Pahang; ideas and things to do

Pahang, the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia, is endowed with a diverse range of attractions. Nearly two-thirds of the state is enveloped in verdant rainforest, making it a magnificent enclave of lush greenery, exotic wildlife and natural wonders.

The country's premier national park, Taman Negara, as well as the Endau Rompin State Park, contain an astounding ecological diversity with a vast collection of flora and fauna. The Orang Asli, Malaysia's indigenous people, with their intriguing traditions and way of life, add colour to Pahang's heritage.

Pahang's long, scenic coastline is a paradise of swaying palms and sandy beaches washed by the South China Sea. Cherating Beach and Tioman Island are renowned as the region's most popular beach resorts, captivating sun seekers with their exciting beach activities, underwater attractions and relaxed charm.

The formidable Main Range of mountains divide the state into east and west, and Gunung Tahan, the highest peak in the peninsula, provides challenging adventures for serious climbers. The state's mountainous terrain has also endowed it with several invigorating hill stations, ideal for fun-filled family holidays.

Genting Highlands, dubbed the City of Entertainment, and Bukit Tinggi, a French-themed resort, are excellent getaways situated an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur. Fraser's Hill and Cameron Highlands are quaint hill stations, which offer fantastic bird watching and nature trails. Kuantan, the state capital, is an interesting mix of modern buildings and charming old-world cottage industries.

Pahang's majestic nature, exciting eco-adventures, beautiful beaches, bustling townships, quaint villages, friendly people, unique handicrafts and delicious food make for a mesmerising and unforgettable vacation. Come, discover this gift of nature!

---

Cameron Highlands

There are many things to see and do in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia's largest highland resort. Walks through lovely little villages, visits to the butterfly, strawberry, honey bee farms and sprawling tea plantations or meals at the delightful Tudor-styled country inns, are all pleasurable and relaxing activities to be experienced here. You can't beat the weather up here. A few days out of the sweltering lowland heat will surely recharge your batteries.

One other popular activity in Cameron Highlands, actually more of a tradition, is to have tea and scones. This very English tradition dates back to the days when English colonial officers used this hilly location as a cool getaway from the heat of the lowlands. Bird-watching and trekking are also popular activities here.

Situated 1,500 metres above sea level, Cameron Highlands comprises a series of little townships that include Ringlet, Tanah Rata, Brinchang, Tringkap, Kuala Terla and Kampung Raja. What's more, it's easy to get to. Cameron Highlands lies less than an hour off the main North-South Highway, and is a pleasant, easy 3.5-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur.

Key Tips

When trekking, please check with your host if the weather is suitable for the trail you want to take. Also, do let your host know when you plan to be back and what trail you are taking.

How to get there

By Road Cameron Highlands is accessible via Tapah or the new highway at Simpang Pulai. If you are driving up from Kuala Lumpur, the Simpang Pulai exit takes an additional 45 minutes to reach the north of Tapah using the North-South Expressway. The ascent along this route is much smoother and less precarious than the route from Tapah.

By Bus or Taxi Bus and Taxi services are available from the Puduraya Terminal in Kuala Lumpur and the journey will take you to Tanah Rata. Alternatively, take a train to Tapah and then continue your journey in a taxi or a bus.

Who to contact

For more information, call the Pahang Tourism Action Council. (Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Pahang). Phone : +(609) 517 1111 / 1112. Fax : +(609) 514 6900. Website: www.pahangtourism.com.my

Accommodation Overview

The Highlands have matured a lot in recent years in terms of variety of accommodation available. These days, visitors can choose from anything from basic backpacker's hostels to 5-star hotels.

---

Taman Negara

Taman Negara (National Park) is the first and the oldest official Protected Area in the country, originally named King George V National Park. Declared in 1938 by the Sultans of Kelantan, Pahang and Terengganu (during King George's Silver Jubilee), it was gazetted to preserve the land's indigenous nature in perpetuity. The park was renamed Taman Negara after the nation gained independence in 1957.

The most popular activities at Taman Negara are river cruises and jungle trekking. The canopy walk is also a must-see, offering a fantastic close up view of activity in the rainforest canopy. Observation hides are another great way to observe wildlife. Simple huts built high above the ground allow guests to stay overnight to catch opportunities to observe animals in their natural habitat. Cave exploration is also available, either by boat or by foot.

Taman Negara is actually one of the oldest rainforests in the world, estimated at 130 million years old. The abundance and diversity of nature here is phenomenal, making it one of the world's most complex and rich ecosystems.

Key Tips

Wear light, loose clothing; comfortable long-sleeved shirts and long pants for protection from insects and abrasions. In certain conditions, the forest can be very cold. Bring a waterproof jacket for comfort. When jungle trekking, choose a trail that you can complete before dark and do let someone know when to expect you back. It is best to stick to the marked trails in the jungle.

How to get there

By Train Kuala Tembeling - the jump off point for the park - is also accessible from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Kota Bharu (via Tumpat) by rail. Trains from these stations stop at Tembeling Halt, about half an hour's drive to the jetty at Kuala Tembeling.

By Boat The staging point for visits to the park is Kuala Tembeling, from which a 3-hour boat ride upriver takes you to Kuala Tahan at 9 am and 3 pm daily, except for Fridays when the afternoon departure is at 2.30 pm. Mutiara Taman Negara Resort also operates a speedboat service that takes only 45 minutes to reach Kuala Tahan. The speedboat leaves Kuala Tembeling at 10.30 am and 1.30 pm daily. The most accessible gateway to Taman Negara is either through Jerantut, a 3-hour trip from Kuala Lumpur. If you are driving a four-wheel drive vehicle, you can take the logger trail right up to Kuala Tahan, where you need to take a boat across the Sungai Tahan (Tahan River) to enter the park.

By Bus or Taxi Jerantut-bound taxis are available at the Puduraya Bus Terminal in Kuala Lumpur. Alternatively, buses to Jerantut are found at the Jalan Tun Razak Bus Station in Kuala Lumpur. From there, hop on a local bus or taxi to Kuala Tembeling.

Who to contact

For more information, contact the Department of Wildlife and National Parks. Km 10, Jalan Cheras.56100 Kuala Lumpur. Phone: +603-90752872Fax: +603-90752873. Email: pakp@wildlife.gov.my/ pro@wildlife.gov.my

Accommodation Overview

There are chalets, hostel-style rooms, a camping ground and a resort in the National Park area.

---

Tioman Island

About 56km 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, Tioman was the location of the Hollywood musical, 'South Pacific' in 1959.

According to legend, this island is the final resting place of a mythical dragon princess. The warm waters and good visibility make Tioman a paradise for divers. Discover astounding sights such as colourful Gorgonian sea fans, Staghorn corals, nudibranchs and beautifully sculptured sea sponges. Snorkellers can delight in swimming alongside huge Napoleon Wrasse, Golden Striped Trevally, Bumphead Parrotfish and shoals of Fusiliers.

This island is an idyllic spot for leisurely days under the sun. Swim in its emerald waters, enjoy a stroll by the beach or be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves. There are several villages scattered around the coastline, the larger ones being Salang, Tekek, Genting, Paya and Juara.

Each village offers a different and unique atmosphere. Tioman's verdant greenery is home to a splendid variety of plants and small animals, including butterflies, monitor lizards, deer and monkeys. Its flora and fauna have been featured in National Geographic's documentaries.

The island's granite formations make for excellent rock-climbing expeditions. The more adventurous can attempt to scale the sheer cliff face of the legendary Gunung Nenek Semukut or Dragons Horns. Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa Resort offers a luxurious stay amidst a backdrop of rolling hills and scenic views.

Key Tips If you like hiking, you should try the beautiful cross-island hike from the village of Tekek on the west to Juara on the east. It can be done in an easy day and takes in both jungle and beach views of both sides of Tioman.

How to get there

By Road Access the Tebrau Highway from Johor Bahru and go to Mersing via Kota Tinggi. Access the Karak Highway from Kuala Lumpur through Temerloh, Kuantan, Pekan, Kuala Rompin,Tanjung Gemuk to Mersing. Alternatively take the PLUS Highway from Kuala Lumpur via Seremban, Bahau, Muadzam Shah, Kuala Rompin, Tanjung Gemuk to Mersing.

By Public Transport Express buses are available from Singapore at Newton Circus Court and Jalan Sultan Bus Station. From Kuala Lumpur, buses and taxis are available at Puduraya Bus Station. Buses leave at noon and 11.30 pm while taxis leave at any time. Estimated travel time 5-6 hours.

By Sea Tioman is accessible by boat from Tanjung Gemok in Pahang and Mersing in Johor. Journey time is approximately 1.5 hours. It can also be reached by a 4-hour ferry ride from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore.

By Air Berjaya Air operates daily direct 45-minute flights to Tioman from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Who to contact

For more information, please contact the Pahang Tourist Information Centre Tel: +609-517 7113 / 7115

Accommodation Overview

A wide range of accommodation is available, from basic backpacker's hostels to 5-star hotels. Most of these can be found on the island's west coast.