Pahang

About Pahang

Pahang is the third largest state in Malaysia, occupying the huge Pahang River rver basin. It is bordered to the north by Kelantan, to the west by Perak, Selangor and Negri Sembilan, to the south by Johore and to the east by Terengganu and teh South China Sea.

Its state capital is Kuantan, and the royal town is Pekan. Other important towns include Jerantut, Kuala Lipis, Temerloh and the hill resorts ofGenting Highlands, Cameron Highlands, Fraser's Hill and Bukit Tinggi.

The Arabic honorific of Pahang is Darul Makmur ("Abode of Tranquility").
The ethnic composition is roughly 1,000,000 Malay and Bumiputre, 233,000 Chinese, 68,500 Indians, 13,700 others, and 68,000 non-citizens.

Geographically diverse, Pahang ranges from mountainous country in its west to its coastline in the east. It adjoins the South China Sea for a distance of 208 kilometers. Terengganu and Kelantan bound the State on the north, by Perak in the west and by Selangor and Negeri Sembilan to the southwest. Johor forms the State's southern boundary.

Of the total land area of the state, 48.8% is covered by forest, 23.4% is agricultural land, 16.3% is government land, 10.8% is urban and industrial land, 0.5% is Orang Asli (Aborigine) Reserve and the remaining 0.2% is mining land.

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.


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.


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


Nearby Attractions
Kenong Rimba Park    35.26km

Covering an area of 121 sq kilometres in the Kenong Valley, Kenong Rimba Park lies in the south-west of Taman Negara. Within the park are some magnificent limestone caves. The sense of tranquility and quiet solitude are broken only by the chirping of birds and the cascading waterfalls.


Each limestone cave is situated about half an hour's trek from each other. The most striking is the Gua Batu Tinggi, which resembles a dug-out boat. The Sungai Kenong River passes though this cave. Local folklore has it that the cave was formed when a boat carrying the Kings messenger from Pekan was turned into stone. This cave is approximately 122 to 152 metres above sea level. Here you can find a variety of plant life that includes orchids, fig trees and epiphytes.

Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highlands is the smallest district in the state of Pahang which is located in the north-western corner of the state. One of the wonders of Malaysia, it is the largest and most famous hill resort in the country. This highland paradise still retains much of the charm of an English village.

Being a primarily agricultural domain, you will find an abundance of vegetables and fruits farms here. Cameron Highlands is also the leading producer of flowers and tea in Malaysia. Be prepared for a lovely sight of extraordinary flowers you won’t see flourishing elsewhere in Malaysia! Located on the Titiwangsa Range at about 1500 metres above sea-level, the temperature here can drop to 16 ˚C or lower at certain times.

Cameron Highlands is made up of 4 main townships followed by smaller settlements at different elevations. The first town from the south is Ringlet, followed by Tanah Rata, Brinchang, Kea Farm, Tringkap, Kuala Terla and Kampung Raja.

FRASER'S HILL

Sitting pretty amidst the Pahang rainforest is the little hamlet of Fraser's Hill. At 1,524 metres above sea level, this highlands resort is a naturalist's paradise that boasts innumerable plant, bird and animal species. This place is popular for those who are interested in nature-based pursuits such as trekking, bird watching, horse riding, fishing and camping. Access to Fraser's Hill is only possible by road via The Gap at the base of the resort. Once through The Gap and into Fraser's Hill, you will feel as though you have gone back in time.

Fraser's Hill is akin to a little Scottish village with granite coloured mock Tudor buildings dotting the landscape. The town is relatively small, with much of the activity centred on a market square dominated by a little clock tower. Most of the town's amenities are housed in colonial styled buildings. Considered one of Malaysia's premier locations for bird-watching, this hill resort hosts the annual Fraser's Hill International Bird Race. This bird-watching competition requires watchers to race against time in spotting as many bird species as possible within the resort's routes.

You can indulge in many relaxing activities at Fraser's Hill. Play a game of golf at the Fraser's Hill Golf Club or go fishing (only for catch and release) and boating at Allans' Water, stroll along the many beautiful flower gardens and parks or have an splash in the icy cold Jeriau Waterfalls.

BUKIT TINGGI

Colmar Tropicale

Bukit Tinggi is just over an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur City centre and lies some 2,500 feet above sea level. Colmar Tropicale, located in Bukit Tinggi, Pahang, is a replica of a collection of buildings from a north-eastern village in France dating back to the 16th Century. It's just like a picture postcard. The French themed resort was opened in July 2000. It's surrounded by lush tropical forest land. Just RM 16 for adults and RM 8 for children below twelve, you can enjoy the various entertainment at Colmar Tropicale. A clock tower at the entrance welcomes the visitors. You need to walk up (and down) curvy concrete staircases to view the entire development.

The theme hotel is made up of eight blocks of architectural wonder, each with its unique style, from its colourful roof tiles to cobblestone ground. The hotel has several outlets, where you can dine in the French way. Central to the village is Colmar Square where the aroma of the blooms will tantalise your senses. There are fountains and park benches in the square for relaxation after a hard day's work browsing in the 17 theme shops, or should one wish to take a breather from participating in the various activities. The drawbridge reminiscent of ancient castles, clock tower with an original cuckoo bird clock, and the viewing tower complements the ambience.

Live bands and snake performances entertain the visitors on a stage. A clown juggles balls and pins, rides on his cycle, 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 Japanese Village.

The Japanese Village is located at 3,500 feet above sea level. The first of its kind outside Japan. It encompasses a Japanese Tea House, Sakura and Ume Tatami Suites, and a Botanical Garden. An hour long authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony conducted by Kimono clad ladies can be observed at the Japanese Tea House located within a Japanese garden with mini waterfalls and a pond of multi-coloured Koi. A one kilometre walk path built on four acres of virgin forest lies the Botanical Garden. Here amidst lush greenery, one can appreciate the sight of multi coloured 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.

DEERLAND

Get up close with nature in this pristine environment, where animals wander freely. TakeIO snapshots of interesting flora and fauna, as you discover much more. Broaden your knowledge and take a guided walk to learn the names of medicinal plants hidden in the jungle. Or be adventurous and swing across the river using tightly knotted ropes. Have lunch by the river, or simply just chill out taking in the beautiful scenery. Feed the monkeys, deer, snakes, sun bear and be adventurous! (This is the closest encounter you'll get to being one with nature). Have fun!

TIOMAN ISLAND

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 colourful 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.

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 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.

Tioman Island is an excellent spot for fun-filled water sports activities. You can go scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, snorkelling, boating, water skiing, windsurfing, or enjoy the beauty of undersea gardens by ridding around the island in a glass-bottomed boat.

Tioman Island is a treasure trove of breathtaking marine attractions. Corals, seashells and limpets, thorny sea urchins, colourful seaweeds and anemones, starfish and a myriad of other aquatic wonders are abundant here. The crystal clear waters make scuba diving and snorkelling in Tioman an experience unlike any other. Other neighbouring islands recommended for scuba diving and snorkelling are Chebeh, Tulai, Renggis, Sembilang, Seri Buat and Gut.

Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy a bountiful catch at Tioman Island, Just hire a boat for a day, anchor outside the Marine Park limits where fishing is permitted. By dusk, you will have a catch large enough for a sumptuous barbecue on the beach. If you want to try something different and challenging, try your hand at deep-sea fishing. Among the species if fishes and crustaceans found here are groupers, morays, tunas, parrotfish, sea-bass, red snappers, stingrays, plaices, soles, cora trouts, blue marlins, squids, cuttlefish, shrimps, crabs, prawns and lobsters.

When the stress of life's hectic pace gets to you, rejuvenate your mind and body at Tioman Island. Immerse yourself in the quiet and tranquil setting. Relax to the cool, refreshing breeze and soothing waves. Bask in the tropical sun or walk along the shores during sunset to experience the beauty of the island. Popular beaches are found around the villages of Tekek, Genting, Salang, Air Batang and Juara. For golf-lovers, tee off at the 18-hole international-standard golf course set amidst lush tropical greenery. Enjoy the picturesque sight of rustic villages scattered around the island, where the people are charming, friendly and gracious.

Tioman Island is accessible by boat from Mersing town or Tanjung Gemok, Rompin, a journey which takes about 1 to 2 hours. Or one can also take a plane either Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Kuantan. Accommodation comes in the form of delightful wooden chalets on the beach or in luxurious hotel rooms. Whichever is the choice, comfort and hospitality is assured.