Mention Pahang and conjures up visions of lush tropical forests, cool mountain air, endless sandy beaches glistering in the sun, lakes and waterfalls nesting in the arms of mountain crevices plus everything else that spells a resort to nature. Pahang is in fact all these and much more.
Located in the East Coast region of Peninsular Malaysia, Pahang is the peninsula's largest state. Currently, has a population of 1.2 million. Spanning north to south of the state, forming a natural divider between east and west Pahang is a formidable mountain range wherein lies Peninsular Malaysia's highest peak, Gunung Tahan, the inspiration of many a mountaineers in this part of the world. Pahang's climate is characteristic of the tropics - hot and humid all the year round with distinct wet and dry season that coincides with the wet seasons from the
GETTING TO PAHANG
There are daily flights between
Pahang - Kuantan (KUA) Airport - Sultan Haji Ahamad Shah
Tel: 09 - 538 2023 / 539 8562 (Airport Information Counter)
09 - 538 1291 / 538 2178 (MAS General / Check - In)
09 - 515 6030 (MAS Ticketing)
By Land
Coaches and express buses are available from various states and
By Driving
Travel from KL to Kuantan is about 260km distance, which is the same route as going from KL to Kuala Terengganu: Exit at Gombak Toll on Karak Highway (E8), turn to south direction into East Coast Expressway (E22) and drive along to Kuantan.
From
By Rail
Pahang can be accessed through Mentakab, Jerantut and Kuala Lipis from
From
| Train | Departure | Arrival | Cost |
| MAIL M/58 | 9.35am | 6.57pm | RM26 – RM45 |
| Ekspres Timuran XST/14 | 8.00pm | 4.36am | RM38 – RM164 |
From Pahang (Kuala Lipis) to
| Train | Departure | Arrival | Cost |
| MAIL M/57 | 12.05am | 9.05am | RM26 – RM45 |
| Ekspres Timuran XST/15 | 7.35am | 5.15pm | RM38 – RM164 |
From KL Sentral to Pahang (Kuala Lipis)
| Train | Departure | Arrival | Cost |
| Ekspres Wau XW/16 | 755pm | 312am | RM32 – RM186 |
From Pahang (Kuala Lipis) to KL Sentral
| Train | Departure | Arrival | Cost |
| Eksres Wau XW/17 | 1159pm | 725am | RM35 – RM190 |
KL Sentral Train Station Tel: 03 - 2267 1200, 03 - 2273 1430
Kuala Lipis Station Tel: 09 - 3121 341
Jerantut Station Tel: 09 - 2662 219
Mentakab Station Tel: 09 - 2771 002
MOVING AROUND PAHANG
Taxi
Taxis and buses are easily accessible in all the towns.
Perkhidmatan Teraju Sdn Bhd Tel: 09-355 3997
Bus/Coach
Cepat Express Sdn Bhd Tel: 09-222 1144
Kuantan KL Express Omnibus Co Bhd Tel: 09-515 0991
Transnasional Express Sdn Bhd Tel: 09-515 6740
If you are intending to explore the whole of Pahang, renting a car is the best solution. It will save you a lot of time and cutting down your expenses on travelling.
Hawk Rent a Car Tel: 09 - 516 3658
Airport Counter: Tel: 09 - 538 5055
Orix Car Rentals Sdn. Bhd Tel: 09 - 515 7488
Airport Counter: Tel: 09 -
538 3894
Ferry Services
There are ferry services from Rompin at Tanjung Gemok to
ISLAND IN PAHANG
Tioman Island (Pulau Tioman)
A Tropical Paradise in the South China Sea
About 36 nautical miles off Malaysia's east coast lies Pulau Tioman or Tioman Island, one of the region's most enchanting holiday spots. Scenic and tranquil, Tioman Island boasts miles and miles of white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, charming villages and friendly people. Its crystal clear waters teem with spectacular marine life and colorful coral gardens. The twin peaks of Gunung Nenek Semukut provide a prominent landmark to this island, reputed to be one of the most beautiful and idyllic in the world.
The Resting Place of a Beautiful Dragon Princess
According to legend, Tioman Island is the resting place of a beautiful dragon princess, Whilst flying from China to visit her prince in Singapore, this beautiful maiden stopped to seek solace in the crystal-clear waters of
the
Tropical Playground for
A
Exciting Adventures amidst the Splendour of 
d fascinating. Trek across the verdant hill from Tekek to Juara and enjoy the cool waterfalls cascading over moss-covered rock formations at Mukut, or take a dip in the warm waters dotted with pastel-colored reefs. Or head to the Marine Park Centre located between Tekek and Air Batang and swim amidst the various species of fishes.
Anglers' Bountiful Paradise
Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy a bountiful catch at
A Delightful Respite from the Hustle and Bustle of City Life
When the stress of life's hectic pace gets to you, rejuvenate your mind and body at
Activities
Diving and snorkeling: Pulau Tioman is the biggest marine park in
Swimming and sunbathing: There are lots of beautiful beaches at Pulau Tioman such as
Jungle trekking: The jungle walk across to
Island hopping: You can go around the island and explore many interesting places via island hopping. There are many boats for hiring. In addition to, you also can rent a bicycle to go around the island. You can rent bicycle from many places.
Getting to
Fast Ferry Ventures Sdn Bhd
Terminal Jetty Tg. Gemok
26820 Kuala Rompin
Tel: 609-413 1997 / 1998
Fax: 609-413 1996
or
Lembaga Pembangunan Tioman
Tel: 609-514 1206 / 609-513 5844
Time: 9.00am, 12.30pm & 4.00pm (Tg. Gemok - Tioman Island)
Time: 8.00am, 10.30am & 4.00pm (Tioman Island - Tg. Gemok)
» Seagull Express(Tioman)
Tel : 07-799 4297
» SPEED BOAT TOURS
0900-1600 chartered
Round Island Tour
(Tekek-Mukut-Juara-Salang)
RM300 - RM400
BEACHES IN PAHANG
Less than 50km north of Kuantan is Cherating. Cherating is the perfect antidote to frantic city life. Here, wide gently sloping sandy beaches, lined with casuarinas trees, extend as far as the eye can see.
The enamored and fabulous sparkling seas, pristine beaches and cool breezes made Club Mediterranean open its first Asian venture here, on a private beach. The main Cherating beach is the location of many hotels, reboots and chalets, catering for all budgets.
First popularized by the backpackers, Cherating is now popular with many visitors who came to enjoy the beach, sea and sun. Handicraft shops and cultural establishments have been established, and many visitors enjoy making their own batiks.
Cherating also offers you the chance to shop for handicraft and see cultural performances. Village maidens nimbly weave the "pandanus" leaves into mats, hats, bags and other inexpensive lightweight souvenirs. Cultural shows include wayang kulit (shadow play) and silat (the Malay art of self-defense).
Located just 5km from Kuantan town, Teluk Chempedak is a favorite among local folks. Its enclosed bay is suitable for water sport activities like swimming, surfing and jet-skiing. Its casuarinas-lined beach is, however, quite rocky at certain places and the waves are often rough.
On the sea front, numerous restaurants and food stalls serving a wide variety of food and beverages attract throngs of locals and tourists alike. They do a brisk trade and open right till after midnight.
The nearby jungle area provides a quick introduction to
Just around the corner overlooking the beach is an international-class hotel. With the sounds of big waves splashing against the gigantic rocks in the background, this is a place to be at any time of the day.
Place Around Teluk Chempedak
Teluk Tongkang : From the northern end of Teluk Chempedak, take the walkway which leads for about a kilometer over the rocky terrain to reach Teluk Tongkang. This is the only access to this secluded cape which is hemmed in by rocky outcrops on both sides. Its seclusion proved to be the perfect landing site for Japanese troops during the Second World War. The locals named the
Tanjung Pelindung : When the Japanese landed at Teluk Tongkang to make their way inland during the War, villagers fled their homes and took refuge in a hidden jungle coastal spot. They called it Tanjung Pelindung (lindung means refuge). The shady beach, characterized by boulders in the middle; appeals to campers and bird watchers.
Rompin/Lanjut Beach
Lanjut Beach, meanwhile, is one of the most beautiful unspoiled beaches on the southern coast of
Beserah is a fishing village and is well-known for salted fish. But what many people do not know is a very unique practice of the Beserah fishermen: they employ water buffaloes (which are not normally seen on the beach for they are always used to plough padi fields or to pull heavy carts), to transport fish ftom the boats to the processing area. Beserah is situated 10 kilometers from Kuantan. A batik factory and many cottage handicraft workshops producing items made mostly of sea shells and local plant materials (dried nuts, leaves) can be found in Beserah.
At
How to get there
Beserah beach, one of the fisherman village in Pahang, is accessible from Kuantan or Kemaman.
By Road : 8 km from Kuantan towards Kemaman, Terengganu by road nearby sea viewer. Also accessible by taxi or buses hourly.
About 10 kilometers from Cherating is the famous
Its irresistible appeal also lies in the peace and seclusion you will enjoy at this resort.
How to get there
Chendor beach, situated near the border of Pahang and Terengganu states, north of Cherating.
By Road : Chedor is accessible from the Kuantan to Kemaman road, about 45 minutes drive from Kuantan.
Balok beach is about 15km north of Kuantan and is a paradise for avid wind-surfers. Most of the activities revolve around the many international class resorts and hotels located at the beach, forming the perfect getaway for visitors to the East Coast of the Peninsular. Truly perfect and serene with soothing tropical breezes, swaying casuarinas, unending white sand in harmony with the azure blue sea, indeed, relaxation is never easier.
How to get there
Balok beach, one of the cleanest beaches in Pahang area, can be reached from Kuantan or Kemaman.
By Road : From Kuantan towards Kemaman, Terengganu. Also accessible by taxi or hourly buses.
PLACES OF INTEREST IN PAHANG
Located in the wilds,
How to get there
By Road : Access to the lake is by road to Kampung Belimbing, about 100 kilometers, south west of Kuantan and then on by boat through the winding Chini river. Alternatively, one can go by road via
Local Wildlife
The lake area comprises over 200 hectares of open water, and 700 hectares of freshwater swamp and swamp forest. In addition to the abundant lotuses, thickets of Pandanus helicopus or Rasau are common towards the margins, along with occasional water lilies. Encounters with turtles are common including the Asiatic Soft Shelled Turtle (Amyda cartilaginea) and Spiny Turtle (Heosemys spinosa).
The surrounding forests are also rich in wildlife. In the dipterocarp forest primates such as the Banded Langur (Presbytis melalophos), the handsome White-handed Gibbon (Hylobates Lar), the ubiquitous Long-tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis) and the Pig-tailed Macaque (Macaca nemestrina) may be encountered. The latter species is a common pet of the Jakun people, who still eke a living from the lake and its surroundings. The status of larger mammals in the area, such as Elephant, Tiger and Tapir is unclear.
Curiously the lake does not seem so attractive to bird life, however common forest-edge species such as bulbuls, orioles and bee-eaters are present, and various kingfishers may be seen, including the uncommon Blue-eared Kingfisher (Alcedo meninting). Overhead the rare Grey-headed Fish Eagle (Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus) still circles.
The lake also serves as an important breeding ground for fish species which upon reaching adulthood then populate the
A Wetland Wilderness
Located in
As the largest freshwater swamp in Peninsular Malaysia, Tasik Bera or
Like many other wetlands, Tasik Bera also plays an important role in flood control, water flow regulation and purification and provides many natural resources for the local community. Therefore, it has been protected under an international treaty - the RAMSAR CONVENTION, which allows traditional and wise use of the area to continue. Tasik Bera Ramsar site was declared in November 1994. It includes a core zone of 26,000 ha and a buffer zone of 27,500 ha.
Seasons
Tasik Bera has distinct wet and dry seasons which may determine the best time to visit. The wet months are from April to May and from September to January; while the dry periods are from February to April and June to August. According to the local aboriginal community, know as the Semelai, good fishing occurs after heavy rains. Some sections of forest trails may be inaccessible during the wet months.
Habitats and Wildlife
Tasik Bera is characterized by a watery landscape dominated by large grass-like blades of pandanus leaves which line the narrow channels leading into the lake, Navigating by boat through the swamp forests, a variety of ferns, orchids and epiphytes can be seen attached to tree trunks and branches, while strands of thorny rattan weave through the undergrowth. Among the fields of meter high reeds and rows of dense foliage found in the open water, dozens of pitcher plants hang in shades of green and red. In the drier areas, lowland rainforest trees and palms add to the diversity of the wetland reserve.
Tasik Bera is a sanctuary for more than 200 bird species, 50 mammals and 90 fish species. It is also a habitat providing food and shelter for bird life, including kingfishers, hawks, herons, but overall, water birds are strangely scarce. Though very difficult to see in the wild, the extended wetland area and its surrounding forests still support tigers, tapirs and elephants, all endangered species. Other wildlife known to exist in Tasik Bera include the clouded leopard, wild boars, monkeys, mouse deer, flying squirrels and flying lemur through the endangered crocodile called the Malayan False Gharial is a rare sight these days. As an important biodiversity reservoir for freshwater fishes, Tasik Bera contains a large number of the country's total species, including popular aquarium fish such as harlequins and tiger barbs as well as large predatory catfish and other sport fish.
Nature Activities
Being off the beaten track, Tasik Bera offers its own share of recreational and adventure opportunities for the nature enthusiast. The relative isolation and tranquil surroundings of the open water are perfect for boating and kayaking. Visitors will enjoy spending a few hours cruising the vegetation and search for wildlife.
Biologically rich in flora and fauna, the lowland rainforests offer ample opportunities for jungle trekking excursions. With over 15 types of sport fish in the rivers and lake, Tasik Bera is a haven for anglers.
In order to ensure their safety, visitors are advised to hire a Semelai guide for all nature and sport fishing activities on the lake or in the surrounding forests. This is because of the extensive and maze-like nature of the swamp and its intricate water ways which requires the expertise of the Semelai to traverse.
The Semelai
Archaeological evidence suggests that aboriginal people have lived in Tasik Bera for over 600 years. Today there are approximately over 1200 Semelai.
The majority of Semelai live in Pos Iskandar, a settlement area with five main villages where they cultivate hill rice, cassava, vegetables, fruit and rubber trees. Traditional Semelai homes are built from forest products such as bamboo for flooring and tree bark for walls. Dependent on the lake and forests, the Semelai continue to fish, hunt and trap wildlife to supplement their income. Adept at utilizing forest products to make traps, spears, and canoes, the Semelai still use these traditional devices for their daily catch. They also practice the traditional collection of "minyak keruing", the resin from the Keruing tree which can be used for making torches, sealing boats and as and ingredient in perfume. Medicinal species, usually planted near the home, are still used to fend off fever and other ailments. With only a few people owning shotguns, the Semelai still use traps to hunt game (mainly wild boar and deer). Their extensive knowledge of both the forest and lake habitats makes them a popular choice as guides among sport fisherman. Their traditional handicrafts made from wetland and forest products such as colored mats, miniature boats, fish traps, mouse deer traps, axes and other items are available for sale at Pos Iskandar.
Getting to Tasik Bera
Given the extensive area covered by Tasik Bera, travellers will be glad to know that there are several options by road to reach this remote wetland wilderness. The easiest route from
Jeram Besu
Apart from Fraser's Hill, other recreational areas in Pahang include the Lata Jarum Watefalls and the Jeram Besu Rapid. The former is just 30 kilometres from Raub while the latter is only about 3 hours drive from
Empang Jaleh
In Kuala Lipis, there is a recreational lake called Empang Jaleh where visitors can relax. Here too, one can trek along a mounbffious jungle trail to Gunung Tahan, the highest peak in Peninsular Malaysia. It takes about two nights to reach the summit. For birdwatchers, Bukit Taching is an ideal bird sanctuary to while away the hours. And the Terenggun Forest Park is another nature spot perfect for a leisurely holiday. Perhaps its most endearing feature is its profusion of fabulous nature scenes.
By Road: From Kuala Lumpur, take the
By Rail : KTM Bhd provides service to Kuala Lipis.
By Bus : A Jelai Express Kuala Lipis - Kuantan schedule 2 times per day. The bus can be located at Terminal Bus Kuantan.
A tour of the town will not be complete without a visit to the
Jalan Sultan Ahmad,
26600 Pekan,
Malaysia
Tel:609-422 137
Fax:603-422 1572
One of the highlights for visitors to this area is exploring the
Open Hour: Daily - 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
Nestled in tranquility in the green forests near Jerantut is the Tekarn Plantation Resort comprising chalets, dining facilities for travelers as well as conventions. Visitors can also arrange for special trips and adventure tours to various places of interest. One of the highlights of the stay at the Resort is the Plantation Tour, which takes visitors on educational visits to places such as the
Bukit Tinggi
Bukit Tinggi is just over an hour's drive from
Colmar Tropicale, located in Bukit Tinggi, Pahang, is a replica of a collection of buildings from a north-eastern village in
The theme hotel is made up of eight blocks of architectural wonder, each with its unique style, from its colorful roof tiles to cobblestone ground. The hotel has several outlets, where you can dine in the French way. Central to the village is
Live bands and snake performances entertain the visitors on a stage. A clown juggles balls and pins, rides on his cycle, and hops around playing tricks and acting merry. Authentic French food is served from sidewalk cafes and restaurants. The tables are placed strategically around the square so you can enjoy a meal or glass of wine whilst taking in the ambience.
The children can play with the adorable furry beings at The Rabbit Park and you can discover Japanese authenticity at the
The
A one kilometer walk path built on four acres of virgin forest lays the Botanical Garden. Here amidst lush greenery, one can appreciate the sight of multi colored and multi shaped floral and fauna, hear the call of birds and monkeys, insects buzzing and the fragrance of the growing forest. Signs with names and information snippets of trees, plants and flowers were put up for visitors.
Without doubt the most interesting aspect of a visit to the resort is its tea plantations, the first of which were established in 1929 by John Archibald Russell and belong to the most famous Malaysian tea producer, Boh Tea. The estates are wonderfully manicured and visitors are welcome to view the factory production process and enjoy a cuppa' at the tea shop. Other interesting places to visit include the numerous vegetable farms dotted all around the area. There are also strawberry farms, flower nurseries, butterfly farms, a challenging 18 hole golf course and for the more adventurous various jungle treks. The three main highlands towns are Ringlet, Tanah Rata and Brinchang with most visitors staying in and around the latter two. Accommodation varies from small inexpensive hotels and guest houses, to self-catering apartments and first class hotels. It is also best to be prepared for the 2 hour journey from the entry point at Tapah to Tanah Rata, the drive is not steep and is extremely interesting, but the road is quite narrow and very winding, so drive carefully and try to stop occasionally to enjoy the various sights along the way. These include the impressive Lata Iskandar waterfall, amazing tropical vegetation and various Orang Asli (indigenous people) dwellings. Without doubt
How to get there
By
From Tapah take route 59. At Batu 7, turn off right if you want to take a short break at the Kuala Who Forest Recreation Park where there are picnic areas and a hot spring.
By Bus
There are 4 bus services from Pudu Raya Bus Terminal, Kuala Lumpur.From Tapah, the local bus leaves at hourly intervals for Tanah Rata.
By Taxi
From Pudu Raya in KL direct to Tanah Rata or from Tapah to Tanah Rata
By Rail
The rail stop is at Tapah. From here, take the taxi or bus to Tanah Rata.
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