth-largest by population. The state occupies the basin of the Pahang River and a stretch of the east coast as far south as Endau. Geographically located in the East Coast region of Peninsular Malaysia, the state shares its borders with Kelantan and Terengganu to the north, Perak, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan to the west, Johor to the south, and the South China Sea to the east. The Titiwangsa mountain range that forms a natural divider between the Peninsula’s east and west coasts is spread along the north and south of the state, peaking at Mount Tahan, which is 2,187 m high & the famous Kuantan 188, which is 188 m high. Although two-thirds of the state is covered by dense rainforests, its central plains are intersected by numerous rivers, and along the coast, there is a 32-km wide expanse of alluvial soil that includes the deltas and estuarine plains of the Kuantan, Pahang, Rompin, Endau, and Mersing rivers.

Pahang’s capital and largest city, Kuantan, is the eighth-largest urban agglomeration by population in Malaysia. The royal capital and the official seat of the Sultan of Pahang is located at Pekan, or the old town, which was also the old state capital and was known historically as Inderapura. The head of state is the Sultan of Pahang, while the head of government is the Menteri Besar. The government system is closely modelled on the Westminster parliamentary system.

Archaeological evidence revealed the existence of human habitation in what is today Pahang from as early as the palaeolithic age. The early settlements gradually developed into an ancient maritime trading state by the 3rd century. In the 5th century, Old Pahang sent envoys to the Liu Song court. During the time of Langkasuka, Srivijaya and Ligor, Pahang was one of the outlying dependencies. In the 15th century, the Pahang Sultanate became an autonomous kingdom within the Melaka Sultanate and was centred in modern-day Pekan. At the height of its influence, the Sultanate was an important power in Southeast Asian history and controlled the entire Pahang basin, bordering to the north the Pattani Sultanate, and adjoins to that of Johor Sultanate to the south. To the west, it also extended jurisdiction over parts of modern-day Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. Pahang entered into a dynastic union with Johor Empire in the early 17th century and later emerged as an autonomous kingdom in the late 18th century. Following the bloody Pahang Civil War that ended in 1863, the state under Tun Ahmad of the Bendahara dynasty was eventually restored as a Sultanate in 1881.

In 1895, Pahang became a British protectorate along with the states of Perak, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. During World War II, Pahang and other states of Malaya were occupied by the Empire of Japan from 1941 to 1945. After the war, Pahang became part of the temporary Malayan Union before being absorbed into the Federation of Malayas and gained full independence through the federation. On 16 September 1963, the federation was enlarged with the inclusion of new states of North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore, which was expelled in 1965. The federation was opposed by neighbouring Indonesia, which led to the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation over three years, along with the continuous war against local Communist insurgents.

The Khmer word for tin is pāhang, and it is phonetically identical to the old Jawi word for Pahang. Since the tin mines at Sungai Lembing were known since ancient times and the Malay peninsula was within the sphere of influence of Khmer civilization, William Linehan hypothesized that the name of the state was named after the Khmer term of the mineral. There were many variations of the name Pahang outside the Malay world. The transition from Inderapura to Pahang, approximately around the Song period, indicates that Khmer influence on the state was weakened and displaced by that of Srivijaya and Majapahit. Arabs and Europeans, on the other hand, transliterated Pahang to Pam, Pan, Paam, Paon, Phaan, Phang, Paham, Pahan, Pahaun, Phaung and Phahangh.

The Pahang River basin connects with Malaysia’s two largest natural freshwater lakes, Bera and Chini. Described as a wetland of international importance, Bera Lake was accepted as Malaysia’s first Ramsar site in 1994. The highest peak, Mount Tahan, reaches 2,187 m in elevation, which is also the highest point in Peninsular Malaysia. Pahang is home to Malaysia’s two important national parks, Taman Negara and Endau-Rompin, both located in the north and south of the state, respectively. These large primary rainforests are extensive and are home to many rare or endangered animals. Popular hill resorts located along these main highland areas are Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands, Fraser’s Hill and Bukit Tinggi. Cameron Highlands is home to extensive tea plantations and is also a major supplier of legumes and vegetables to both Malaysia and Singapore. Pahang’s long, scenic coastline is a paradise of swaying palms and sandy beaches like Cherating, Teluk Cempedak, Beserah, Batu Hitam and Tanjung Sepat. Also located along the coastal plain is a 32 sq km wide expanse of alluvial soil that includes the deltas and estuarine plains of the Kuantan, Pahang, Rompin, Endau, and Mersing rivers. About 58 km off the coast of Pahang lies Tioman Island, an alluring holiday paradise in the South China Sea, acclaimed as one of the best island getaways in the world.

Malaysia is considered one of the most biodiverse countries on earth. Pahang maintains a protected network of managed areas rich in flora, fauna, and natural resources, despite deforestation, rapid industrialisation and an ever-growing population. Pahang has about 74 forest reserves, including ten virgin-jungle reserves and 13 different amenity forests, wildlife reserves, national parks and offshore marine parks. Of these, the Pahang segment of Taman Negara is the most outstanding. Others include the Krau Wildlife Reserve, the Bera Lake Ramsar Site, Tioman Island Marine Park and the Cameron Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary. The total forest area in Pahang is about 66% of the land area, of which 89% is a dryland forest, 10% peat swamp forest, and 1% mangroves. About 56% of the total forest is within the Permanent Forest Estate, including almost the full range of forest types found in Malaysia, although some of the more unique environments such as the heath forest or the forest on ultrabasic rocks exist only in fragmented areas of Pahang. The protected forest within Taman Negara and Krau Wildlife Reserve includes small areas of extreme lowland alluvial plains. Virtually every species of bird and mammal known from Peninsular Malaysia has been recorded in Pahang, other than a few confined to the north of the country or the west coast.

Pahang River is the longest river in the Peninsula, and from its headwaters to the estuary, it includes virtually all of the natural river types. The huge network of rivers in Pahang is home to freshwater aquatic biodiversity, which is important to the economy of the state. Connecting to this riverine system are several natural freshwater lakes, most notably the Bera and Chini lakes. Surrounded by a patchwork of dry lowland dipterocarp forests, the lake environment stretches into islands of peat swamp forests. Rich in wildlife and vegetation, the lakes provide an ecosystem which supports not only a diversity of animal and plant life but sustains the livelihood of the Orang Asal, the aboriginal people inhabiting the wetlands. Most of the coastline is sandy, with rocky headlands at intervals. Mangroves and nipah swamps are confined to estuaries and do not occur along the exposed coast. There are many islands off the east coast, the largest being Tioman and Seri Buat islands. Besides the island populations of fauna and flora, which sometimes differ genetically from mainland forms of the same species, these islands are of value for the reefs and other bottom features which support marine biological diversity. Tioman, Chebeh, Tulai, Sembilang, and Seri Buat islands constitute the Tioman group of islands within the Marine Parks system of Peninsular Malaysia.

Modern Pahang is an economically important state with main activities in the services, manufacturing and agricultural sectors. Over the years, the state has attracted much investment, both local and foreign, in the mineral sector, including iron ore, gold, tin and bauxite. Malaysia’s substantial oil and natural gas fields lie offshore in the South China Sea. At one time, timber resources also brought much wealth to the state.

Historically, by the 19th century, Pahang’s economy, like in ancient times, was still heavily dependent on the export of gold. Gold mines can be found from Bera to the Jelai River River basin. Systematic mining started in 1889 during the British protectorate when the Raub Australian Gold mine was established. Extensive underground mining took place in the area, and this continued until 1985, during which time the mine at Raub produced nearly 1 million ounces, 85% of the production of Peninsular Malaysia. Tin was also mined on a large scale with production primarily concentrated at Sungai Lembing, where during its heyday, the operations saw the excavation of deep shaft mines that were among the largest, longest and deepest in the world. The growth of the mining industry had a significant impact on Pahang’s society and economy towards the end of the 19th century. Thousands worked in the mines, which became an important trading centre in the state. Today, the mining industry, along with quarrying, only accounted for 1.6% of the total state GDP in 2016. Pahang accounts for more than 70% of Malaysia’s estimated 109.1 million tonnes of bauxite reserves. The services sector, which constitutes 49% of the total Pahang GDP, is primarily driven by the wholesale and retail trade, food and beverage and accommodation while manufacturing accounts for 22% of the state economy and tourism contributes approximately 26% of the overall state economy.

As a less ethnically diverse state, the traditional culture of Pahang is largely predominated by the indigenous culture of both Malays and Orang Asli. Both cultures trace their origin from the early settlers consisting primarily various Malayic-speaking Austronesians and Mon-Khmer-speaking Austroasiatic tribes. Around the opening of the common era, Mahayana Buddhism was introduced to the region, where it flourished with the establishment of a Buddhist state from the 5th century. Malayic cultures flourished during the Srivijayan era, and Malayisation intensified after Pahang was established as a Malay-Muslim Sultanate in 1470. Pahang Malays share similar cultural traits with other sub-groups of Malay people native to the Malay peninsula, in particular, closely affiliated to the people of the east coast of the peninsula like Thai Malays, Terengganu Malays and Kelantanese Malays. The cultural features of the Orang Asli are represented by significantly diverse tribal identities. Before 1960, the various indigenous groups did not consciously adopt a common ethnic marker to differentiate themselves from the Malays. The label Orang Asli itself historically came from the British. Each tribe has its language and culture and perceives itself as different from the others. This micro identity was largely derived spatially from the geographical area they traditionally settled. Their cultural distinctiveness was relative only to other Orang Asli communities, and these perceived differences were great enough for each group to regard itself as unique from the other.

Kuantan
The capital of Pahang, Kuantan is located near the mouth of the Kuantan River. It is the 18th largest city in Malaysia and the largest city on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The administrative centre of Pahang was officially relocated to Kuantan on 27 August 1955 from Kuala Lipis.

During the first century, Kuantan was a part of the Chih-Tu empire. In the 11th century, the land was conquered by another small empire called Pheng-Kheng before being taken over by the Siamese during the 12th century. During the 15th century, Kuantan was ruled by the Malacca Empire.

Kuantan is said to have been founded in the 1850s. In its early days, it was known as Kampung Teruntum or Teruntum Village. The village was situated at the mouth of the Teruntum River, which is in front of the current hospital, and it was established by Haji Senik and his followers in the 1850s. Early primary economic activities included fishing and small businesses. The main evidence of the establishment of the village is the cemetery that is situated near Taman Esplanade in front of the current Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan. Towards the late 19th century, the arrival of Chinese miners and traders saw the establishment of a township in Kuantan and nearby tin mining areas such as Gambang and Sungai Lembing. Similar to what occurred in other states in Peninsular Malaysia, rubber plantations attracted Indian settlers as well. The sinking of HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse took place off the coast of Kuantan on 10 December 1941. Kuantan was declared a full-fledged city by Sultan Abdullah of Pahang on 21 February 2021, and its town council was officially renamed the Kuantan City Council or MBK.

One of Kuantan’s major economic activities is tourism. Domestically, it is famous for the production of handicrafts, batik, keropok or dried fish crackers and salted fish. The timber industry, the ice cream and the fishing industry also play major roles in the local economy.

Kuantan is famous among locals and tourists for its fish crackers called keropok in Malay and salted fish, where the fish is marinated mainly with salt and left out to dry in the sun for days and sold at the market, Serambi Teruntum in Tanjung Lumpur.

Also known as Palm Beach, Teluk Chempedak is Kuantan’s main sightseeing attraction. It is a beautiful white sandy beach located 5 km from Kuantan. The boardwalk here offers amazing views of the beach with the jungle on the other side and connects to Missionary Beach. Geologically, Chempedak Beach is quite special since it witnessed volcanic activity a long time back. This led to the formation of three-layer rocks made up of basalt, dolerite and granite. The beach also has a bunker dating back to World War II. For children, there is a playground equipped with decent playing facilities. The beach is ideal for jet-skiing, surfing and swimming. Swimming is strictly forbidden during the monsoon season between November and February. A 24-hour open convenience store known as 7-Eleven is located at the beach that also has toilet facilities. Other popular scenic beaches in the city’s vicinity include Batu Hitam, Balok, Chenor, Pantai Sepat, Beserah, and Cherating. Near Cherating, there are turtle sanctuaries, and a few kilometres away from Cherating is Pulau Ular or Snake Island.

Located about 10 km from Kuantan, Pantai Batu Hitam or the Black Rock Beach, is a beach with white sands and black volcanic rocks. The beach is famous not only for its unique rocky, sandy surface but also for its therapeutic benefits and calming surroundings. For the ones looking for some fun activities to indulge in, Batu Hitam has a batik workshop as well as various sports activities to participate in. There are several resorts around the beach which offer spa facilities with natural ingredients and minerals extracted from the cleansing volcanic rocks.

Taman Gelora, is one of Malaysia’s most beautiful seaside parks. It is widely popular because of the scenic view, a natural jogging path, a huge playground and a magnificent pond with blooming water lilies. One of the major attractions at Taman Gelora is probably the daily 10,000-step challenge which not only allows the visitors to get into good health in a fun way but also takes them through the various parts of this beautifully created park and gives them the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of life.

Taman Esplanade is a 1-km-long paved walkway and public space along the Kuantan River at Jalan Besar. People come here for a walk along the river while enjoying the gentle breeze of the sea. Lined with palm trees, Taman Esplanade stretches from Shahbandar Jetty to Mega View Hotel. The walkway is well-lit with lamp-posts, and many people come here for jogging and exercising. A great spot for fishing, Taman Esplanade also has a children’s playground with swings, slides, see-saws and other playing facilities for kids to enjoy their time here while you take a rest on the benches. In the middle of the Esplanade, one can find a food court with local delicacies.

The beautiful Taman Bandar is a recreational park providing a mesmerising lake view along with housing proper jogging pathways and exercising areas. Situated in front of the Kuantan Immigration Office, the best time to visit is before 6:30 pm to experience scenic beauty. To relax and destress, one can feed fish in the lake or grab some snacks from nearby restaurants.

Kuantan is known for its waterfalls. The most well-known is the Sungai Pandan Waterfall, located about 25 km from the centre of Kuantan and also known as Panching Waterfall; this 100 m high majestic waterfall is part of Sungai Pandan under one of Malaysia’s Forest Reservation Area. There is a fish spa near the waterfall, which is the perfect antidote to a stressful life. The waterfall makes for a great picnic spot. The suspension bridge near the falls allows visitors to get amazing views of the waterfall. Visitors are allowed to swim in the pool located at the bottom of the waterfall, as its shallow depth makes it a child-friendly place. One can also try their hand at barbeques as there are designated barbeque grill areas in the reserve. Visitors are also free to explore the trails leading up to the waterfall or buy some souvenirs from nearby stalls. The waterfall is open between 9 am to 5 pm on Mondays to Thursdays and is between 9 am and 6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. It is closed on Fridays. Other waterfalls near Kuantan include the Sungai Berkelah Waterfall and the Jerangkang Waterfall. One can also go on a river cruise on the Kuantan River from the small jetty there.

Also known as Sultan Ahmad Shah State Mosque, the Masjid Sultan Ahmed Shah mosque is the state mosque of Pahang. Seen from afar, the mosque looks magnificent, especially when lit up at night. The first structure and style of the mosque were that of a big dome with a minaret. However, this construction style started having serious leakage problems during the rainy season. In 1992, the mosque was demolished, and a new mosque with a new design consisting of four rocket-like minarets with a large dome encircled by four smaller domes was constructed, and the new mosque was reinaugurated in 1994. The mosque is surrounded by a huge open green area and is built in Ottoman-Moorish Islamic architectural style. The mosque is spacious from the inside and has a huge hall which is big enough to accommodate eight thousand people at any given time. The mosque is open between 5 am and 10:30 pm daily.

Dedicated to the Supreme Patriarch of Taoism, the Lao Zi Temple is located along the Kuantan-Sungai Lembing road. Its 823 meters long Golden Dragon Structure is the main attraction, with it being listed in the Malaysia Book of Records as the country’s longest dragon statue. Inside the dragon walls, a 5000-word scripture, Book of Tao & its Virtues, is written. At the exit, one will come across a ball called the Dragon’s Pearl. It is believed that touching the ball brings good luck. The temple compound features many statues of Chinese zodiac creatures, deities and a 7-meter-tall statue of Laozi himself. To reach Lao Zi Temple, one will have to walk inside the dragon structure by entering through its tail and then emerging out of its mouth. If one chooses to walk through the dragon to reach the temple, the ticket is RM 5, but if they take the shortcut by climbing the stairs, they’ll have to pay RM 3.

The Taman Negara, which is around 130 million years old, is a rainforest that boasts of being the oldest one on Earth. The national park covers an area of 4343 sq km and is renowned not only for its rainforest but also for its birds and insects. Visitors can traverse the longest rope walkway in the world and enjoy birds and animals in their natural habitat. At the rainforest, one can climb Teresk Hill using one of the two trails leading up to the 334-meter high hill. The boardwalk route along the east of the river is relatively easy to walk on, while the route to the west is tougher and leads through muddy paths full of leeches. But the upside of this trek is the variety of wildlife one can see on the way up. The canopy walk on the suspension bridge on Bukit Teresek is the longest in the world at a height of 530 meters. Taman Negara offers treks of various lengths, which can last up to 9 days, and visitors are free to choose whatever suits them the best according to their previous trekking experience and expertise levels. Visitors can also visit Orang Asli settlements in the rainforest. Orang Asli translates to original people in Malay, and many settlements belonging to the Orang Asli lie along the trail, some of which can only be reached via a short boat ride. Visitors can opt for a night walking safari or a night 4WD Safari and view nocturnal plants and animals. Other than these, visitors can also opt to fish, explore caves, bird watching, mountain climb or camp at the national park.

A must-visit at Taman Negara is the Lata Berkoh and waterfall cascades. The waterfall is a popular spot for swimming, with a boat ride for RM 160. On the way up, one should visit the Kelah Fish Sanctuary. The national park also plays videos on flora and fauna, which are shown in the Interpretive Room at 9 am, 3 pm and 5 pm daily. The best time to visit the park is between February and September, when it is the dry season. However, many visitors visit between April and August, which happens to be the tourist season.

Kuantan 188, previously known as Teruntum Tower is a 3-story, 188-meter-tall tower, Malaysia’s second-tallest tower after the Kuala Lumpur Tower and the second-tallest in the East Coast Economic Region after the newly completed Grand Ion Majestic in Genting Highlands, which is Pahang’s tallest building. Its construction was started in August 2017 and completed on 3 September 2019. It features an observation deck at 92 m, a restaurant at 98 m and an open sky deck at 104 m. The tower offers a 360-degree view of Kuantan River and Kuantan City. The design of the tower was inspired by the spearhead which is one of the elements on Pahang’s Coat of Arms while the tower’s porch is inspired by the Lumnitzera Tree. The tower’s porch symbolises the diversity of the people of Kuantan and Pahang. The five connected steel posts of the spire represent the five principles of the Rukun Negara as the core of people’s unity. It also represents the five Pillars of Islam. The golden tower’s pinnacle symbolises the sovereignty of the Sultan of Pahang.

Gua Charas is a limestone cave formed millions of years ago and holds great religious importance for both Hindus as well as Buddhists. This temple cave is located inside a limestone hill known as Bukit Charas and is located around 25 km northwest of Kuantan. The 400 million-year-old granite and limestone massif reaches 355 meters in height and is dotted with symbols and statues of Hinduism and Buddhism. Inside the temple cave, one can find an idol of the Sleeping Buddha, as well as the Jala Lingam, which represents the Hindu deity, Lord Shiva. Other than the main temple cave, one can also explore other open-sided caves located further up on the mountain.

After the car park, visitors should climb up to the mouth of the caves. They should take the stairs that lead up to the cave. The insides of the cave are untidy, and the walls are of a greenish hue because of the moss. After climbing the first 100 cemented steps or so, one reaches the lower cave. Inside one of these caves is the famous statue of the reclining or sleeping Buddha. The cave is lit up beautifully, and other than the statue, there are some notable rock formations in the cave. These include formations that resemble the goddess Kwan Yin, a fish, a nostril, a royal tombstone, an elephant and a combing princess. Further ahead, there are various other caves with openings. Inside one of these caves is a black pillar which is known as Jala Lingam, which represents Lord Shiva. From here, one can get a bird’s eye view of the plain and Kuantan. One of the cave walls also features some graffiti that is around forty-seven years old. Interestingly, this graffiti is considered to be more of heritage than vandalism, given that it has existed for such a long time now. The odour of bat droppings can be quite overwhelming, so those with allergies should refrain from visiting Gua Charas. It is also to be noted that all visitors should be free from any allergy related to limestone also. Heart patients and claustrophobic people should indulge in only limited activities at the cave. The cave is open between 8:30 am and 5 pm daily and has an entry fee of RM 2 for adults and RM 1 for children.

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Tag Archives: Pahang

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